NY to DC drive that isn't horrible
 

I'm leaving midtown Manhattan Friday at noon and heading down to D.C. in a convertible. I want to stay off the horrible east coast expressways as much as possible. I'll be taking 301 through the Eastern Shore across the Bay Bridge to get to D.C., but I'm wondering if there is a reasonable alternative to the Jersey Turnpike (something equivalent to a rural state road or U.S. route perhaps). I need to get to D.C. by seven for a concert at eight.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I think your best option is to take the Cape May ferry to Lewes, Delaware. Once you're on the Demarva Peninsula should be easier to get to route 301.

I might suggest you map out rural routes in NJ that begin south of New Brunswick. You could take roads that run along the coast or through the farm areas to the Southeast of New Brunswick.

If you are going to take the ferry, you better add more time. You arriving in DC right at the end of rush hour.

Cape May ferry is relaxing and the drive from Eastern Shore is too. Since you'll be traveling from Bay Bridge into DC on Rt 50 you'll be going against traffic and should be fine esp if you're going right into DC and don't need to get on the beltway.

From Cape May ferry to DC would be around 5 hours including time loading/unloading ferry--did this last weekend.

Anyway you slice this, its going to be tight to get to DC by 7 taking alternative routes. Probably faster to do the turnpike to Wilmington, then do 301/50 if you like the Eastern Shore.

You can take 295 thru New Jersey

Melissa

You won't believe this, but this is going to be tighter than you would expect or than I would be comfortable with. You are one accident (someone else's) from not making it for the concert.

I think the Turnpike is easier than 295 in New Jersey. Fewer trucks, but it is nice to have a parallel route.

Last month it took us a full hour to get across the Delaware Memorial Bridge from the end of the NJTP, what, eight miles or so?

When you get to Baltimore, you should get off on the Baltimore Washington Parkway, MD 295 just past the tunnel. It will take you ultimately into Washington on a truck free route that is much less crowded than 495-95. Unless there is a wreck. In that case you are doomed whatever you do.

Any chance of taking the train? Northeast Regional isn't very expensive