I81/I95 Route question

[DisneyLisa]

To those who have driven the I81/I95 route (we're leaving from Ottawa in July) where do you get on the I95? In the past we've taken I81 to 66 (to bypass Washington) then onto the I95 (route given by CAA) but a trip planning package I have says we should take I81 to I77 then down to the I95...shows it as shorter each way but it looks like we'd be following the mountains longer.

I prefer the I77/I79/I95 or the I75 route but plans have changed and we won't be stopping in southern Ontario to pick up a friend. It adds another 3 hours each way to our trip to go either of those routes so I figure it's probably not worth it. I do find those routes have less (truck) traffic so are less stressful but I80/I95 is definitely shorter.

I'm trying to decide which route to take and would appreciate any feedback/experiences. TIA

 

[TimNDansMom]

Oh no, not again! Glad you were able to find a replacement (I'd have gone but I have other plans this year! )

I still think you should take I-75

 

[LovePug]

I take 81 to 17 (in VA) to cross over to 95. Is 77 really shorter? It looks pretty close, but I haven't tried that way.

 

[Nagle]

Last March we went 81-77-26-95 and really enjoyed the drive better than the usual 81-66-95 route. Shaved an hour or two off our time too.

 

[LovePug]

Last March we went 81-77-26-95 and really enjoyed the drive better than the usual 81-66-95 route. Shaved an hour or two off our time too.

Really? Hmmmm......maybe I should pull out the map again. I'd love to knock off some time. It just doesn't look shorter on the map . Maybe I'll give it a try.

 

[DisneyLisa]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm leaning towards doing the I75 route now afterall but if not, I think I'll try the I81/77/95 route...thanks Nagle.

 

[DisneyLisa]

Update: Just thought I'd post that we're no longer driving. We just got fantastic direct flights with Southwest (Ding Fares) out of Albany for $240 Canadian each. The cheapest flights we could find out of Ottawa were $650 Canadian each. Had to change our dates by a day but no big deal. Disney here we come.