Which route would you take?

Route 1 and you'll go through the shenandoah valley. Absolutely beautiful park and place

No DC traffic. Route 1

We’ve done the first route with young kids about 10 times and last year now with teens we tried route 2 to show them more of the cities. Never again, traffic is horrible and it’s a stressful drive. The first route is so much more laid back and fun.

Route 1. Beautiful mountains. Route 2 is hell

ROUTE 1 ALL DAY LONG.

I actually did this trip from Binghamton, NY, made that choice. 95 is horrible, boring, big cities to get around, York is awful to drive through, Balto challenging, DC sucks, Richmond no picnic and then it's FOREVER through flatland swamps and pine trees. Blecch.

77 pulls you through stunning Blue Ridge mountain views and when you make the descent into the Shenandoah Valley, you're presented with an absolutely stunning view from thousands of feet above.

A LOT of driving, was enjoyable for my crew. We stopped at Charlotte heading south and in W. VA on the return. LONG driving days. Don't waste a lot of time at stops, construction and congestion will bite you on that ride.

FYI, heavy construction on I-81 between Binghamton and Scranton this year. Recommend hitting the rest area Just before Harrisburg heading south. Harrisburg tends to get very congested, LOTS of traffic at a chokepoint. Charlotte also tends to get congested, and when you finally do hit I-4 in Fla, cross your fingers - Orlando traffic can be very heavy too.

One pointer - there is no such thing as fast service in a southern restaurant. Recommend faster options while travelling. A GREAT idea is calling in takeout orders when you're a half hour from the restaurant, Subway, Chipotle, etc...

PLAN FOR TOLLS. EZ Pass isn't in every state.

Lastly, having a great navigator helps. Someone to scan for construction, congestion, alternate routes - can't always trust GPS!!!

Good luck and safe travels!!!

Avoid 95 at all costs. Usually get traffic for no reason

Did you want to take in DC sights on the way? I love seeing DC. But….If not, definitely stay away and do route 1!! Driven many times - that time estimate on route 2 is highly suspect and would change a lot based on time of day you hit DC. I see it estimated some traffic around DC but I’ve seen way way worse….oh and I have an 8 year old so I like taking him to see the amazing museums in DC…but if you don’t have the time for that…route 1

Route one hands down. Possibly even farther west, cross the PA/VA border through the Shenandoahs. Avoid as much of I95 as possible especially southbound.

Avoid DC and Baltimore like the plague. I-81 through Virginia is beautiful. There will be lots of eighteen-wheelers but far fewer white-knuckle moments. I've driven both many times.

81 but it can also be a nightmare out of the blue sometimes.

I am from New England and went to college in FL and have done both routes, I know a lot of people are saying traffic with route 2 but if you time it right you won't have to worry about it that much, but route 1 is a way prettier drive.

Another 3rd option is driving down to DC and then taking the auto train from there to DC too! I always enjoyed doing that!

Ironic that Route 2 could feasibly be Rt 1

Absolutely zero reason to take 95 all the way. One of the worst drives. Done it plenty of times and the longer scenic route is significantly better.

Truck driver here . Know all those roads . Unless you plan to stop in DC to show the kids the sights which is important to do once go route 1. Actually a very pretty relaxing drive. Many more places to just pull off the road and let the kids run around a bit. There are already some good suggestions in previous posts about the route.

Avoid DC at all costs

Route one every time. Much nicer drive.

I live in VA between these two routes, outside DC. Take 81, every damn time. I95 is a nightmare from just north of Richmond through Baltimore. Especially since you’d be veering off 95 anyway, just take the western route to start.

Route 1

Route 1, easily. You'll be threading the needle with traffic if you take Route 2.

Route 1. But be advised-86 mph and over in Virginia is reckless op, and VSP doesn’t play

I’ve done this drive from Northern NY multiple times…for years I have taken Route 1. Super pretty, but don’t let anyone tell you it’s not busy. It can be very busy, loaded with tractor trailers. I’ve encountered lots of traffic, accidents that can reroute you, etc. now the mountains of Virginia and NC are gorgeous, so if you’ve never gone this way, you should just for the views.

