MD/VA I-95/295 vs. 301 South

[jk31668]

Just returned from a trip to Florida and back. Always heard debates of which route is better, US 301 south off of Route 50 to Petersburg, VA. or I-95 south to I-295 south. Traffic lights and slower speed vs. higher speed but longer distance. The verdict is in and the winner is I-295/I-95 is faster by about 25 minutes. Of course, there are many variables here but this was my experience.

[snowdog]

I agree...Tried the 301 route once and found it to be slow and endless traffic lights, i'll stick with I-95.I-495

[ccradio]

It's a little faster IF you don't run into DC traffic. And if you do, you're probably going to be looking at the north end of a southbound bumper for a long time, until you get to Quantico.

Coming from Baltimore, I would take I-95 through the city to I-695 east. Go a couple of miles to I-97 and take that almost to the end (exit 1), where it meets up with US 50/301. Stick with 301 when it splits off from 50 and then re-join I-95 (or I-295) just north of Richmond.

You don't save much time (if any), but at least you have some options if you need to take a gas/food/pee/whatever break. And that, not time, is the big advantage.