"For 2,000+ Mile Round-Trip Drivers Only!" (IV)

[loveysbydesign]

Thank you for your tips! We've driven before, but did 95 by driving through the night. For our upcoming, we will be leaving around 4am on a Saturday. Originally thought about taking 95 since we would be past Richmond by 9am and miss a lot of heavy traffic. However, in the past, when we've done beach trips, we've found 95 south of Richmond could be a traffic nightmare with beachgoers. We're not as familiar with the 81-77-26-95 route though we did take it years ago. Is it a lot easier drive than 95? I seem to recall heavy truck traffic on 81 through VA.

Would you (or anyone) recommend staying with 95 if we leave at 4am? Thanks in advance for your response. Still struggling with which route to take.

We live in the Lehigh valley as well! We just drove the 78-81-77-26-95 route and it was wonderful! We drove it this past oct. as well and the mountains were gorgeous with all the leaves changing color. I highly recommend that route! We hate driving down 95 all the way...just getting to 95 from the LV is a pita.
Surprisingly, the truck traffic on the 81-77 route was a lot less then it was when we drove in 2011 and 2009.
For those who are interested on the way down we stayed at a Country Inn $ Suites in Columbis SC and on the way home we stayed ata Comfort Inn & Suites in cornelius/Lake Norman NC.

 

[glen65]

My in-laws used to live close to the NC/SC border, so I've made dozens of trips down 95 in the past. I've been burned so many times by being stuck in traffic at various points. The 81 route I talked about is a beautiful route through the Blue Ridge Mountains and there's much less traffic. From where I live taking this route is 35 miles longer than 95 but much faster, less stressful, and a great change of scenery. There's a post from a few years ago that covers this subject. Check it out.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2522586
I'll be taking this route again at the end of the month.
Glen

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Thank you for your tips! We've driven before, but did 95 by driving through the night. For our upcoming, we will be leaving around 4am on a Saturday. Originally thought about taking 95 since we would be past Richmond by 9am and miss a lot of heavy traffic. However, in the past, when we've done beach trips, we've found 95 south of Richmond could be a traffic nightmare with beachgoers. We're not as familiar with the 81-77-26-95 route though we did take it years ago. Is it a lot easier drive than 95? I seem to recall heavy truck traffic on 81 through VA.

Would you (or anyone) recommend staying with 95 if we leave at 4am? Thanks in advance for your response. Still struggling with which route to take.

Leaving that early in the morning would help, but you can get bad traffic around the cities and some places on 95 at any time. I personally think 81-77 is better for so many reasons and is only slightly longer. Trucks are everywhere, but not as bad as in PA. I haven't found 81 any worse than 95. Edit: We did 81-77 to FL in January 2012, and truck traffic wasn't bad and the route was wonderfully low on traffic delays. And I agree 100% with what loveybydesign says:

We live in the Lehigh valley as well! We just drove the 78-81-77-26-95 route and it was wonderful! We drove it this past oct. as well and the mountains were gorgeous with all the leaves changing color. I highly recommend that route! We hate driving down 95 all the way...just getting to 95 from the LV is a pita.
Surprisingly, the truck traffic on the 81-77 route was a lot less then it was when we drove in 2011 and 2009.
For those who are interested on the way down we stayed at a Country Inn $ Suites in Columbis SC and on the way home we stayed ata Comfort Inn & Suites in cornelius/Lake Norman NC.

 

[MulanMom]

Thanks to all for your input. I'm still undecided!!!!

In discussing with my family, I remember why I haven't been keen on the 81 route. When we took it years ago, we ran into night time construction/paving project in Charlotte. I'm sure it's normally not a problem, but they had 3 lanes of traffic funneled into one in addition to an entrance ramp or two coming in at the merge point! And any time we have taken 81 north into harrisburg, we seem to encounter accidents that shut down 81 northbound, or cause serious delays. We've always had decent luck with taking 15 to 270 to 495 to 95 when we've timed it right...but that's usually night driving, or getting through the DC area late at night or early AM.

We've traveled 81 in VA quite a bit to visit relatives in NC. Usually couldn't wait to get off of it and would cut over to 29 south around Waynesboro. However, I'm thinking if I get through VA to 77 by midmorning, I'll miss heavier traffic???

 

[star72232]

If anyone has done the trip from southern Ontario to Orlando, which route do you prefer? I've mapped them out, and I-77 and I-75 have only a 6 min difference in their mapped time, so time isn't helping me make the decision! We will try to do the trip in 2 days (with 4 kids, ages 1-8 ). We will probably leave our house around 5pm one evening, drive until midnight, then do our long day the second day.

