Did anyone ever use I-81 from the Philly area to get back to I-95 and WDW?

[CLynnJones]

We always take I-95 but my DH has been talking to a few guys at work who say that I-81 is a faster more scenic ride that takes a couple hours off the trip. Does anyone know if this is true?

 

[sapdaddy]

I will be going down I-81 to avoid NYC, Batlimore & DC
I do know it it an easier ride but will add miles but not going thru city's the time may not be much different.

 

[CLynnJones]

Thanks sapdaddy!!

 

[wdwbound]

We always take I-95 but my DH has been talking to a few guys at work who say that I-81 is a faster more scenic ride that takes a couple hours off the trip. Does anyone know if this is true?

Our family from Maine has done the I-81 to avoid all the congestion of traffic (not to mention the tolls in NJ) and are planning to go that route once again next week when we leave for a 10 day trip to FW. Not only is it scenic but has a bit of mountains to climb and you will enjoy it.

Nancy

 

[CLynnJones]

Thanks very much Nancy! I think we will be trying I-81 this time. I didn't even think about the tolls--there's another plus! Have a great trip!

 

[gharrer]

We live just north of baltimore and often take 301 to bypass DC. It ends past the Richmond traffic. There are stop lights but it is definitely better than 95 through the DC Richmond area. It really depends on the time of day which way we go.

 

[LovePug]

We take 81 down (from NEPA) to 17 in VA to cross to 95. It's great to miss Baltimore and DC . I hate all that traffic. It may be slightly longer in miles, but missing the traffic makes up the time. It didn't take us any longer than taking 95 from the start of the trip (we took that way the first time).

 

[loriandmatt]

3 years ago our family and my SIL's family drove down at the same time.(from philly) we always take 95. BIL thought he would be tricky and took 81 thinking he would cream us on time. we were 4 hours a head of him when we got to our first check point.

that more than likely was a fluke - all elements working for us and a string of bad elements like construction and volume working against him.

point learned....check with AAA or a road travel website to see about construction on any route you plan to take a few days before you leave.

- lori

 

[jeast]

have done both routes down to florida and much prefer 81. It didn't take any longer when I took it.

 

[CLynnJones]

Thanks so much for all your help. I'll read your replies to my DH and let him decide since he's the one driving!!

 

[dgaston]

We drive 84-81-77-26 instead of 95. Like avoiding DC traffic. This route is longer, but easier to drive and much more scenic. In April we did not see much construction, but were driving on weekends.