TravelGuides

Hello,
I'll be driving down to Washington DC from Connecticut tomorrow morning. I make this trip almost every year, but I've never found a route I truly like. Taking 84 to Scranton, then South on 81 is more relaxing, but often takes me 8 hours. If I take the Tappan Zee to the NJ turnpike, then 95 South, it can be quicker, but it's hectic. I hate stopping for all the tolls and the possibilty of getting snarled in traffic.
Anyone have a better route for a quicker trip with less headaches. (I considered Amtrak but the fares were triple the cost of gas plus parking!)
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Boy, your route takes you pretty far west. I've taken 84 to the NYS Thruway and then down to I think its 278 that would get you onto the NJTurnpike below New York. The route usually less crowded and less conjested and 278 has no tolls. Also have taken the Tappan Zee to the Garden State to the Turnpike (or 195 near Trenton) to 295 which has no tolls. 295 reconnects with 95 right at the Delaware bridge. Obviously EZPass does help get through toll plazas. My guess is that any route you take will be crowded tomorrow.
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Thanks INSUREMAN (no doubt you're from CT huh?)
I did see the NY thruway route, to 287. It looks almost as direct as going thru NYC. I'll give this a try. It's an easier decision knowing you've tried it sucessfully. We will leave by 4 AM to try to beat the traffic.
I really hope that Amtrak becomes competative someday. Our hotel sits right on top of the Metro station and we never use the car anyway.
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Assuming you are taking TZ, then either GS or 287 to NJT. I always jump over to 295 at 195 just below Plainsboro. If there is traffic at the merge then I know how to scoot across Plainsboro to rt 1 s and then hop on 295.
I have never had any traffic on 295 until I hit the DMB tolls.
After that, just sit back and relax as traffic is bad all the time.
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The price of Amtrak tickets, at least in the NE Corridor, varies according to demand. Last minute purchases can be quite expensive. Next time try to buy your tickets a few weeks ahead of time and you may see some better prices.
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Yes, I meant 287 -- and no I'm not originally from CT -- I'm just a kid from Brooklyn but went to college in the mid-Hudson valley and have friends and relatives in NE and Westchester county. I tried using GPS several times and each time assumes to take me on 95 to the GW Bridge. No Thank You.
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