So, are we better to do a trip and end up trying to find a place for 6 people somewhere in WV by taking I-77? Or do we stick to I-75 and hit Cincinnati (both options are about 7 hours from home)?

Is it significantly different to cross at Detroit vs. Niagara Falls in October?

 

[Dittz]

If anyone has done the trip from southern Ontario to Orlando, which route do you prefer? I've mapped them out, and I-77 and I-75 have only a 6 min difference in their mapped time, so time isn't helping me make the decision! We will try to do the trip in 2 days (with 4 kids, ages 1-8 ). We will probably leave our house around 5pm one evening, drive until midnight, then do our long day the second day.

So, are we better to do a trip and end up trying to find a place for 6 people somewhere in WV by taking I-77? Or do we stick to I-75 and hit Cincinnati (both options are about 7 hours from home)?

Is it significantly different to cross at Detroit vs. Niagara Falls in October?

I'm in southern ontario too. We drove straight down last time (not sure our route _ i slept most of it while DH drove heading next year to do it again, we crossed in fort erie, that I can tell you for sure. Have fun with the 1 year old, we had left the day after ours turned one. she was trouble to keep occupied, even with driving through the night.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Thanks to all for your input. I'm still undecided!!!!

In discussing with my family, I remember why I haven't been keen on the 81 route. When we took it years ago, we ran into night time construction/paving project in Charlotte. I'm sure it's normally not a problem, but they had 3 lanes of traffic funneled into one in addition to an entrance ramp or two coming in at the merge point! And any time we have taken 81 north into harrisburg, we seem to encounter accidents that shut down 81 northbound, or cause serious delays. We've always had decent luck with taking 15 to 270 to 495 to 95 when we've timed it right...but that's usually night driving, or getting through the DC area late at night or early AM.

We've traveled 81 in VA quite a bit to visit relatives in NC. Usually couldn't wait to get off of it and would cut over to 29 south around Waynesboro. However, I'm thinking if I get through VA to 77 by midmorning, I'll miss heavier traffic???

Construction and accidents are two things that will happen on any highway. You can't plan for the accidents, but you can check Google maps, enter your info for directions, then click the traffic tab. Not only will it show slow & fast areas on the map, there will be icons for ongoing construction and even some accidents! I was just looking and there was not much that looked bad.

If you can get to 77 by mid-morning, you should be pretty good. The only real traffic town on this route is Charlotte, so check what time you will go through town. It isn't bad from a northeast perspective and usually won't be any trouble at all except maybe at rush hour.

 

[dvczerfs]

Thanks to all for your input. I'm still undecided!!!!

In discussing with my family, I remember why I haven't been keen on the 81 route. When we took it years ago, we ran into night time construction/paving project in Charlotte. I'm sure it's normally not a problem, but they had 3 lanes of traffic funneled into one in addition to an entrance ramp or two coming in at the merge point! And any time we have taken 81 north into harrisburg, we seem to encounter accidents that shut down 81 northbound, or cause serious delays. We've always had decent luck with taking 15 to 270 to 495 to 95 when we've timed it right...but that's usually night driving, or getting through the DC area late at night or early AM.

We've traveled 81 in VA quite a bit to visit relatives in NC. Usually couldn't wait to get off of it and would cut over to 29 south around Waynesboro. However, I'm thinking if I get through VA to 77 by midmorning, I'll miss heavier traffic???

I have made the trip a few times. I have driven just about every way you can think of. being from the Lehigh valley, your biggest problem is going to be getting out of the Lehigh valley. I just drove 78/81/77 3 times in the last 10 months and countless times over the last 30 years. wrecks can happen anytime, a lot of it is luck. charlotte is about the only point you don't want to hit at rush hour.
if I lived south of 78 - 81, I would most likely take my chances with 95. I recall a few years ago someone posted on a sat. morning sitting on i95 just north of Richmond. she was so upset that she was sitting in rush hour traffic. she was sitting in shore traffic. in the summer, i95 is a major rte. for shore traffic. took me 16 hours to get to myrtle beach one year. we inched bumper to bumper allllll the way. I live in Nazareth, 78/81/77/26/95/4 takes me, on an average 16 hours. ive done it in 15 1/2 and also 16 1/2. if you think i81 traffic is crazy. what ever way you go, good luck and safe travels.

 

[joyride]

If anyone has done the trip from southern Ontario to Orlando, which route do you prefer? I've mapped them out, and I-77 and I-75 have only a 6 min difference in their mapped time, so time isn't helping me make the decision! We will try to do the trip in 2 days (with 4 kids, ages 1-8 ). We will probably leave our house around 5pm one evening, drive until midnight, then do our long day the second day.

