I would do I-95 with a start time that gets me to DC after 9. You could hit a wreck but there is little construction now.

Gas is extremely cheap in VA and I think SC. DE, MD, NC not so much.

SC has closed the gap on gas prices for some reason--at least last week. Same as NC.

We like I-81 (calmer, and it's a pretty drive) but I'll second everyone who said it was trucky. It is, very.

Our getting through D.C. strategy involves leaving around 3 am from Montgomery County, PA. It's not everyone's idea of fun, but we go sailing right through the middle of it around 5-6 am with the road to ourselves, and stop for breakfast somewhere in Virginia when the Cracker Barrels wake up (we're also usually straight through to Orlando with a single driver, so we have an investment in doing as much of it in daylight as possible).

Auto train works for some people (and was the only sane way of getting my Dad to Florida last year) but if you can't sleep on the train...

Friday afternoon -- from lunch onward (rush hour begins early for weekend getaways) -- in the Balto-Wash corridor is not pleasant. I'd say MORE reason to use I-81.

Correct that to say "in Balto-Wash-Richmond corridor". No good way to get Balt-DC without finding congestion and even the I-97--301 get-around to get Balt-to-Richmond clogs up around the intersection with Rte. 5.

There is no time on Friday between 8 am and 9 pm I would agree to be on I-95 there.

In the past year, I have had to make the trip down to Charleston multiple times (8-10). Most of the times I do I-81 and a few times 95.

I start a little further west than you, but pick up I-81 south of Hagerstown. I agree with girlonthego and Gretchen that the trip is more scenic and, yes, there are a lot of trucks. Have been caught a few times in traffic jams, but they seem less aggravating than those in DC.

I find the stretch of 95 through North Carolina and South Carolina (all that flatness)so boring. Don't care for the traffic around DC, which seems to always cause problems.

I generally stop in Blacksburg/Christiansburg or south of Charlotte for the night. Have found the Hampton Inns in this stretch to be reliable.

Eeny meeny miny mo. . .

I'd love to get to the Hyatt Place by Savannah Airport -- if I could manage to do a little over 11 hours of driving down I-95 and not get hung up. Plus it's only 5000 points for a room and I have tons of points. The second day would be a piece of cake then.

In that case, take 77 off of 81 and head to Charlotte - Atlanta - Savannah.

But even though more and more people are suggesting 81, you still are on the 50-50 wavering point. Suggests you really want a reason to stick to 95.

If so, please take a look at the I97 to 301 get-around. Don't be dismayed by some strip-mall congestion through Waldorf - it's worth it for the ease southward and avoiding all of I95. After Fort AP Hill, you will see signs directing you back to I95 via 207. That's an option, although it risks Richmond's rush hour if you time it wrong. You can also say on 301, which gets fairly rural but takes you all the way to Richmonds outer Beltway (I295), which can route you around the city and southward picking I-95 up later.

We have driven to South Florida from Philadelphia for the last six years.
We have even gone during the week (avoiding rush hour). We only ran into bad traffic once.
You also have the option of using the express lanes (there is a toll) through the DC/Richmond areas. We have never found it necessary.
Neopatrick.....I feel the same way you do about the auto train. We always stop and stay in a nice comfortable hotel for either one or two nights.

If he drives 81 he would naturally take I77 south, no?
Is there a Hyatt in Charleston? That would be about your 12 hour drive and not a bad next day to Naples.

"But even though more and more people are suggesting 81, you still are on the 50-50 wavering point. Suggests you really want a reason to stick to 95.'

Hmmm. maybe you're interpreting the responses differently from the way I am. I've actually been wanting more of a reason to take the I-85, but mostly those talking about I-95 have repeatedly said I'm unlikely to be tied up in a lot of traffic -- especially so long as I go through DC after 9 or so in the morning -- which I will. And many people have repeated the heavy trucks issue on I-81. And few if any have given real reasons (other than it being more scenic, which frankly is a minor point to me going 75 mph) to suggest that I will make up the hour to two hours longer driving time on I-81.

cfc, I appreciate all your comments and clearly you are 100% in favor of the I-81 over I-95, but I see MORE people giving me reasons NOT to worry about the traffic on I-95 and giving me no reason to think it will delay me 2 hours or so beyond the time to drive I-81. In fact I really only see one other response that clearly suggest I-81 is better.

