Driving from Upstate NY

[habg1]

Looking for some info on routes from Syracuse, Ny area to Disney. What route do you take and how long does it take you?

Do you avoid any one route and why?

Thanks

 

[vicki_c]

It's been a while since I've been to Syracuse, but I think I would take 81 south down into PA to 83 (Harrisburg) then 95 South to Baltimore and beyond, staying on the eastern/Maryland side. From Maryland, we take 95 South the whole way from starting at Richmond, VA.

I'm sure Google Maps could provide the details.

 

[Glenn&Sharon]

We're in the early planning stages of our trip from NE PA. It looks like we're going to take I81 down thru VA, then I26 & I77 to I95 in the Carolinas. We DESPISE I95 around Philly and Foggy Bottom.

 

[habg1]

My husband has been on Google maps trying to plan the route, but there's nothing like getting first hand reccommendations!

 

[vicki_c]

We're in the early planning stages of our trip from NE PA. It looks like we're going to take I81 down thru VA, then I26 & I77 to I95 in the Carolinas. We DESPISE I95 around Philly and Foggy Bottom.

Isn't 26/77 way out of your way coming from NE PA? We always traveled that way when coming from WNY and it was a good route, but I would think from NE PA you would be traveling really far west out of your way?

And to the OP - we live near Annapolis and it's usually about at least a 14 hour drive for us (+ hour or two depending on traffic, stops, etc.). I usually plan 14-16 hours. We don't take I-95 though until we get further south. We take 301 south normally because that's closer to our house and avoids going near DC. I'm guessing Annapolis to Syracuse is a 6-7 hour drive? (I'm so lazy, didn't even look it up on Google Maps!). So I think you are talking about 20-22 hours driving total.

We've done it from Buffalo numerous times - usually it was just over 20 hours or so, from what I recall.

 

[habg1]

Isn't 26/77 way out of your way coming from NE PA? We always traveled that way when coming from WNY and it was a good route, but I would think from NE PA you would be traveling really far west out of your way?

And to the OP - we live near Annapolis and it's usually about at least a 14 hour drive for us (+ hour or two depending on traffic, stops, etc.). I usually plan 14-16 hours. We don't take I-95 though until we get further south. We take 301 south normally because that's closer to our house and avoids going near DC. I'm guessing Annapolis to Syracuse is a 6-7 hour drive? (I'm so lazy, didn't even look it up on Google Maps!). So I think you are talking about 20-22 hours driving total.

We've done it from Buffalo numerous times - usually it was just over 20 hours or so, from what I recall.

Yes, we'd like to avoid the D.C. area. It's about 12-13 hours to N/S Carolina border. (South of the Border, anyone? lol) I'll have to have my husband look up 301. Is it highway, country back roads, etc?

 

[Letsbgoofy]

The one time we drove, we left in the late afternoon so that most of our driving was during the night. We followed the Mapquest directions and for some reason they did not having us going around Scranton on the turnpike - big mistake as we hit a lot of traffic. Otherwise, the Mapquest directions were great as they took us around DC. Driving during the night was really key. We stopped a couple of times for gas/restroom breaks and stopped for breakfast in southern GA.

It took us about 19 hours and we are 1 hour south of Syracuse on 81.

 

[vicki_c]

301 may be out of your way as well - it's close to us, that's why we take it. And I have another friend that drives from NJ and he takes that as well, but I'm not sure how well that would work if you are starting from central NY. You'd have to look on the map.

301 is 4 lane divided highway, but in some locations there are lots of traffic lights and lots of traffic depending on what time of day it is. Friday afternoons/evening can be pretty horrendous on 301 as well!

 

[GranddadTom]

To the OP - the best route depends on the day of the week, the time of the day you intend to leave, and the exact day (i.e stay off I 81 in the dead of winter). Do you know these things?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

i.e stay off I 81 in the dead of winter

Why would you want to stay off a major, well traveled and plowed highway versus side routes, minor highways, etc? I lived in NY up until 3 weeks ago, Syracuse to be exact and if I had a choice on how to travel during a snow storm, I would choose 90 and 81 over any other road in NY.

 

[velrox]

We haven't done this before. Any hotels to recommend in Savannah for the overnight?