So, are we better to do a trip and end up trying to find a place for 6 people somewhere in WV by taking I-77? Or do we stick to I-75 and hit Cincinnati (both options are about 7 hours from home)?

Is it significantly different to cross at Detroit vs. Niagara Falls in October?

We did the drive 2 years ago from Southern Ontario (GTA) and took the Peace Bridge at Fort Erie through WV. We stopped in Columbia, SC on the way down and pulled into Disney just after 3PM. Depending on where you are, it should take you 12-14 hours on day 1 and about 6-8 hours on day 2. For us, all of the mapping software showed the I-77 route (NY, PA, WV, NC, SC, GA) to be shorter than going through Detroit.

Doing the same drive again this year, leaving in 3 weeks (woot woot). Found it to be a pretty easy drive, even within an 8 year old and 9 year old in the car...

 

[MommyRobin]

If anyone has done the trip from southern Ontario to Orlando, which route do you prefer? I've mapped them out, and I-77 and I-75 have only a 6 min difference in their mapped time, so time isn't helping me make the decision! We will try to do the trip in 2 days (with 4 kids, ages 1-8 ). We will probably leave our house around 5pm one evening, drive until midnight, then do our long day the second day.

So, are we better to do a trip and end up trying to find a place for 6 people somewhere in WV by taking I-77? Or do we stick to I-75 and hit Cincinnati (both options are about 7 hours from home)?

Is it significantly different to cross at Detroit vs. Niagara Falls in October?

From London, MapQuest shows I75 being shorter, so that's what we took. I liked that I could use the "Along the I75" book to help guide me.

 

[blondietink]

If anyone has done the trip from southern Ontario to Orlando, which route do you prefer? I've mapped them out, and I-77 and I-75 have only a 6 min difference in their mapped time, so time isn't helping me make the decision! We will try to do the trip in 2 days (with 4 kids, ages 1-8 ). We will probably leave our house around 5pm one evening, drive until midnight, then do our long day the second day.

So, are we better to do a trip and end up trying to find a place for 6 people somewhere in WV by taking I-77? Or do we stick to I-75 and hit Cincinnati (both options are about 7 hours from home)?


We live a little east of Buffalo, NY and we take this route sometimes. Personally I hate going through WVA .... it is a PITA going up/down and around those mountains. But it is shorter than the other way.

We prefer going down 390 south of Rochester and down 15 through PA then catching 81 in Harrisburg meeting up with 77 south in Wytheville, VA. It is longer, but an easier drive through the mountains, Our car only goes into overdrive once or twice going this route vs. almost continual overdrive going through WVA. Just a personal preference.

 

[melanell]

I'll be checking this thread out. After years of saying he never wanted to drive to WDW, now DH is considering it as an option, so I'll be on the lookout for better routes down form NEPA as well as tips to avoid killing one another before we arrive.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I'll be checking this thread out. After years of saying he never wanted to drive to WDW, now DH is considering it as an option, so I'll be on the lookout for better routes down form NEPA as well as tips to avoid killing one another before we arrive.

Regarding killing each other...I found the way down everyone got along amazingly well! The way home...ehhhh...not nearly as much! LOL They Disney goal makes everyone happy on the way down! Good luck! We drive in just under 4 months...second time but airfare is out of control!!!!

 

[capegirl]

Regarding killing each other...I found the way down everyone got along amazingly well! The way home...ehhhh...not nearly as much! LOL They Disney goal makes everyone happy on the way down! Good luck! We drive in just under 4 months...second time but airfare is out of control!!!!

That trip back is brutal, and I am not looking forward to it.

 

[MulanMom]

Construction and accidents are two things that will happen on any highway. You can't plan for the accidents, but you can check Google maps, enter your info for directions, then click the traffic tab. Not only will it show slow & fast areas on the map, there will be icons for ongoing construction and even some accidents! I was just looking and there was not much that looked bad.

If you can get to 77 by mid-morning, you should be pretty good. The only real traffic town on this route is Charlotte, so check what time you will go through town. It isn't bad from a northeast perspective and usually won't be any trouble at all except maybe at rush hour.

Thank you for checking on Google maps. Just when I thought I'd try my luck with I95, you and DVCzerfs have me reconsidering.;-) I've been thinking if I leave earlier, 2-3am, I can get down to the Raleigh area in 8hrs. Have family there. Plus, we are more familiar with I95. OTOH, most recently I was stuck on I95 heading to Williamsburg VA on the Sunday evening of Thanksgiving weekend. Even side roads to 95 were congested!!!! But....I also know the 95 route, which exits we've gotten gas and food before that we like, etc. Another drawback to I95 is construction work that may require lane closures to install steel beams. We already encountered that a few years back and it wasn't too bad because it was after midnight. It says it's to be done Friday. Don't know if that means the wee hours of this morning, or Friday night into Saturday AM, which would affect my drive.

