Talk of The Villages Florida - Driving advice

Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)

- The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)

- - Driving advice - MA on the 23rd (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/driving-advice-ma-23rd-327176/)

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulligan (Post 2039001)

We did basically the same route from Central Mass. If you go west on I-10 from Jacksonville, and take the much improved 301 south, you will wind up right at the Western edge of the villages.

Actually on that part of the trip, I’d go one better. The second exit off I-95 after crossing the border from Georgia into Florida is Route 200. Take it West/South (a right hand turn off I-95) and it turns into Route 301. Follow 301 South, then just South of Ocala bear right unto 441 and come straight down to the Villages. Easy route that completely avoids Jacksonville and I-10. :coolsmiley:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaj523 (Post 2039328)

You can pick up the Auto Train at Lorton, VA (just south of DC) off 95. You put your car on the train and then relax inside for the trip to Orlando. Then it's just an hour to The Villages.

Not if you travel with a dog.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat_RI (Post 2038829)

Hello,

I’m driving down from the RI border on the 23rd and I am thinking of hopping on the road at 5PM so I should hit NY around 8PM and DC I’m guessing around 11PM. Last time I drove and hit DC at 11pm it was a 2 hour delay due to them do construction at night. Should I try and avoid DC if so is there an alternative route around?

Merry Christmas

To get through the DC nightmare we would take US I95 to US I895 thru Harbor Tunnel to Maryland Rte 295 to US I295 to US I495 to IS I95 south. Pretty clear sailing from there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy and Ed (Post 2039419)

To get through the DC nightmare we would take US I95 to US I895 thru Harbor Tunnel to Maryland Rte 295 to US I295 to US I495 to IS I95 south. Pretty clear sailing from there.

295 is the BW Parkway. It parallels I-95 and only puts you on 495 a few miles SE of I-95...

Problem is, it's only 2 lanes and it can get locked down in a heartbeat...

Thanks for all the options. The reason I am leaving at 5PM is I have to work that day (from home) and plan on driving 10 hours or whenever I get tired I’ll stop for a quick nap. I’m driving down because I need to bring a bunch of stuff with me and plan on driving around FL to do some sightseeing and kayaking….rentals for a month or 2 would be outrageous. I’m guessing I’ll be dealing with heavy traffic for most of the trip due to the holiday. I plan on using Waze for GPS and traffic but also keep Apple/Google maps on also. I’m guessing I’ll stop somewhere in VA for a nap but hoping to make the NC border but that’s highly doubtful. Wish me luck and have a nice Christmas.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat_RI (Post 2039443)

Leaving at 5pm is fine. Six hours should get you to Baltimore/DC metro area, 10 hours should get you to southern VA. If you plan on taking a nap I would avoid taking the western route of 81 through Virginia, exits and rest areas can be very far apart and you have many more options on 95. Good luck with your drive.

Took a little over 18 hours of driving. Went 95S thru CT over Tappan Zee to the Jersey Turnpike to 95. Took 495 around DC and 95 the rest of the way. CT was simply horrible but the rest of the ride no problems. Jersey service Centers are trash. Route 75 in FL was a white knuckle ride. 301 was a nice ride to 75. Merry Christmas.