I-95 South alternatives

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Mar 22, 2013 | 02:14 PM

Laflamme02

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From: Maine

I-95 South alternatives

I'll be taking a trip with the wife from Maine to Sorrento, FL in June and advise on how to get south quickly but without I-95. I see route 301 from DE to FL may be a good call but I don't know if it's slow travel or congested.

Does anyone have any good ideas. I'll need to get from Maine to the Orlando area in 3 days. We don't might riding 10+ hours a day but the wife isn't down with hours and hours going 80 on a highway.

Thanks for your input.

Mar 22, 2013 | 02:47 PM

IdoOK

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From: idaho falls

I 95 help

I lived in Albany Ny 4 20 years, owned semi trucks, ran all over and into NYC. Have made the trip to FL many times..... Daytona beach, right on the ocean 55 or 60 a night, anyway.... I always go I95 hitting north jersey at night or early am., u can avoid traffic some if u go west on I80 out to I287 or I278, about x45 and go south out and around passing I78 and getting on the jersey turnpike at x10 from there it really is not to bad staying on95, except DC area in the am. and if caught in it go straight thru avoid 895 at all cost. The only way around it all, mostly country driving is to go west at Albany NY on I88 out to binghamton NY 100 miles and go south on I81 to I83 and pick up 95 at baltimore,,, again DC area , not in the am., other than that is stay on 81 to 77 or 79 i forget but now ur going way out,... ive gone 81 to 83 several times i always just bite it on 95 all the way. 301 may show the 4 lanes but not the 4 billion stop lights, many only a couple 100 yrds. apart.

Mar 22, 2013 | 03:01 PM

Pine Tree

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From: New England

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laflamme02

I've tried several routes to Florida so as to avoid the congestion as well.

For me, the route that works best is mostly interstate if I need to make time. I know you want to avoid that but if time is important, then it might be necessary.

The secondary roads seem appealing but they can be very, very slow. I've taken parts of 301 thru VA, the Carolinas, and Georgia and found then not good for making any time. Many little towns with 25 mph speed limits.

FWIW, I usually take I-495 around Boston then head southwest via I-90/84 to Scranton. Note, the interstate around Scranton is rough.. maybe worse then the backroads here in Maine.

From Scranton, I take I-81 south (nice little family-owned motel in Buchanan, VA called the Wattstull) then I-77 south.

I use to live in Atlanta, Ga and headed there but I'd suggest either staying east by heading to I-95 and then south to Florida. Of course I-95 becomes very busy again as you approach Jacksonville.

Hope that helps...ride safe and enjoy!

Mar 23, 2013 | 04:00 PM

Chaz in TN

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From: Knoxville

I'd put this question to the folks located in the "Florida Crew"

Mar 23, 2013 | 05:43 PM

IdoOK

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From: idaho falls

that is correct I84 for I81,Scranton ,, I had posted b 4 to go west at albany on I88 realize now I was thinking of I87 from the north down to 95 my mistake, had lived there so many years i didnt realize.

Mar 23, 2013 | 05:53 PM

user_1534GD

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Laflamme02

I always take route 81 to 75 to Florida Tpk...

Mar 24, 2013 | 08:47 AM

Geezr Glidr

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From: Wellsboro, PA

Good luck!!!!!! 81's just as bad as 95. Too bad you have only 3 days. You could have alot nicer ride by going a little further west, before heading south.