Are there any exits to stay away from on the i81/77/26 route?

Thanks!

 

[MulanMom]

I have made the trip a few times. I have driven just about every way you can think of. being from the Lehigh valley, your biggest problem is going to be getting out of the Lehigh valley. I just drove 78/81/77 3 times in the last 10 months and countless times over the last 30 years. wrecks can happen anytime, a lot of it is luck. charlotte is about the only point you don't want to hit at rush hour.
if I lived south of 78 - 81, I would most likely take my chances with 95. I recall a few years ago someone posted on a sat. morning sitting on i95 just north of Richmond. she was so upset that she was sitting in rush hour traffic. she was sitting in shore traffic. in the summer, i95 is a major rte. for shore traffic. took me 16 hours to get to myrtle beach one year. we inched bumper to bumper allllll the way. I live in Nazareth, 78/81/77/26/95/4 takes me, on an average 16 hours. ive done it in 15 1/2 and also 16 1/2. if you think i81 traffic is crazy. what ever way you go, good luck and safe travels.

We're at western end of valley, so hopping on turnpike extension south is just as easy as heading out 78 west. When anything happens on 78 and 22, and sometimes the turnpike, we experience congestion from people trying to get around/avoid it. On a Friday afternoon, especially in summer, seems to be a weekly happening!!!

Shore traffic on 95 is my concern. However, if I'm able to get south to around Raleigh by noon, I think I'll be okay. We've sat in traffic before with shore traffic, but that was usually due to construction taking place. The last few years, our beach checkin has been on a Sunday, and leaving here at 2am has been great. But I don't know if the same will hold true on a Saturday.

Still deciding....;-) 2am is only a few hours away. I still have time to decide!!!

 

[Rock71]

Thanks to all for your input. I'm still undecided!!!!

In discussing with my family, I remember why I haven't been keen on the 81 route. When we took it years ago, we ran into night time construction/paving project in Charlotte. I'm sure it's normally not a problem, but they had 3 lanes of traffic funneled into one in addition to an entrance ramp or two coming in at the merge point! And any time we have taken 81 north into harrisburg, we seem to encounter accidents that shut down 81 northbound, or cause serious delays. We've always had decent luck with taking 15 to 270 to 495 to 95 when we've timed it right...but that's usually night driving, or getting through the DC area late at night or early AM.

We've traveled 81 in VA quite a bit to visit relatives in NC. Usually couldn't wait to get off of it and would cut over to 29 south around Waynesboro. However, I'm thinking if I get through VA to 77 by midmorning, I'll miss heavier traffic???

I'm from the wilkes-barre area, and I've always had decent luck taking the 81-83-15-270-495 to 95 route. We're driving down at the end of this month, and I plan on taking that same route down. We won't be hitting the high traffic areas during rush hour. I don't know if they still do, but AAA used to give that route on triptiks for people from the wilkes-barre area traveling to points south requiring traveling on 95

 

[goofyfigment]

I'm from the wilkes-barre area, and I've always had decent luck taking the 81-83-15-270-495 to 95 route. We're driving down at the end of this month, and I plan on taking that same route down. We won't be hitting the high traffic areas during rush hour. I don't know if they still do, but AAA used to give that route on triptiks for people from the wilkes-barre area traveling to points south requiring traveling on 95

AAA always gave me 81-66-15-17-95-4 and I'm from eynon. I really liked 81-77/26-95-4 this trip

 

[vicki_c]

I'm from the wilkes-barre area, and I've always had decent luck taking the 81-83-15-270-495 to 95 route. We're driving down at the end of this month, and I plan on taking that same route down. We won't be hitting the high traffic areas during rush hour. I don't know if they still do, but AAA used to give that route on triptiks for people from the wilkes-barre area traveling to points south requiring traveling on 95

You really have to be careful with your timing if you're including 270 and 495 in your route though. That could be an absolute mess during any rush hour times. But as you said, that's not a concern for you, but I want to make sure others know.

 

[Rock71]

You really have to be careful with your timing if you're including 270 and 495 in your route though. That could be an absolute mess during any rush hour times. But as you said, that's not a concern for you, but I want to make sure others know.

Yes, you do absolutely need to be concerned about high traffic times. It is not a route I would recommend in every case. I have always timed it so as to not hit high volume times, and I have been lucky every time. I am going down at the end of this month and planning on pressing my luck again on the way down. Coming home I will probably take 95 to 64 to 81.