Best Time/Route to Leave CT For Aurotrain?

[Alice-in-wonder]

What is the best time and route to leave Ct for the Autotrain on a Saturday Morning?

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

I posted this on the other Autotrain thread so I copied and pasted it here

We travel every Aug on the Autotrain. We leave central CT by 2 am. We always travel on a Tuesday. We manage to by pass any morning rush traffic. We are usually around Newark Airport when then the sun is coming up -- 530ish (i think). We stop in Maryland for breakfast at a Cracker Barrell for about 1 hr. then head on to VA. We take 95 for most of the way but once we get thru the tunnel (either one) in MD we hop on 495- it is much better than 95 and it keeps u out of the loops of DC. We generally arrive at the Lorton station by 11 am.

Mind u that we have 4 children so we do tend to make numerous bathroom stops and each stop can take up to 20 mins bc we have to buckle and rebuckle w/ car seats.

Since u are traveling on a Saturday I would plan for any construction/accident delays you may encounter.

As for route- we take the Merritt into NY and follow for the GWB then we get on the NJ turnpike. Follow 95 all the way till MD- you can take either tunnel than we hop on 495. We follow 495 all the way to 95. Then 95 into VA. The station is right off the highway on the opposite side. We have been using this route for the last 6 yrs and it seems to work for us. We did the loop around DC once and that is the last time we did it- never again-- too crazy. Most of 495 is cars only so it is nice not having the trucks alongside u the whole time.

We got an EZpass last yr - we ordered it from NY (no cost)- they mailed it to us. It was the best decision ever-- not sure why it took us soo long to get one. It makes going thru the tolls such a breezy. No crazy lane changes looking for the cash lanes. If you go in the cash lane bring lots of small bills and change for the tolls. We love the convience of the EZpass.

I am not sure where in CT u are starting from- we are right outside of Hartford. Let me know if you need any assistance with the directions.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Alice-in-wonder]

Thank you. I have only one child, so hopefully won't be making too many stops, but you never know We are leaving from Central Connecticut. What town/city do you find Cracker Barrel in Maryland? Do they have a good breakfast? TIA We are also traveling by autotrain in August and staying at the WL Aug.15-20th.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

Cracker Barrell is located off exit 109A of I95s. I don't know the name but there will be blue signs along 95 that show what is off the exit for food. It is a small distance off the exit. You can see the sign as you exit.

The food is good. There is a Cracker Barrell in South Windsor CT if you want to check them out ahead of time. They serve breakfast all day.

We will be traveling on Aug 10 to Aug 19 staying at OKW. Looks like we miss each other on the return by a day!

If you are looking for lunch when you get into Lorton. As you exit the highway take a Left. Station will be on your left just past the NB I95 ramp. Continue straight. There is a small plaza on your right. I think there is a chinese res. in that plaza. If you contine straight you will come upon another plaza. It is on the far right of the corner. Turn right just before it, u will be looking at the rear of the plaza. Turn left at the next light and the plaza is on ur left. There is a pizza place, Mcdonalds, post office and a $1 store. We usually go to this plaza for lunch and check out the $1 store. It is only 10 mins or less from the station.

Enjoy the trip- it is alot of fun.

Let me know if u have any other ?'s I'd be happy to help

 

[Alice-in-wonder]

Thank you for all the info! We are looking forward to our trip and our little adventure on the autotrain!