We will be driving from Michigan to Williamsburg, VA next week. Running Google and Mapquest directions are giving differing routes. Wondering if someone could suggest the best route to take. One is suggesting 70 - 270 - 95 (which looks like it's taking us right to Washington DC - wondering about traffic?). The other is routing 70 - 522 - 66 - 95.

We are thinking of leaving Thursday night and driving 4-5 hours to shorten the trip the next day. Any place along the Ohio getting close to Pennsylvania area that would be easy to get a safe / inexpensive hotel as we'll only be using it to sleep?

Try freetrip.com to see if their directions are different. You can also check off hotels in your price range at freetrip and they will list all along your drive.

Alternative would be 70-81-66. Exit I-66 at route 17 in Marshall which will take you around Warrenton and connect with I-95 just abve Fredericksburg. Then 95 to 64 into Williamsburg. This will avoid the Washington beltway and you will only be on 95 for less than an hour.

Mapquest will also list hotels along your route. I can't recommend a specific exit but I would think you could find something as you pass south of Cleveland without too much difficulty. I would go with the second route you mentioned. The first one does not go into DC but goes through the busy suburbs and traffic may be unpleasant. I think the second route might be a little shorter and more scenic.

Agree with ronkala about route to bypass Washington.

For your overnight, there are motels near Youngstown, OH. Get off the Turnpike and go I-76 east for about 3 miles east. First exit has a lot of motels there.

Thanks everyone for your help! Exactly what we needed to know.

And thanks for the link to the freetrip.com website. Definitely one I'll keep for future reference as well.

Wanted to send a quick thanks to ronkala on the routing advice. This worked great!

Glad to hear it worked out for you.

Hi ~
we're also driving from Michigan to Williamsburg...leaving May 1st. Any tips you've found on your trip would be greatly appreciated.
thanks!
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So henny, did you enjoy Williamsburg? I'm sorry we missed your question about ticket prices. I'm not sure I would have been any help since I don't visit all those places in one week. What restaurants did you try? Did your kids have fun?

Midnighter, search under Williamsburg and if you have any more questions we'll be happy to help.

Next time one way or the other, consider taking Route 5 for the Richmond/Williamsburgh portion of the trip. Very scenic, nice plantations, historic homes.