We have not made this trip before and are wondering if the here is a way there more favorable/wiser than the other. It will be either north across 80, 70, or 30. All routes show extremely close miles....
If I was going I'd probably take US-30 to Van Wert OH. Drop down US-127 to US-33 east to Columbus OH. Take I-270 over the to I-70 east. Around Pittsburg catch I-68 east and catch I-70 again around Hancock MD or you can just stay on I-70 and pay the PA Turnpike toll. It's mountains either way. At Frederick you can grab I-270 into DC. About 560 miles