I need to travel on a Friday (leave DC around 3 pm) to go to Hartford, CT.

I would like to avoid all of the congestion along the East Coast and especially NYC) on a Friday. I know there are directions for how to do this -- in a short period of time (like 7 hrs.) -- can anyone help me with that.

I believe it's possible going through Pennsylvania somehow. I work downtown DC. Typically this trip via NJ Tpke via NYC and to CT on the NY Tpke is doable in about 6.5 hours, but I know on a Fri. afternoon that would be impossible. That's why I'm looking for an alternative, yet quick route for that timeframe.

Thanks in advance for any help. Lois

The route commonly described is I83N from Baltimore to I81N to Scranton PA, then I84 East to Harford.

Could I suggest Southwest Airlines or Amtrak? <g>

The reason we are considering drive is the following:

RT cost BWI to Hartford -- $338 total (on SW)

Parking at airport for 7 days -- $70 approx.

Time involved - 1.5 hr. drive to BWI, allow 2 hrs. at airport, 1 hr. flt, the another 1 hr. drive to get to where we are going in CT. (total time approx. 5.5 hrs).

Cost to drive (even at these high gas prices) for our Avalon would be about $75; driving time typically 6.5 hours (on Fri. possibly 8 hrs.) -- so only 3 hrs. maximum over time involved for flying & cost WAY LESS.

J62

How long do you think driving that way (via Scranton) might take? Isn't Scranton way out of the way???

Lois

J62 gave you the correct way. If you want to avoid NJ and NYC traffic, then Scranton is the way to go. Of course it adds a little mileage, but not much. Look at the map and you'll see.

Washington, DC to Hartford, CT straight on I-95/NJTP/I-95/I-91 is 343 miles.

I-81/I-84 is about 430 miles. It will not add any time if you're going on a Friday afternoon and the drive is much more enjoyable.

Give yourself about 7-7.5 hours.

Thanks for the information. Probably will try this.

Lois

1.5 hours to get from downtown DC to BWI...are you kidding or is that during rush hour?

Intrepid - Lois said she is leaving at 3pm on a Friday - definitely rush hour!

Non-rush would probably be 1/2 that.