By the way, I think you meant "take I-77 off I-81 and head to Charlotte -- COLUMBIA -- Savannah". No way I'd sidetrack to Atlanta! But yes, if I did I-81 I would do the I-77 and then I-26 from Columbia to head to I-95 for the rest of the way.

You're right about Columbia>>Atlanta.

I used to go south along that route pretty frequently, esp. in the summer. Maybe I have a shorter fuse when bad traffic is involved than many, or had worse luck. And maybe I don't mind trucks as much (IF they are not behaving like bullies on 16 wheels). And maybe I like slightly more rural traveling just for the peace. Otherwise, as in all things, timing is everything.

Whichever you opt for, let us know - and have a good trip.

I meant, whichever you opt for, let us know how it goes.

NOW I AM confused. Going south as fast as you want to do, how would I85 help you? ;o)

Yes, Gretchen, perhaps you are confused. Unless it was a mistake, I don't think anyone here has been talking about I-85 at all. That makes no sense. The original question was if taking I-81 despite being a little longer might be a better option than I-95 to avoid lots of major slow downs and traffic jams. It seems that overall more people seem to say not to worry about the traffic jams on I-95, especially if I arrive Washington DC after 9 or so in the morning, which I will.

If you look back you have referred to I85 twice--first time I thought it was just a typo--second I began to wonder. Don't take I 85 unless on your return trip through Atlanta!!

bad next day to Naples.


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NeoPatrick on Jun 3, 16 at 1:46pm


"But even though more and more people are suggesting 81, you still are on the 50-50 wavering point. Suggests you really want a reason to stick to 95.'

Hmmm. maybe you're interpreting the responses differently from the way I am. I've actually been wanting more of a reason to take the I-85,

Oops. Yes sorry. Clearly a typo as I repeated I-81 about 20 times.

I think everyone is assuming a huge time difference between the 95-routing and the 81 routing. With no traffic, the difference in travel distance/time from Lambertville to Jacksonville (according to Google maps) is less than 2 hours. I remain convinced you're going to hit Friday back-ups on I-95, but at this point, if you take the 81 option, anything other than flying low the whole way will convince you that I (and any other 81 advocates) were dead wrong. So we're all probably better off if you go I-95 and spin the "ITYS" to see who gets to say that. ;)

Bet you never expected a Fodorite dispute on THIS question! Check your tires!

I wondered about the 85 also, but I stopped at South Hill VA on the way up to DC so thought a new reason to change routes had popped up.

If it's this complicated, I would just fly.

"If it's this complicated, I would just fly." WOW

What do you mean? Accidentally typing I-85 instead of I-81 means it's too complicated for me to drive? Good grief. Glad YOU never made a typo.

By the way, I suppose I slipped with the I-85 in response to cfc's comment about doing the Charlotte-Atlanta- Savannah route -- which WOULD involve I-85 and that's why I-85 popped up. But it was a mistake in that post of mine where I repeated I-81 (not I-85) exactly SIX times but accidentally typed I-85 ONCE. And cfc admits she accidentally typed ATLANTA instead of Columbia. People make mistakes. I'm one of them. Perhaps cfc is another. But it's always nice to hear snarky comments about "being too complicated" by those who have NEVER EVER made a mistake. Thanks for your input.

62 posts on how to get from NJ to Naples.

It's not that big of a deal. Choose a route and drive. You're going to have traffic along the way. You're going to have truckers along the way. There is no ONE perfect routing. You have two main routes and countless variations along the way. It's not rocket science.

If I were that perplexed about how to make the drive, I'd just fly.

I owe a sincere apology to all.

