Driving to Cape May -- Ferry or NJ Turnpike?
 

I will be driving this coming Sunday 7/20 from Harrisonburg, VA, to Cape May, NJ. I've checked routes on the major mapping websites and realize that I can either go around DC and eventually pick up the NJ Turnpike, or go across Delaware to Lewes and take the ferry across. I've checked the ferry schedule and we like the idea of doing that, but am not wild about the thought of spending a couple of hours in line waiting for the ferry, and we can't really estimate what time we'll be there so didn't want to make a reservation.

My question, to those of you with experience on both routes: which would you do? I have no idea how much traffic to expect either way, and our only time requirement is to get to our hotel at Cape May in time to explore a little before dark.

Restaurant recommendations in Cape May area also welcome. Thanks!!!

The ferry's worth the trip. Once you park your car in line, you can get out and go into the ferry building. Sightsee, gawk, get a sandwich, whatever...

According to mapquest.com, driving to Cape May takes about 6 hours. Driving to Lewes to take the ferry takes about 5 hours. You have to be at the ferry terminal at least 1/2 hour before departure, and if you don't have a reservation, it could take you 2 hours to get on the next ferry, especially during this high tourist season. Then, you will have a wait, whether or not you make a reservation, for embarkation/debarkation, plus the 1 hr/15 min ferry ride.

Since you want to get to Cape May to explore before dark, drive going, and take the ferry returning, with a reservation would be my recommendation. ((b))

Budman,
Great idea -- except that I neglected to mention that we're driving from Cape May to Manhattan and will be driving home (to Tennessee) from there. I think that if we get going early on Sunday we'll try to estimate our arrival and call for a ferry reservation. If not, we'll do the drive-around version and the ferry another time.

Any other ideas out there?

Any other suggestions out there? Thanks!

hello I live in cape may.We take the ferry A few times A year for A day trip of shopping at the outlets in Rehobeth.We always make reservations because even in the winter the first and last ferry can fill up.We will make our return reservation for the ferry that leaves around 5pm.Last year we finised early and went to the terminal for an earlier boat and we got on with out a problem.
So you could make A reservation giving youself extra time to get there and if you are early try to get on an earler boat or spend sometime in Lewes or Rehobeth both nice towns.
The ferry is much nicer than the expressway and the parkway.
Have A great time The weather has been great.
susan

I'd agree take the ferry. Haven't been on it since I was 10 yrs old (1975) and still remember how nice the trip was over to NJ. I've been to Rehoboth since then (2000) and they actually entertain you know.