From central PA - I-81 vs I-95

[DoeWDW]

We are not sure which route we want to take when we drive to Disney in a few weeks. We're leaving from Harrisburg PA. Either we can take I-83 south to I-95 south or we can take I-81 south and go through Charlotte (on whatever route that is) to cut back over to I-95.

Taking I-81 adds about an hour onto the drive but you don't have the Baltimore, Washington or Richmond loops with their attendant traffic. I'd gladly add the hour if there's less traffic and less construction....

Does anyone else have a preference? Does anyone have any idea of which road might have less construction going on?

 

[Robert P]

I would have to vote for the 81 to I-77 to I-26 (Columbia, SC), where you cut over to I-95 South, coming in above the SC/GA line. It may be a slight bit longer, but we prefer to avoid the I-95 'mystery traffic' around the major metro areas.
FYI, once you hit Charlotte, NC on I-77 South, you are between 8-9 hours out from WDW, depending on driving style, time of day, stops, etc.....
Either way you go, you will still get the full dose of Georgia construction on I-95.

 

[caitycaity]

i've done both ways from syracuse (I-81) and from connecticut (I-95). i have found *in general* there is less traffic on 81, but there are more trucks. and if i were you, i would check with aaa about planned construction on both routes b/c i have been on 81 in the summer and hit HORRIBLE construction, especially at night, before. one time it was so bad, we were literally not moving for about an hour. that was a holiday weekend though.

 

[hobogary]

If you take US 17 at Winchester Va to I -95 you miss DC and Balt. Then take 295 around Richmond and traffic is not bad ( i think Charlotte is worse). We've done both ways, 81 has more hills and more trucks, 95 has more traffic. Its a toss up.

 

[BlessedMomOfTwo]

I agree with Hobogary. We always take I-81S to 17 at Winchester to I-95 and then take I-295 around Richmond. We rarely encounter much traffic on this route and haven't found it to add any time (in fact, I think it probably shaves a little off).

We are in Chambersburg, BTW.
Carol

 

[Mlissa88]

Just wanted to say hello from another Harrisburg person! Enjoy your trip! I can't wait for mine!

 

[DoeWDW]

Thanks, all, for the replies and the great information!

When we get back, I'll let you know which way we went and how the traffic was!