Driving from MA to DC

David McLaughlin · David McLaughlin's Garage

I'm taking my family to DC for a weeks vacation. We'll be driving from eastern MA to a campground just outside DC. What is the best route? I've heard that the Jersey turnpike has better since the last time I traveled that road. Any interesting roads or sights on the way that won't extend the trabel time too much? Thoughts, comments, suggestions?

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

When I lived in West Stockbridge, we always went I-87 to I-287 into New Jersey. Then there is a short road US 206 through Princeton to Trenton. You then pickup I-95 and go through Philly.

We also used I-895 in Baltimore and the BW Parkway to save time to DC.

I'm sure others will chime in. Where near DC is the campground?

VincentVega · 07-03-2012, 05:58 PM

Stay off 895, construction has lanes closed. Take 95 tunnel.

I've always stuck to 95 the entire route, worst area is usually the GW bridge in NY.

Where are you staying?

David McLaughlin · David McLaughlin's Garage

We are staying at Bull Run campground in Centerville VA. The boys want to stop in NJ to see Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss). I think I'll save that for the return trip.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

To get to Centreville, 95 to the Beltway is the best route. When 95 splits to the Beltway, you want 495 west toward Silver Spring. Then take I-66 to Centreville. I don't know where that campground is, but the Centreville exits are between Fairfax and Manassas on I-66. That whole area has unreal traffic all the time.

VincentVega · 08:28 PM

Quote:

unreal traffic all the time

No kidding, my normal commute. Dont know what time you plan to come through, but dont try 495 between ~6:30-9 or 3-7 unless you have to. 66 west in the am you'll be going against traffic but getting to 66 with the current construction can be painful.

Just checked google maps and skipping b-more and 495 is worth looking into. Basically 78w in NJ to 81S, boring but only ~40m longer and much less congestion.

Good luck

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

If you go 81, it meets the end of 66 at Front Royal. There are a few entrances to Shenandoah Nat. Park there. There's no traffic on 66 west of Manassas unless there's a concert going on at Nissan Pavilion. In that case, you might as well pull off and camp there.