Driving - which bridge

[Jaylie]

We are driving to WDW this summer from eastern MA, and in the past we've gone two different routes - over the Newburgh Bridge (staying further inland from 95) or the Tappan Zee Bridge (95 to GSPkwy to NJPike, etc). We wondered what the traffic would be like if we went over the Verranzano Bridge? Would it be faster, more scenic, better route in general from MA, etc. Hopefully some New Yorkers or MA-ers can tell us what that would be like. Thanks.

 

[Ed J]

I'm not from up there but I travel the 95 corridor from NJ to Hartford or Providence or Boston on a regular basis. No one can give you a correct answer to this question because there is none.

Most trips I cross the Tap or the GWB. For me it's quicker to get home or up there going over the GWB, but the Tap adds 20 + minutes to the ride if there is no traffic or the delays are equal.

Your best bet it to know where the "point of no return is" and make your decision based on the traffic reports. I use 1010 wins on the AM band 660 on the AM band and the Sirus radio and from the 3 you can get an idea which route is better.

There is nothing scenic about the Verranzano Bridge IMO plus it's 4x? the cost of the other bridges and you will be paying on the way down if you went over it. If you want city views stick to 95 and the GWB, but if you want the quickest route follow the traffic reports.

Doesn't matter 2 PM or 2AM or what ever time your traveling, there can always be an accident that severely delays any of the Hudson crossings.

BTW if you wan scenic and don't care about time, tap > palisades parkway> pick up 95 (NJTP) in Ft Lee. The scenic over looks form the PP are pretty cool if you have never seen them.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

We are driving to WDW this summer from eastern MA, and in the past we've gone two different routes - over the Newburgh Bridge (staying further inland from 95) or the Tappan Zee Bridge (95 to GSPkwy to NJPike, etc). We wondered what the traffic would be like if we went over the Verranzano Bridge? Would it be faster, more scenic, better route in general from MA, etc. Hopefully some New Yorkers or MA-ers can tell us what that would be like. Thanks.

I would never take the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge for any of the reasons you state. First, I believe the cash toll is $13 now. Second, the traffic could be horrendous. Third, the view is not worth the hassle.

Isn't the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge toll free if you go westbound?

Isn't the Tappan Zee Bridge toll free if you go westbound?

 

[seashoreCM]

The Tappan Zee bridge, George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel are "free" westbound. Not sure about the Newburgh but it is probably free westbound as well.

 

[francie57]

Avoid 95 through CT and NY at all costs - its always a mess. We usually go 684, Sawmill Parkway (Exit 5 I think on 684) and the Tappan Zee to the Garden State. We have never had any problems that way and just pick up the Jersey pike down farther. You can also stay on 84 and to 81 through PA and I think its 77 farther south. We took the 684, sawmill, etc. route to Raleigh, NC and had no problems. Toll on the Tappan Zee is on the return trip. To save some time on the trip get an EZPass if you don't already have one, won't have to sit in line at the toll booths.

 

[my3apsons]

If you take Newburgh Beacon Bridge and stay on I-84 through PA. Catch 81 in PA and then 95. It's a nice drive and not as much traffic.