But I’ve started taking Route 2 last few years and depending on how you hit DC and Baltimore traffic, I actually found this route to be quicker. Also way less tractor trailer traffic which makes it less stressful to me.

Edit to add: idk how far north and west you are but taking 87 south to north of NYC and taking the Jersey turnpike has been quicker for me vs driving from Binghamton down through to Philadelphia. Also I’ve done this trip with children. They also have preferred route 2.

1. Avoid 95n through Va at all costs. It could add 5 hours to your time.

Avoid I95 from Baltimore to south of Richmond. I drove to Florida back in December and made 100 miles in 5 hours due to accidents. I81 isn't bad and the coastal route 13 isn't bad.

Route 1 is gorgeous.

I’ve made that drive like 10 times now. At least the stretch from GA to NY. I start in Macon, but once you get to Charlotte I follow the same route. It’s very pretty and there’s some cool overlooks in the Appalachians.

Also if you’re a fan of The Office you can stop in Scanton either way.

81, zero question

Would avoid the Baltimore area for now as well

I just did both. Route 1 hands down. Less large vehicles to contend with. Don’t contend with DC traffic. Better scenery. You will miss the cultural high of South of the Border stop which is not bad. Route 1 for sure.

I’ve done both multiple times. Much prefer 1.
95 south of Richmond sucks.

Route 1 careful when you get into VA I got a ticket coming home from Arizona to Northern va in march. Ton of cops pulling people left and right

1 for sure. Avoid as much of 95 as possible! Make plans to stop somewhere in VA or NC near a good brewery! Cheers!

ONE for sure! 95 is the worst interstate in America. It's a boring shit show always under construction.

Route 1 takes you through some beautiful mountains. I'd personally go that way.

Route 1 and stay out of Washington traffic there is a nightmare so stay out of it unless you plan on stopping to see something

Route 1. You don’t want to be anywhere near Washington or Richmond unless you enjoy idling.

1 for sure. Gorgeous ride

i've taken both. Route 1. The other one is a snoozer.

1. You don’t want the torture of 95 between Richmond and DC.

Route 1. Less I-95.

Route 1 is always better. It’s a tad bit longer, but the traffic is easier and you skip the big cities on the East Coast.

Getting around DC is going to save you a bunch of time and aggravation. And when you get frustrated, you will jump in the express lane-and BAM! You just dropped $40 in tolls. No thanks.

But if you are going through Charlotte during commuting time…take the express lane. Yeah, it will cost you a few dollars but it will get you through in half the time.

I do this route from Western MA a couple times a year. Always go the interior route.

Everyone is saying skip DC, but the free museums and landmarks astound me. I could never get enough.

I-81 is a way better trip than I-95.

Once you get past Virginia on 95, it gets pretty boring. Spice it up with the other route.

Route 1 The traffic on 95 gets worse every year. I've used 81 several times from New hampshire to florida, and i greatly prefer it

Route 1. 81 is a beautiful drive! Plus, traffic in DC is awful

Clearly the 3 minutes saved makes route 1 the OBVIOUS CHOICE!

Take route 1 for sure. It goes up I-81 through the Shenandoah Valley - a beautiful drive.

Route one has a better chance of you not being in traffic not saying you won't get in traffic but its less likely then route 2 . I may be wrong

Set your route, Then click the no tolls option. This will bring you a much better and more scenic route and also routes you around all the bigger cities.

Route 1 every time

Route 1 all day

Route 1. Like others said, don't speed. Enjoy the drive. I hate 95 so much! They are terrible right now with so many constructions going on.

Not 95

You can never predict traffic around Baltimore and DC. Avoid it if possible

Option 1 will be a prettier drive with less traffic, guaranteed. You will have issues where the routes meet up in South Carolina regardless, unless you get to that area in the morning or late night. Try not to get there between 2-7pm if you can avoid it.

