Driving from Long Island

[BcIcemen]

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[mac_tlc]

We have done the drive two dozen times from central CT. Over time, our plan had evolved somewhat. Have never driven straight through. Our most often used itinerary would be:

Leave central CT 3 or 4 am.
Through NJ and at Delaware Bridge in about 3 1/4 hrs.
Hit DC around 9:30, if it’s a weekend it’s not bad.
Overnight in SC somewhere usually between Walterboro (exit57) and Harderville (exit 8). Usually 14-15 clock hours allowing for a lunch stop.
Leave next day at 7am
At WDW ( or our house in Orlando) around 12:30.

The last few times we have been leaving a bit later, say 5am, and shortening the first day, staying around Florence SC.

Total tolls round-trip are now about $62, and that’s going Tappan Zee-Garden State-NJ Turnpike route from CT. I avoid the GWB at all costs, any day of the week and at any time of day.

Another trip planned in April, with an overnight in Florence.

Our northbound drive has been the same forever. Leave FL by 7am, drive 700 miles to Emporia VA, stay there, then leave at 7 the next morning for the 9 hour horrendous drive home.

Over the years the traffic has certainly increased, in every state. The Carolinas used to be “empty” but now they are as much a challenge due to the two-lane I-95. Georgia used to be 2 lanes but now is three and is much better, but beware of troopers, they are very prevalent.

mac_tlc

 

[BcIcemen]

We have done the drive two dozen times from central CT. Over time, our plan had evolved somewhat. Have never driven straight through. Our most often used itinerary would be:

Leave central CT 3 or 4 am.
Through NJ and at Delaware Bridge in about 3 1/4 hrs.
Hit DC around 9:30, if it’s a weekend it’s not bad.
Overnight in SC somewhere usually between Walterboro (exit57) and Harderville (exit 8). Usually 14-15 clock hours allowing for a lunch stop.
Leave next day at 7am
At WDW ( or our house in Orlando) around 12:30.

The last few times we have been leaving a bit later, say 5am, and shortening the first day, staying around Florence SC.

Total tolls round-trip are now about $62, and that’s going Tappan Zee-Garden State-NJ Turnpike route from CT. I avoid the GWB at all costs, any day of the week and at any time of day.

Another trip planned in April, with an overnight in Florence.

Our northbound drive has been the same forever. Leave FL by 7am, drive 700 miles to Emporia VA, stay there, then leave at 7 the next morning for the 9 hour horrendous drive home.

Over the years the traffic has certainly increased, in every state. The Carolinas used to be “empty” but now they are as much a challenge due to the two-lane I-95. Georgia used to be 2 lanes but now is three and is much better, but beware of troopers, they are very prevalent.

mac_tlc

Thanks for the comprehensive information. Planning a June drive

 

[Joerookery]

What hotel do you prefer

For long road trips use theclio.com to find many unusual attractions nearby.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I live about an hour north of Atlanta. We drive to NJ at least once a year (pre-Covid) to visit family and it's at least a 17 hour drive (that's without stopping, traffic or eating). We always drive to WDW and it's suppose to take us about 7 hours but it's always at least 8 or 9 because of traffic, construction, etc. We've been driving to WDW for 5 years now and it has never taken us 7 hours and that's driving during non peak season. P.S. WE don't full around when we drive. Stop for gas, restroom, and fast food (eat in car). No non sense.

 

[iheartglaciers]

I drove last month from the NYC area, but because I was going solo, I broke up the trip with two overnight stops--one in Santee, SC and one in Fredericksburg, VA. I camped, so don't have hotel recommendations. Also, on the way down I stopped for a few days at Hilton Head Island on the way. It was a very easy drive and not as bad as I thought it would be!

If you like birds and nature, the Santee National Wildlife Refuge is right off I-95 in Santee, SC and was a nice walk after being in the car for hours.

 

[Stargazer65]

If you like birds and nature, the Santee National Wildlife Refuge is right off I-95 in Santee, SC and was a nice walk after being in the car for hours.

We stopped there last month on the way back. The sink holes are interesting.