Best Travel route from NJ to Florida

[campingPhil]

I have taken I-95 great road, but Washington bad news. I have also tried route 78 to route 81 a lot of 2 lane roads and hills. Anyone have a better route or what works for you. I have Georgetown 36 foot.

[esloser]

Where in New Jersey? Have you tried the Eastern Shore route? Down through Delaware on 301/13? Would have to meet up with 95 at some point but that should get you by Baltimore and Washington.

[campingPhil]

I live in Ringwood New Jersey

[ependydad]

What day and time? If you can time Baltimore and DC, they can be not terrible. My vote is for the route that you already took- just try to time the cities.

[18CrewDually]

I leave @ 2 a.m. no issues. This year we are leaving a little earlier, about midnight. I-95 south. For the Baltimore tunnel I take the Francis Scott Key Bridge to avoid the tunnel (sometimes).
I work overnights so the time isn't an issue. Works out great with the 2 kids and mom sleeping.

[Toothpick]

If you cant leave in the early am the only option I know of is to take I-70 to I-81 to I-77 to I-26 to I-95. It will add about 100 miles and a lot of hills to your route but you avoid all the DC traffic.

[davel1971]

DC is not bad if you go mid-day. I time it that way when going from home (Delaware) to Virginia. We usually come home on a Sunday, and that isn't bad at all. Another option for you going south is to go through Delmarva area on 13 south to Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Avoids Baltimore and DC for you, but then you have Norfolk which can be bad at times too. Keeps you out of the hills though.

[dblr]

Get off the last exit on 95 in Delaware, take 896 south it will turn into 301 south, stay on 301 until you get into Va. then follow signs to return you to 95 south one exit before the Kings Dominion exit. It is a good route but does have some sections with some traffic lights but not really that bad, you avoid the Balt & D.C. mess plus a few fuel choices right before you get back on 95. Some folks do not like this way but it is my preferred route.

[Ford1]

I like 'dblr's route. Rt 301 will take you across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and down thru Waldorf (which will be slow going) and over the Potomac River Bridge into Virginia. The Va. side is very pretty and 4 lane into Bowling Green (light traffic). I would suggest staying on 301 from there into Richmond where you can take 295 or grab 95. That last stretch is only two lanes, but still nice road and very little traffic.From Richmond, 95 is the best bet. Used to live in that area and always traveled that way to Annapolis.

[Cathcartww]

Originally Posted by esloser

Where in New Jersey? Have you tried the Eastern Shore route? Down through Delaware on 301/13? Would have to meet up with 95 at some point but that should get you by Baltimore and Washington.

We live way down south in Jersey, but love the Eastern Shore route. I would take I287 south to the Garden State Parkway, then the GSP all the way south to the end and catch the Cape May/Lewes Ferry. The ferry is a nice ride, and big enough there is no problem with an RV. From Lewes, DE, you have Route 1 to 24 to 113, then 13 all the way to the Chesapeake Bridge Tunnel. 4 lanes most the way, relaxing 55 mph, lots of scenery and places to stop.

From the Virginia Beach side of the bridge/tunnel, it is good roads (I64 to 58) all the way to I95 at Emporia, VA, just north of the VA/NC border.

Much more relaxing than the Philadelphia - Wilmington - Baltimore - Washington - Richmond route .....

[Gwen]

We've tried all of the routes (but not the tunnel through Baltimore, because propane is not allowed). The reality is that 95 and the Key Bridge work out best, it's just prudent to 'time' your trip.

[denville]

I line in northern N J. The only way to go is 81. Easier drive, NO tolls, less traffic and NO Washington I arrive relaxed after driving 81

[ben31]

Try the Bay Bridge Tunnel. It is fun to do once and you miss most of the garbage traffic.

[RVPP]

We did the Bay Bridge Tunnel, both ways, last winter. No real problem. This winter I believe I might try the CM-Lewes Ferry, Annapolis, Richmond route. It's all downhill from Richmond/Emporia.

[SULTINI]

Been making that trip since I was a kid with my parents. It's all in the timing as previously mentioned. 95 then 695 around Baltimore Key Bridge, No trailers with propane allowed in harbor tunnel. Back to 95/495 around Washington on to 295 around Richmond VA, Then easy riding all the way to FL. I leave from Philly around 1 or 2 in the morning to get me around Washington Before all the GOV people clog the roads.
I have also come home on 301 thru Waldorf beautiful scenery with some red lights but it's nice for a change to get away from 95 regardless of the red lights.

[Jim in Halifax]

Some are saying to take a "tunnel"...Thought propane tanks were NOT allowed in USA tunnels???????????????? I take GSP and clockwise around Wasshington and Delaware and 95 thru Richmond.(bypass is a terrible rough hwy)

[A32Deuce]

I have been going to Fl from Jersey for the last 30 years. 896 to 301S. to 50W. to 301S. to 95S. At Fort AP Hill. Time of day stay on 95S. Near rush 295S. 3100SS and car trailer, no problems and easy going. Depending on time of day, we stop at a camp ground just before the Potomac River Bridge. Also if you turn off propane, tunnels are OK. Our tanks are DOT approved.

[Jim in Halifax]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

I have been going to Fl from Jersey for the last 30 years. 896 to 301S. to 50W. to 301S. to 95S. At Fort AP Hill. Time of day stay on 95S. Near rush 295S. 3100SS and car trailer, no problems and easy going. Depending on time of day, we stop at a camp ground just before the Potomac River Bridge. Also if you turn off propane, tunnels are OK. Our tanks are DOT approved.

Couple years back I was stopped exiting Baltimore tunnel by authorities and was severely repremanded..... I was not to use the tunnel carrying propane...I said my tanks were "off" and their comment was "What if you were involved in an accident?".......A tanker truck was in front of me!! Go Figure that one out???????

[RVPP]

At the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel the toll collector reminded us to turn the propane off before starting. There are 'rest' areas at both ends for this.

[Jim in Halifax]

Originally Posted by RVPP

At the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel the toll collector reminded us to turn the propane off before starting. There are 'rest' areas at both ends for this.

Sorry Where is this tunnel???