Honestly stick to the path that leads through the smokies, I’d even go out my way to be drive as much t if it as possible. I drove from ny to New Orleans and it was soooo beautiful

The rout that avoids DC

Route 1. Avoid metro DC if you can!

I would avoid the DC route at all costs.

Route 1 for sure the construction and traffic around DC and everything is such a nightmare it's not worth it.

Route 1 is better for the view and traffic but may not have as many rest stops accessible for the kids.

The first picture goes right by Shenandoah National Park that’ll be a much prettier drive

Route 1 due to the traffic and zero scenery. Traffic through and around DC is ridiculous.

I-81 to US 220 south is 4 lane all the way to South Carolina. Just a few miles in South Carolina with 2 lane then I-95 south

I81 can get crowded but I95 is just awful

Go left, blue ridge mountains

1 even if it took longer.

Really good restaurant downtown Cheraw SC for lunch not open for dinner

Definitely route 3 along the coastline

Depends on when you leave honestly, I did #2 from RI left at 10pm and was into the Carolinas with not any traffic.

1

Route 1 I live in va but I’m from nc it’s all around easier

I always take 81 instead of 95

For me it’s Route 1 looks like less major cities and maybe more scenic!!

The one avoiding DC.

Route 1 certainly, that’s the only way I travel up Fl to Upstate NY. It’s more backroads less congestion.

Through Durham, up rt 501, through Lynchburg VA, and by Shaannendoa. Drag and drop the route on a desktop version of Google maps. Won't add any time.

Route 1

DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT go anywhere near Baltimore of DC if you want to get to your destination quickly.

Route 1 is more of a guaranteed time to manage, and over all more pleasant, the other goes through 3 major metro areas with lot of chance for thing to hold you back... unless you intend to visit DC or Richmond etc.. then route 1 is the best

I've done both many times. 81 is much more scenic and I would pick it almost every time over 95. There are quite a bit of trucks on 81 but it's still better than the traffic of 95.

Route 1. For the folks in the back: ROUTE 1. Avoid DC; traffic can hold you up for hours.

I would go route 1. Even if you get through the DC corridor without hitting terrible traffic, when you get to the 2 lanes in the Carolinas there is a good chance that you will caterpillar your way all the way down to Georgia. It's happened to me the last 2 times that I made that drive.

rt 1.

avoid DC at all costs. although it's certainly worth seeing, unless it's your final destination i'd avoid the traffic hellstorm and chill in the mountains instead.

To paraphrase Will Smith, GET DC OUT OF YOUR DARN MOUTH!

1

Route 1. I’ve driven it many times from NC, Connecting to the mass pike around Albany. It’s much more scenic and I’ve been able to relax more while driving.

95 goes through a lot of major cities. My dad decided to take it once and that was enough. It claimed to only take a little over 12 hours but because of going through many major cities and traffic it took closer to 18. (But it did provide entertaining moments of him yelling at the GPS when it kept finding ways around congested areas) Never again.

Route 1 would be my preference, more scenic, fewer major cities. The drive through the western portion of Virginia is really quite pretty.

1

Traffic on route 2 will be a total nightmare.

DC area native/resident here. Avoid the area, especially Baltimore with the recent Key Bridge destruction. Even in "off hours" it's a parking lot.

Route 1 hands down - more scenic, less accidents/traffic than 95

1

2

I’m from Baltimore. Take 1!

Route 1 will have all the beauty. Route 2 will have the ghetto and DC (super ghetto)

I'm by the Zoo. :)

Route 1. Avoid DC traffic and the Shenandoah is beautiful!

Route 1 looks like it avoids 495. You don’t want to be on the beltway. There’s nowhere to stop and the traffic is always terrible.

I know this isn't exactly what you're asking, but if the route is not a part of the trip, have you considered flying it? You could get a rental while there or Disney has transportation that goes to the airport and transportation that will take you all around the property.

If you take the western route and like to shop, I wholeheartedly recommend Unclaimed Baggage, 509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768. They buy things that are lost on planes, trains, ships, and so on that the company's cannot reunite with their owners. From computer games to wedding dresses.

81.

