Saraho

My DH has an appointment at UVA and I know we do not want to go on 81- way too many trucks.

bankbabe

What about 29? Doesn't that go to Charlottesville?

Christina

I've driven 81 and it didn't bother me, but I guess that was a weekend.

Take 522 down through Front Royal which turns into something else (231?) and eventually runs into 29 which goes to Charlottesville.

obxgirl

I-81 to I-64 is the best way, trucks inclusive.

You can take Route 50 to I-66 to Route 29 into C'ville OR take I-81 to I-66 to Route 29. But Route 29 has its own set of issues, pokiness and congestion in places depending on day and time. And trucks.

obxgirl

Take 522 down through Front Royal which turns into something else (231?) and eventually runs into 29 which goes to Charlottesville.

Have you ever actually done that?

starrs

Google maps shows two alternative routes.

Christina

yes, I think so, at least close to Charlottesville, there is some skiing down that area. Why do you doubt it, there are roads there. It was a year or two ago.

starrs

I'm not sure of the confusion. I've driven from Front Royal to Charlottesville.

Google maps list the Winchester -> C'ville route on 81/64 route as 130 miles and 2 hours. It lists the 522 route as 93.7 miles and 2 hours and 6 minutes.

obxgirl

If "the best" way to get from Winchester to C'ville is a combination of 2 & 4 lane back roads and state highways then by all means take Christina's suggestion. But do at least consult a map b/c she's a little hazy on the details. Maybe that is the confusion starrs is referring to.

If your husband's appointment is in the morning or afternoon traffic hours, please allow time for congestion as you near C'ville. It goes w/o saying that if the trip is in the near term that weather can be a factor.

AliciaJ

Sorry, but I-81/I-64 is the best way .

Rumseydog

I drive between Winchester and Charlottesville 2-3 times a year. Hands-down the most scenic, relaxing, and direct routes (north to south) is US 522 south through Double Tollgate, Front Royal, Flint Hill, and Sperryville; then Virginia Route 231 south to Madison; and finally Route 29 south to Charlottesville. Driving time is almost exactly 2 hours with little to no traffic until you get to US 29. I've taken I-81 and I-64 for an occasional alternative, but the truck traffic on I-81 has become a white knuckle nightmare over the last several years. By the way, Route 231 is an official Virginia Scenic Byway, skirting along the eastern edge of Shenandoah National Park. There are also a least two excellent wineries along the way.