I'm looking for opinions about driving from the Dulles area to the Charlotte, NC area. We've done it before and taken 81 to 77 but I'm thinking about taking 29 this trip. Google maps shows it to take about the same time but sometimes what the maps say and how it actually works out are different. I know what the drive on 81 is like; what is the drive down on 29 like? Still scenic? Is it slow going through a lot of small towns or is it a good way to get to Charlotte? Thanks for any tips!

I have done both and they do take about the same amount of time.

29 is still scenic

Melissa

I've done them both too. I like 29 better-I like those towns, but it can be slow going.

Thanks!

I've done both and I think 29 would take longer.

29 pros: Scenic and few trucks.
29 cons: It's slower. There are a number of places that slow below 55 mph, a number of "speed traps" and enough traffic lights to be a bit annoying.

81 pros: Fast. Still somewhat scenic.
81 cons: Fast moving traffic and lots of big trucks.

29 is going to be very slow going around Charlottesville - lots and lots of red lights!