For those who drive from Philly area to HHI...

[Jecca]

...Can you help me plan the drive? We're driving straight through with only food/potty breaks, so we're interested in getting there as quickly and with as little drama as possible. I'm thinking we should leave around 3am to avoid rush hour in DC, but maybe it should be even earlier than that. Also, what are your opinions on taking the beltway around DC or the bypass around Richmond? I've heard conflicting reports on this. I would love to hear your I-95 rituals.

 

[The VWL Five]

Hi,

The last time I drove we left at midnight and drove straight through. We didn't get off 95 for the beltway or the bypass. The only thing you could possibly hit is lane closures anywhere along 95. That's what may slow you down a bit. We hit one at 2am in Maryland but was clear after that.

Good luck. We're heading down 95 next week to see Mickey.

 

[VMS]

We have driven down to HH the past three years from CT, and have only experienced some traffic in Norther Va. We always take the Baltimore/Washington Parkway through DC to cut down on going all the way around. We have always done the Richmond bypass, even though that is longer. The first year my parents also drove down and they did not do the Richmond bypass and they got lost and had a hard time getting throught he city. That could just be them though. We just have always avoided doing that. Have fun, the drive is not that bad.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Actually the beltway (495) around DC IS also I-95. They are one and the same road. Which is a major part of the DC traffic woes!!.
You can also take 495 in the opposite direction (toward Dulles airport, etc) but it's a real mess also and you still end up in the mixing bowl.
I understand there is a new I-95 access ramp that just opened to help at the mixing bowl. I know you can get on it if you take the Beltway (495) that is also I-95 (toward the Wilson Bridge), but not certain if it can be accessed via the other route.
WE always take that Richmond by-pass and it's always been just fine.
That BW parkway route thru DC is ok in a pinch--but you'll find yourself in some "unsavory" areas as you go thru. We always avoid it for that reason alone.
Time wise leaving at 3:00 AM ought to be OK. We leave Glen Rock (which is just over the line, midway between York and Balto. )at 4:00 AM and we're past DC and the rush JUST in time. Rush in DC starts at 6:00 AM and you really don't want to b in it.

 

[Pa@okw95]

You do not want to be near Washington DC during the morning rush, leaving at 3 am may be cutting it a little close. Given the time lf day you will hit Richmond it might be a good idea to take the by-pass there also. I don't know how anyone can get lost on it? Aftewr Richamond there are no major city traffic so you will be on your way. I drive from CT to Florida all the time. You must get by Washington before 6 am like someone suggested. You might want to leave earlier. Have fun at HH.

 

[Zimbubba]

We always leave North Central PA about that time and get around the DC beltway fine. The high occupancy lanes are very helpful. We always take the Richmond by pass to save time and hassle. You can maintain speed and get though rather well. EVen though you are not going that far we always avoid the Jacksonville FL by pass and have never had any problems.

Have a safe trip

 

[mowog]

I live just north of DC and I always plan on being through the DC area before 6AM. Going south in the morning all HOV lanes will be open for the North bound commuters so forget those! We take the BW parkway and then an illegal U-turn to get to 395 at Pennsylvania Ave. Quick but you have to know it. I would suggest either staying on 95 which is also the DC beltway for a time, or 295/BW parkway which will put you back on 95 just before Wilson Bridge, or 295 then follow 395 signs (few miles of DC traffic with stoplights- not bad early in AM) 395 ends with a straight shot into 95. Here is a nice DC area map. Note that NY ave to 395 is not all "highway" but is the shortest route mile wise- it uses a tunnel under the mall not shown on map.
Have fun! Jean & Bob

http://www.aaccessmaps.com/show/map/dcmetro_beltway

 

[Jecca]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. Mowog, are you saying that you don't think taking 395 through DC will be bad just before 6am? I like the idea of fewer miles and would actually not mind driving through the city, even areas that are "unsavory" - its all part of the experience, right? And anything's better than mile after endless mile of highway... I just don't want to get caught in a traffic jam. So... 295 to 395 to 95 is ok??

 

[VMS]

Do not be discouraged from taking the shorter route through DC. We do it all the time. I would not describe it as "unsavory", just typical neighborhoods on the outskirts of a city. It is fine and we have never had or seen anything that should change your mind from doing this.

 

[wildcatwmn]

Hmmm....I've done this trip 3-4 times in the past 8 months. 395 through the neighborhoods and the lights can seem long, although it may be shorter mile-wise. You may actually think you are lost unless you know where you are going; signs aren't always visible.

If I am not stopping in DC, I have found the Beltway the best ride (as long as you are out of the area by 7).

We didn't take the Richmond Bypass last time and had no problems, but it was Saturday going down and Saturday coming back.

 

[rriley25]

I live in Maryland and work in northern Virginia and drive through there every day. If at all possible, plan your trip using the DC beltway, aka 495/95, and be sure to be through the entire metro area before 6:00 AM. If not, it doesn't matter which route you choose, it will be a parking lot. As far as the Richmond bypass, don't use it unless you're hitting that region during rush hour. Going straight through the city of Richmond is the best choice and not at all confusing.

 

[st92jmdc]

As an add on question...

How long does it take to get to HH FROM Philadelphia - without any D.C. Traffic?

 

[Jecca]

My guess is about 12-13 hours. At least that's what we're planning on. If its less, bonus. If its more, well... I guess I'll have learned my lesson on believing what mapquest says.