[k2at]

I have driven I95 many times and find it is the fastest route. Leave NJ at about 5AM and you will sail through Washington. Once past that obstacle, it is all down hill. It takes me 18 hours from Princeton, NJ to the villages. Sometimes we sleep in a motel and other times we go straight through.

[JSR22]

Thanks for the info. We live a 1/2 hour from Princeton.

[George Bieniaszek]

I make the drive between CT and The Villages 3-4 times per year and most of the time I stay on I 95. Timing is the important part with the heavy traffic spots in NYC, Baltimore/DC areas. I have driven this route on weekdays and traffic is DEFINATELY heavier. At all costs, stay away from these areas during the work commuting traffic on weekdays.

I make every attempt to drive on the weekend where traffic is lighter.

[JAV0108]

We take the Garden State parkway to the Cape May Ferry and go that way as it is the least stressful for us. It is also the most beautiful. You also can avoid DC going that way.

[asianthree]

i come from Mi to our house in 18 hours I75 is either great or not

[shcisamax]

I left from EWR at 10 a.m. on a Sunday and got on the other side of DC and stayed in Alexandria which was great. Monday left at 10 a.m. so we didn't hit traffic (and were moving from DC) and stopped in Fayetteville, NC. No problem leaving Fayetteville and driving to Charleston. Got out of Charleston around 9 a.m. with no problem and went to Savannah but could have easily gone on to TV. We found once you get through to Fayetteville, there is no problem with traffic - if you are used to New York metro driving, it simply doesn't compare.

[shcisamax]

Just realized you are leaving on a Saturday. I would leave really early in the morning to get on the other side of DC before they all awaken from their Friday night.

[Skip2MySue]

Originally Posted by JSR22

Thank you. I'm starting to feel better about this drive. I was just checking the pet airline that goes out of NY. Unfortunately, they go to Ft. Lauderdale not Orlando.

When you get the AAA maps and guides it will give you all sorts of options for pet friendly motels, gas stations, restaurants, etc. We left Brick NJ @ 3:30 AM on Jan 3rd and drove into our garage in Pennecamp @ 7:30 PM. Wasn't wild about driving but I new all about the prize at the end of the trip. Have a safe trip.
Skip 2

[bandsdavis]

We just arrived today from VA using 95. From NJ to Richmond VA, 95 is a pain in the tush. From there to The Villages, it's a piece of cake. You will get off 95 just north of Jacksonville and take a couple other routes after that.

[buzzy]

Originally Posted by tucson

I drove the last time along the western part of the states going up and back to the NE and found it much nicer than I95!!! Approx. same mileage, better roads, BEAUTIFUL scenery along the interstates and MUCH LESS traffic. I used Google Maps to do the directions,etc. Much easier than AAA and it was precise.

What routes and stopovers did you take?

[shcisamax]

If you are interested in the route i took and the hotels I used that were pet friendly pm me. Wonderful trip and great hotels.

[tommy steam]

Originally Posted by Posh 08

When I drove on Saturday June 16th I 81 and I 26 were hideous. I 77 so so. I'll only do I 95 in the future or Auto Train both ways. If you want to cut out the Jacksonville mess get off I 95 at A1A and go to Callahan on a new 4 lane 65 mph. Then take 301 South.

bump

[drdodge]

I always go 95 to the Jacksonville by pass then 10 to 301 south to the villages. Obey the speed signs and you wont have a problem. There are speed traps but you must slow down when the speed signs say so. it is a very good route
drd

[Posh 08]

Originally Posted by tucson

FYI: There are ALOT of speed traps along Rt.301, the State Troopers are always hiding in the bushes, etc. along that route. I've heard they'll even pull you over if you're going only a couple of mi. over the sp. limit.

Never had a problem, not even with Waldo Willie.

[Posh 08]

Originally Posted by pklein9747

I overheard an employee at AAA tell someone to take I-10 to I-75 and then down to TV (or visa versa). AAA tells people to avoid 301 because of the local traffic and speed traps in the northern section. She said that even though you go a bit out of your way to get to I-75 it more than pays off as you can travel faster on I-75, so the time should be about the same.

Not worth the extra miles. Just do the posted limits. Don't miss this part of Florida.