I honestly thought one of the purposes of a travel forum was to ask for opinions. I asked for opinions on the better (quicker) route between two places. I got quite a few replies -- mostly very helpful. Some suggest one, some suggest the other, some suggest it's a toss up. Some say I-95 is horrible. Some say it isn't that bad. Some offer times to minimize the traffic. All helpful. Some say the trucks on one route than the other. Some say the opposite. I also got 12 posts from one helpful poster who now seems obsessed that if I listen to anyone else, then I'm just not cooperating.

I have a month before I have to make the decision. To me it's not a major descision, and not worth losing any sleep over it, but I feel it's fine to make an educated guess which is better after reading experiences by others, particularly those who have done both. In fact, again, that's what I thought the purpose of this board was. I realize that making an intelligent decision is too much work for some people, so they would rather just fly than to actually have to make such an earth shaking decision (to them, obviously). Of course, that doesn't take into account the fact that I will need my SUV in Naples for about three months. Oh well, I could probably fly and just rent one for 3 or 4 thousand dollars. Or the last time I checked, I could probably have it transported for about $1800. But I have no idea what such suggestions have to do with my original inquiry -- which is the better route to take, which now seems to be a much bigger issue to others than it is to me.

I'll survive. But thanks (some) for reminding me how helpful, yet sometimes how frustrating some posters can be on this forum.

And starrs, thank you for your "helpful" posts which have yet to address the needs I expressed in my original posts. Yes, it is fine to hear what you would do -- but thank God you are not me. I even tried to be nice and light with your first non-helpful response about ignoring my needs and turning it into a sightseeing trip, but you still couldn't resist being snarky, could you. I understand making such a minor decision would be so "perplexing" to you, that you'd just fly -- but for the life of me, you need to understand it's NOT that big of a deal to me to make a simple informed choice between the two routes. And I will eventually make that decision.

But thanks to all those who have offered good personal information on their traffic experiences which will help me make an "informed" choice.

Neo: How 'bout some advice on best airlines/routes to Naples?

Neo, it's a drive. This has been a week of going back and forth between the two major options. At some point in time, you're going to get behind the wheel of the car and drive. Check INRIX before you pull out and see what traffic looks like at the time you are leaving and decide accordingly.

If traffic were horrible when I was pulling out, I'd probably head west to Mill Run, PA, stop for an hour or so at Fallingwater and then head south from there. It might add a couple of hours to the "pure" drive, but if traffic is going to add up to two hours of drive time - or aggravation - it would be a welcome alternative for me.

Which is one of the reasons most people like posting on a travel forum for opinions. Alternate opinions.


A week later you are still scratching your head over 81 or 95. I imagine if there's a week before you leave, there will be another 60 posts going back and forth between those two options. I have to wonder, what is expected to change? Certainly not traffic patterns on either route. One person was brave enough to comment that you seem to be leaning toward one of the two main options and you were snarky to them in response. If I were making the drive without detours, I'd do 81. I really would split the drive with a stop in Asheville. If I were leaving and traffic was horrendous south of me, I really would head west for a visit at Fallingwater before heading south through WV and stop when I am ready to stop for the day. If I were taking 95 south, I would stop at Cross Creek along the way.

But any of those ideas are considered ______, I don't know what word to use but something negative.

You seem to want to consider only two routes. That's fine. But a full week into this, you are still going back and forth between the two. Not sure what will decide this for yourself, but it's just you in the car so any choice you make is the perfect answer for you.

Obviously this topic is a lot more important to you than to me. Fallingwater? Seriously? Yes that fits in perfectly with a two day drive from NJ to Florida. Why not throwing The Grand Canyon, while I'm at it. I repeat -- than God,I am NOT you.

You're the one who seems perplexed, troubled, and disturbed by all this. Certainly, I'm not.

For future reference, after three or four replies, am I supposed to demand no more comments? Is that what YOU would do, since it bothers you so many replies seem repetitious? What exactly is your problem here -- other than you just can't ignore my posts? Give it a rest. Sightseeing and traveling are fun and wonderful -- but have NOTHING to do with my needs of this trip. Get it?