Route 1 for me. I love the mountains

Route one you’ll avoid DC traffic and MOST of NC! Trust me you won’t miss anything by driving straight through North Carolina(they are only “first in stupidity”)

Both! (Gotta get back so)

Know a lot of people that drive Pennsylvania to Florida. Route 1 looks to be their route; they dread getting back on 95. Note with route 2 that DC would be a full day thing, not a stop on the way, and if you mistime even driving near DC you'll be in standstill traffic. 

1

Route 1 going thru DC /DMV via 95 is a traffic nightmare. That alone would turn me off.

81 can be horrific, but on any given day you're likely to pass through it faster.

Fancy Gap can be utterly terrifying depending on when you go through it. Food options suck on both ways, if we're being honest.

Route 1 for sure. The VA and NC mountains are gorgeous and I-95 is boring and congested.

Living in Virginia, I would take the first route since it avoids big city traffic. I-81 has heavy truck traffic but it moves very well. I-95 has speed traps particularly in Emporia. When you get near the DC area traffic is a mess. When you get to MD it becomes a toll road. It does have nice rest areas. While in FL, I recommend St. Augustine and Kennedy Space Center if you have the time.

route 1 with detours for Gettysburg and shady maple smorgasbord in Pennsylvania and a detour in NC for peters pancakes & waffles

Route 1 all day

Route 1 but you can also not pay the tolls that it wants you to pay with I-76

I would never voluntarily drive through DC if there's another option.

I would avoid going through DC at all costs

Watch for cops as soon as you cross into VA they're strict for a while

Route #1 all day. Traffic through Philly and DC is a damn nightmare. Also route one will be an absolutely gorgeous drive thru the mountains.

If the choice is between mountains or no mountains, always choose mountains.

Cons are that weather and traffic might slow you down, and twisty roads might fatigue you faster.

Pros are magnificent views, beautiful parks, sometimes less traffic and more fun driving.

Route #1 for Charlotte over Route #2 in DC all the live-long day.

My fam would take route one from Maryland (I'm guessing that is I81 that you're following for most of it. I'm not someone that likes to drive, but 81 was easy going for the most part.

Definitely route 1 cuz it’s shorter (I dont know shit about america)

Route 2

Take i95 all the way and stop at "PEDRO'S SOUTH OF THE BOARDER" It's a wildly surreal, slightly trippy, rest stop just south of the NC and SC state boarder. You'll see the billboards for miles and miles before you get there. You can't miss them. It's like something out of PeeWees Big Adventure. If you've never been it's worth the stop.

2

I’ve done part of the second route. The SC-NC-VA part is incredibly boring and then there is the chance of DC and Philly traffic.

Avoid Washington at all costs

Route 1 ! I did route 2 so many tolls and takes you over George Washington bridge which is like $30 or was when I went over it

1 absolutely no question. Absolutely gorgeous and far superior to anything 95 has to offer you (which is nothing but hell)

1 no question

Avoid 95 it's the most monotonous highway for that route.

If any one voted route 2, they’re incorrect

Root 1 you don’t want to go through Washington DC, and Philadelphia traffic will suck…unless you travel through those cities at night.

Whichever way shows the fastest at time of travel.

Avoid I-95 in Virginia as much as possible

81 and 77 over 95. Its not even a question hhonestly.

Edit, only downside is you'll miss the buccees in Florence sc.

1. Avoid DC traffic at all costs.

I have done both multiple times. Route 1 is a much more pleasant drive, just make sure you have any overnight stops planned ahead of time because there are fewer options.

1

Absolutely route 1 for many reasons I'd just be repeating.

Route 2 only looks better because it isn’t showing traffic. There will be traffic.

Unless you have some reason to go to DC, you HAVE to choose route 1. Unless you love sitting in 6 hours of traffic as a summer pastime.

DO NOT go route 2 Eastern NC native here.

Do you want to stop in DC?

Route 1 more scenic

Route 1. Great Mountain views and no DC traffic

Stay off 95.

Route 2 and avoid I-81

You could not pay me to do route 2.