We're planning a trip in a month or so from NYC area to a place south of Virginia Beach. Mapquest says the quickest, best way is Route 13 down through Delaware vs. the western route, on 95. Is Mapquest right?

Yes.

It's shorter. Avoids DC and Baltimore beltway gridlocks. Avoids I-64 between Richmond and Hampton Roads Tunnel that becomes a parking lot. Yes, some stop-lights and 35 mph towns along the way, but a lot less stressful and you keep moving.

We drove this way back from VB, it's a very pleasant drive, much better than 95, we actually took the ferry from Lewes, DE to Cape May, NJ, which I highly recommend instead of doing 95 all the way. You also get to go through the Chesapeake Bridge/Tunnel, which I also think is a really cool experience.

Thanks for the prompt, comprehensive reply, rb.

Thanks to you also, owl. I was intrigued by the tunnel/bridge and also the ferry. We're a little concerned about being locked into a ferry reservation time, but it's tempting.

Without a doubt, Route 13 is the best way to travel from NYC to VaB.

If possible, try to avoid towns like Salisbury during rush hour, or you will encounter some local traffic.

Are you aware that southbound, as you exit the 2nd tunnel there is a parking area where you can fish, shop or eat at the overpriced shop & restaurant, or just gaze out and maybe see aircraft carriers or other large vessels coming over the tunnel you just drove thru? Northbound drivers can stop too. There's no charge, and in fact last time I took tunnel northbound I received coupon for free soda at the tollbooth.

There's a bit to see and/or waste time at near the Lewes Ferry Terminal. Cape Henlopen State park is nearby, as are museums and shops. If you head south on the Ocean Highway, and pass thru Ocean City, just south of that you couldl stop at Assateague State Park, where you should be able to see Chincoteague ponies. The south end of the barrier island gets most credit for these animals, but they're at the north end too.

You could detour slightly at Pocomoke City over to Crisfeld, which claims to be the crab capital of the world, and maybe even take a boat ride to Tangier Island in the Chesapeake, so segregated from American society that you'll detect the Elizabethian accent.

It's quiet & restful driving on the Delmarva Peninsula.