Route question MA to FL

[Jaylie]

We have driven two different routes to WDW, and are wondering about going a different route through Richmond this time. I'd like to hear thoughts and/or suggestions about this. 90-84-81-17-95-4

In the past we've gone 95-287-Garden State Pkwy-NJ Tpk-95-4 and also
90-84-81-77-26-95-4

 

[msb578]

We have driven two different routes to WDW, and are wondering about going a different route through Richmond this time. I'd like to hear thoughts and/or suggestions about this. 90-84-81-17-95-4 In the past we've gone 95-287-Garden State Pkwy-NJ Tpk-95-4 and also 90-84-81-77-26-95-4

I've done both routes (although from a different starting area). 17 is a good route during the daytime and in clear weather. It's pretty desolate, with not a lot of businesses. We did stop at a McDonald's. At night, I might prefer to stay on the interstates.

Actually, I have a trip coming up, and I haven't decided which way to go this time. Some people dislike the trucks on 81, but I had no issue with them. I really liked 81-77-26-95. But in the winter, the mountains of VA and NC could be tricky.

What season are you traveling in?

 

[Jaylie]

We'll be driving down at the end of December (the 27th probably).

 

[msb578]

Yeah, for the winter I do like the idea of using 17 to get over to Richmond. I don't recall it being very hilly, but it would be great if a VA resident could jump in and confirm that. For me, I'd try hard to allow for daytime driving on that stretch, but that's just personal preference.

 

[cranbiz]

Depending on where in MA you start but my preferred route when I lived up there is 495, 95, 287, GSP, NJTP, 95 thru Baltimore, 495 around DC, 95 until Richmond then 295 around Richmond back to 95 until I4.

Done this many times. I really don't like 95 thru Richmond, too many curves and speed restrictions and I stay as far as possible away from DC.

I see the I84/81, 77, 26 route to have way too many hills and the possibility for snow is greater in the mountains.

 

[MulanMom]

Another thought for your route. If you depart 81 in the harrisburg area, you can take rt. 15 south, then 270 to the DC beltway to 95 South. Minimizes the time you are on the beltway. But, honestly, you have to watch what time of day you travel. There was some construction happening just south of Springfield Va that we got caught up in on I95.

Just offering another option!