N.E. Ohio I-77 or I75?

[imageid]

This is our first family trip! We are driving from Northeast Ohio in June. Any suggestions? We catch I-77 near Akron, should we stay on I-77 or head over to I-75? We really want to make it in 1 day? Can anyone give me a time estimate? Me, DH, DD8 & DS6, we are all good travelers, not too many potty breaks!

 

[goofytime2000]

I'd say 77. I'm from NorthCentral Ohio (half way between Columbus and Cleveland on 71) and it normally takes between 18-22 hours depending on traffic, weather, breaks, etc. I just see 75 being a long ways out of your way, although I can't give you a time estimate. Have a safe trip.

~Goofy

 

[skoba-nelson]

On 4 of our trips since 2000 we have driven from Lorain County. On a couple of those trips we have driven non-stop on the way down. The first time we drove straight through we took the I-71 to I-75 route. This is a longer route but WVDOT website said I-77 near Charleston was snow covered and slick. We left around midnight and arrived at POR around 9PM. Almost 21 hours. DS was 5 months old but stops were quick. This route had the potential for heavy traffic. (For us on 71) both Columbus and Cincinnati, Knoxville-Smoky Mtns area and Atlanta. Luckily we hit traffic just right in Atlanta. I remember not having to adjust the cruise control on I-75 right through (not the bypass), even by Turner Field. This route seemed to have a lot more choices for gas, fast food, etc than the I-77 route, but I feel traffic could be heavier and the total miles are more.

On our most recent trip we left Westlake (DW work) at 2PM. This time no weather problems so we were taking I-77, 26, 95 then 4. Drove to Marietta, had dinner at McDonalds (DS now 2 years old). I got in backseat with him, DW drove. We fell asleep to Fantasia DVD. I woke when DW was pulling into a gas station at the NC/SC border at midnight. My turn to drive. Was doing really well, but decided to exit somewhere in GA. Pulled into a McDonalds around 3ish and took about an hour catnap. We made it through Jacksonville and stopped at McDonalds again (I know, I know) at 6AM. We could've been at ASSp a little before 10AM. We ended killing time in Daytona and showing DS the ocean. The I-77 route was 20 hours, but that was with my catnap and at speed limit or below while at night (deer). Of our 8 drives (back & forth) we have used the I-77 route for 7 of them. Only had one tie-up in Jacksonville for construction. Most of the way traffic is non-existant. Some people I've talked with prefer I-75, I think a lot depends on if you are already at or near I-77 why cut over to the longer route when you are on the shorter one.

If you any more questions feel free to ask.

 

[judi]

We have done both routes and find that 77 is about 17 hrs with eating/gas/bathroom stops. Going down 75 is about 19 hrs. Since you are right at 77 I would take that. We only take 75 when the weather is showing snow storms.

 

[corinascot]

I agree with other posts. We live in CLeveland area. We've driven both routes and I-77 is about 2 hours shorter and takes about 17 hours. We drove I-77 in June of 2004. No traffic problems and the only construction to speak of was through Charlotte, NC and on I-4 in Orlando. It's a pretty nice drive. Roads are good and the it's somewhat scenic.

 

[imageid]

Thank you! We will follow your advice and take 77!

 

[Pembo]

I like I-77 because you just fly thru the states so quick! That really passed the time for my kids. It took us about 17 hours from Lorain County.

 

[pepe of ohio]

to Florida. We've driven the I-77 route years ago and made it staright through in about 19 hours. This is the fastest route between the two from where you're starting. We like close to Youngstown. Last trip couple years ago we did the I-71 to I-75, I had enough of the I-77 mountains and fog. It took alittle longer but we didn't drive straight through, getting alittle to old for that commando style, minds awillin but the old bod isn't. I-75 is alot of 3 lane rolling plains, quite flat and more to my liking. Both way will get you there. Driving has become a hassle and we now take Amtrak out of Alliance, about 26-29 hours and cheaper and alot less hectic. Enjoy your vacation.

 

[kydisneyfans]

We drove from Canton via I77 many times-16 hours will do it--that coincides with the 17 hour drives from Lorain and Cleveland. I would stay away from Charlotte and Jacksonville at rush hour though. There really are no shortage of gas and stopping points on this route-although restaurant choices may be thin in certain areas.

 

[TinkOhio]

Kydisneyfans is right! Go 77, but avoid Jacksonville at rush hour! Try to clear that area early. We sat at that spot for four hours a couple of Easters ago, and have always made sure to zip past before 6:30 am.

Have a great trip!