I'm not perplexed at all. I know which route I'd take. 81.

But after a week of back and forth and back and forth and back and forth and.... you still can't decide.

If it's that complicated, take a plane.
Oh, so you add that you will be there for a month. Okay. So you have 2+ days to make a 19-21 hour drive.
If traffic is bad, choose the alternate route. Check on INRIX as you are leaving.
The PA route will bypass all the traffic congestion you are stressing about. Fallingwater was not the goal. Getting around the part of the route that you are obsessing about is the goal. Plus, you can stop and see something along the way.

Oh, so suggesting ideas to see along the way is a no-no on a travel forum?
Okay.
Take 81.

If you don't like that idea, take 95.

And with that we are back to where we were a week ago. ;)

Shaking my head...

You don't give up do you? Why are YOU so obsessed with my trip and what's this "we are back to where we were a week ago"? What does "we" have to do with this?

And no it's not a bad idea to suggest a completly longer reroute and to go sightseeing for an extra day or two-- except when such a suggestion totally ignores the specific requirement of getting there as quickly as possible in two days -- something that's been explained over and over. Ok?

I didn't say "I'll be there a month". Here's a novel idea. Why not READ what I say, lke the part about needing my car there for three months? That doesn't hav anything to do with how long I'll be there or my needs of when and why I'll be there, so please stop trying to tell me how YOU would do it. What part of having only two days to make the trip is so difficult for you to comprehend? It's a pretty basic concept. And never once have I suggested I don't want to make the trip in two days.

" and to go sightseeing for an extra day or two-- "

An extra day or two?

Who suggested such a thing?



" What part of having only two days to make the trip is so difficult for you to comprehend?"

It's not a difficult concept at all. Two days is the amount of time you have for the drive. No matter if you choose:
On 81.
On 95.
With a stop in Asheville.
With a stop at Fallingwater.
With no stops at all.

I agree. "It's a pretty basic concept."
It's an incredibly basic concept.
One that hundreds of people do every day. Thousands of which have done in the week since this thread started.

Which is what makes this thread so fascinating. There are two main options. As I asked earlier, what to you expect to change? 95 will still have bad traffic and 81 will still have lots of trucks. Pick one and drive.

Act like Forrest and drive! :-)

I thought Forrest ran. Are you suggesting Neo should run to Naples? Now we're getting somewhere.
Well, actually, I take that back. We're not.

vin is correct.
Drive, Neo, drive!

Don't stop and look for the bench in the square in Savannah.
It's not there.

how do I find that link to Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown? Or the link to the theme from The Twilight Zone?

You're really obsessed aren't you, Starrs? Of course I'll pick one of the two routes. Easy. Why does this cause some weird obsession with you?

Can anyone explain why someone would come here, find a post about a trip they would never take and never want to take, offer no actual advice being asked for, but yet post EIGHT times with comments that aren't helpful, don't speak to the question even remotely, but mainly are merely snarky slams at why anyone would ask for advice on a travel forum since (as we all know) there is never a fully definitive answer when it comes to opinions.

Tis a puzzlement!

And meanwhile. Yes, like picking a hotel in a city, or deciding which car to rent, or which town to visit, or what restaurant to eat it -- all these are decisions which one can simply make a choice between. Why insult someone as if they are incapable of making up their own mind by asking for opinions from others? Doesn't that defeat the basic purpose of this travel forum?

"Of course I'll pick one of the two routes. Easy"

Yay!
I'd pick 81.
Based on prior experience.

IMO BOTH of you need to learn how to let it go and Neo, you are one of THE worst offenders when it comes to absolutely having to have "the last word."

I like you a lot, you are a very smart person, but arguing with Starrs about anything is a totally useless endeavor. I'm actually surprised she hasn't her "I'm off this thread" routine yet.

Now, if what I have said makes either one of you do the "I'll get you banned" routine then you go right ahead and if you think I am alone in my thinking, I suggest you think again.

Neo: If starrs says take 81, if I were you I'd take 95. Just to be consistent.

LOL, vin! You made me laugh :-)