How to bypass Baltimore and DC

[Gopherdave]

We’re going to Disney in September. What is the best way to bypass Baltimore and DC going south on 95. I’d prefer to take one of the western loops around DC. Thanks

[A32Deuce]

Around the western side is a nightmare, just did it. To me and I have been doing it for years, NJ pike to 95 south in Deleware, exit at 896 south, this takes/turns into 301 south. Take to 50 west then back to 301 south. This rout will bring you back to 95 above Richmond Va. Depending on time of day I either stay on 95 south or take 295 around Richmond. There are CGs along the way. I have met many RVers that also use this route. Traffic in towns you go through, but it moves. Been going thisvwayvfor 30 years.

[Martsing]

As a "local" there really is no easy way without going further west. The 301/50/301 suggestion is not bad but the trade off is traffic lights and slow speed. Everything depends on timing. I have learned to NEVER be on or near the beltways between 0700 and 0900 and 1600 and 1800 during the week. As far as that stretch between DC and Richmond that is hit or miss at ANY HOUR but is GUARANTEED to be a Charlie foxtrot during the times I mentioned. Personally, I would stick to 95S and time it so you hit Baltimore at 1900 and then stop south of Richmond for the night somewhere around midnight.

Marty

[merrykalia]

Don't know where you are coming from, but is using I-81 down through PA and VA to I-77, I-26 to I-95 WAY down in SC an option? It might say that it will be 1 hr longer, but when you consider traffic and starts and stops, it might save you a great deal more time.

[A32Deuce]

Where you live, go across to 84 west and pickup 81 south and go from there. Much nicer. When I have to go to Rhinebeck, I try to stay in Gettysburg and run up to 83, then 81 to 84. Take that to 9 and go in that way. Much nicer then Jersey pike to the parkway to 287 to 87. Traffic is nuts that way.

[timfromma]

Originally Posted by merrykalia

Don't know where you are coming from, but is using I-81 down through PA and VA to I-77, I-26 to I-95 WAY down in SC an option? It might say that it will be 1 hr longer, but when you consider traffic and starts and stops, it might save you a great deal more time.

x2


You'll save on tolls too.

[jtesta1]

95 south to Route 13 south in Delaware to 64 in Virginia to Route 58 to 95 south at emporia Virginia.

[pact40]

Originally Posted by merrykalia

Don't know where you are coming from, but is using I-81 down through PA and VA to I-77, I-26 to I-95 WAY down in SC an option? It might say that it will be 1 hr longer, but when you consider traffic and starts and stops, it might save you a great deal more time.

This is the way I always go. I grab I 85 off I 77 and then Into I 75 into Florida . I 81 is a beautiful ride in between the mountains.

[rlh1957]

Agree... Delmarva peninsula! Just south of Philly or coming south out of NJ head for Delaware. Less traffic, less hassle and sure beats the a**holes you find lurking from Baltimore to DC.
Only traffic going down Delmarva peninsula is some beach traffic turning east to the coast about 20 - 30 miles over. And many people get a geography lesson on the way as they don't realize that besides Delaware part of Maryland and Virginia are there.

[jrowe0521]

495 West side around DC. 695 either way around Baltimore

[old40ford]

301 has about 3,000 stop lights that are set to look for RVs, just kidding, but, it has so many you will be cursing under your breath before you get to 95.

[jimmac91]

We have always taken 81 south to Interstate 66 then take Route 17 through to join 95 Fredricksburg its a few miles longer but infinitely faster.

[A32Deuce]

Originally Posted by old40ford

301 has about 3,000 stop lights that are set to look for RVs, just kidding, but, it has so many you will be cursing under your breath before you get to 95.

Your nose is growing![emoji3] There aren't that many. The most are south of 50. Just time it right.

[old40ford]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

Your nose is growing![emoji3] There aren't that many. The most are south of 50. Just time it right.

I meant to say south of 50, but, I still hate it when pulling a trailer or rv

[Chief Lou]

Every time I head south from extreme NW NJ, I take PA33 to US22 W to Harrisburg then 81 S. If I head to NOLA then I40, I24, I 59, I10. If heading Fla, 81 S , I 77, I 24 to 95S. A little longer but also a little quicker by avoiding Richmond, Baltimore, and DC.
Bonus...Nice scenery through the Shenandoah!

[blackseven]

My advice as a former prisoner of MD, stay on 95, however time it to be merging on to 95 south from 495 in Virginia at about 6am. On a weekday you'll be going against traffic, not with it and on a weekend you should be fine as well. If you can't do that you can consider 301 south, but you're adding hours more time than what you'd be spending sitting in traffic by taking 301. 81 is just entirely too far out of the way to consider if you're going 95 to Disney. It's fine if you're heading to Pensacola or Northwest FL. If you've got time to waste and you don't mind the slow pace, 301 or 81 are fine.

I absolutely hate the stretch of 95 between Richmond and 495, it's almost as bad as 85 through Atlanta or the toll heading west into Chicago. But I also painfully commuted to Quantico and Arlington for years from MD. And pulled my 5thwheel to Florida for years down that stretch before I moved to NWFL this year. Timing is key. (And I'd never move back for all the money in the world!)

[seizethebay]

I just drove up from Tampa doing the 77 to 81 route
as someone who has lived in Maryland for over 40 years and know that area well I definitely preferred the 77/81 route.
I will say right around Charlottesville got a little dicey but nothing compared to I 81 DC Richmond!
If you do take 301 is wonderful, Cg, cedarville, just at the Charles/pg border about 45 minutes past the Nice bridge

[Jpcarroll]

As a MD resident, I've made all the mentioned runs. We avoid 95 around DC like the plague. 81 is a decent option if you're already situated westward. For our location, we take 13 through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. It's a very pleasant route. You'll want to avoid being on 13/113 on Saturdays in the morning hours heading South and the early afternoon hours heading North as the beach traffic is bad. Also be mindful of propane tank restrictions in the bridge-tunnel...2 20# tanks, closed.

[Jim in Halifax]

From Nova Scotia ,Canada we take the G.S. Parkway and NJ Turnpike....clockwise around Baltimore and I-95 thru Richmond...In 6 years never had a problem with traffic

[namvet69]

I agree with jimmac91 I have been taking that route for the last 15-20 years and go through Richmond with no problems.
Adrian & Kathy
2014 Georgetown XL 337 pushed by 2015 Equinox
Dansville, NY