Best route from Portland Me to Providence?

[bluenosemickey]

I've always avoided the 95 thru Boston and stuck with the 495. But I've had a few people tell me that I should drive straight thru Boston with the most direct route. We're going to be leaving Portland around 5 pm Thursday...

 

[disney55]

95 does not go thru Boston..93 goes thru Boston. At that time of day I would get off 95 onto 93 in Woburn and take 93 thru Boston. 95 takes you about 40 miles around and can sometimes be busier than 93.

 

[bluenosemickey]

Thanks! Yes, the 93 is what I meant. Good to know.

 

[debster812]

During DS's club soccer season, this is a debate DH and I have nearly every weekend. We live in SE MA, fairly close to 495. However, we have to travel to several sites in NH and just past Portland. Depending on the time of day, and where exactly we are going will depend on whether we go up 95 or 93.

Leaving Portland around 5 should put you near Boston around 7, and on a Thursday you should be OK.

 

[elfling8]

We live right near the junction of 495 & 93. We went to Providence in the fall, and on the way down went 93 and the way back 495. I think it took us about the same amount of time. The south shore section of 93 is very unpredictable as far as traffic goes. Can you check traffic while you are on route? If so, I would map out both ways and go by how the traffic on google or gps looks.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would pick up 495 from 95 up in NH...take 495 south to 95, Foxborough (I think that's where it is). I hate 128/95...it's miserable, nasty. It might take you a few mins longer but that's how I would drive it.
Heading there myself later today....495 to 95 through Providence!!!