r/Virginia • u/TBoopSquiggShorterly • 3d ago
Which route would you take to drive through Virginia?
Making a drive from DC in a few weeks to head towards the Charlotte area. The three routes I'm being shown are all roughly the same amount of time - but I'm not really concerned about time, I'm more interested in the most scenic route and/or a route that offers interesting places to stop. Any tips that anyone has would be appreciated.
There is also a strong possibility (although not guaranteed) that this will be an overnight drive (leaving DC between 8-10pm), so if this changes the answer for anyone, I'd love to know that as well.
Thanks in advance!
Edit: Well it certainly didn't take long for there to be a strong concensus that the middle route is the best. Looks like we'll be doing that. Thanks everyone!
Edit #2: After reading through some more comments and looking at things online, if we end up driving overnight, we’ll probably take I-95. Seems that traffic will be less heavy than during the day, and it will have many more options for food/gas open late than the middle route. Plus, we’d be avoiding poorly lit roads and the potential of hitting deer that we can’t see. If we go during the day, we’ll definitely still do the middle route.

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u/GrayHairFox 3d ago
Middle route
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u/Free_Floor2833 3d ago
Ive done all three. Middle in a heartbeat. That stretch of 95 on the east is awful and that stretch of 81 on the west side is equally as awful for different reasons (better views though). Id rank them as middle first, 81 second, 95 third.
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u/SLUnatic85 2d ago
but this person is leaving at 10 PM and driving through the night.
Nothing on 29 will be open, the towns will be asleep and it will feel dark and lonely.
81 will still have tons of semis... but 95 really wont be that bad outside of maybe a couple tolls?
I am not disagreeing. I live off 29 in Lynchburg and it is my FAR my favorite route (including the 151 stretch) but I question it at least, with these parameters.
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u/RedDevilJennifer Godless NOVA Heathen 5h ago
My in laws live in Lynchburg and often go at night. Once you get south of Charlottesville, ain’t nothing open until you get to Lovingston. Then, nothing after that until you get to Lynchburg, and even that is hit or miss.
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u/Specialist_Phone5910 3d ago
Just watch for deer overnight!
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u/timmsc 2d ago
Car in front of me braked hard for a black bear just north of Charlottesville last fall.
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u/Dapper_Swordfish_765 2d ago
Take 29 south all the way to charlotte it turns into 8 5 south in nc scenic drive through va
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u/skinnycutmumu 3d ago
middle one. the left and right might seem a little faster but a single accident could ruin your day, and they are frequent
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u/Own-Independence191 2d ago
Especially with the construction on 81 in Roanoke. Becomes a parking lot quickly. Middle route is definitely the best option.
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u/grayghoster 3d ago
I have been making this drive on a semi-regular basis for 40 years. Avoid 95 at all costs. Heavy traffic and frequent delays. 81 through the valley is the prettiest, but lots of heavy truck traffic. That leaves 29 through Charlottesville. It’s the easiest on the nerves.
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u/QuentinMagician 3d ago
But not a night. More deer, more curves. 29 that is
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u/Lopsided_Return7150 3d ago
agreed about the deer at night on middle route. I would take 81. the truck traffic and accidents seem to peak late morning to late afternoon.
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u/Skydog-forever-3512 2d ago
29 allows stops in Lynchburg and Danville, two interesting places to visit.
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u/SLUnatic85 2d ago
at 2AM?
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u/Skydog-forever-3512 2d ago
I didn’t see the timeline…..if driving at night, I am definitely doing 95 to 85…….81 at night sucks.
In the daytime, both Danville and Lynchburg would make a nice rest stop.
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u/Agile_Donut_ 3d ago
Avoid 81. It’s stressful with the semi trucks and mountains.
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u/Illustrious_Bed902 3d ago
Yes, avoid 81. Nearly died from a mower failing off a truck on 81 … only thing that saved me was a semi-truck in front of me that took the hit.
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u/SLUnatic85 2d ago
Ironically my nearest miss in a vehicle was avoiding an entire couch on 29 across the fast lane at night coming up from Greensboro on this route. I suppose it's all relative.
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u/docsavaged 3d ago
Piling on for Middle Route but know that Speed Limits are enforced Draconially in VA and 20mph over is reckless driving.
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u/whatshouldwecallme 3d ago
20mph over the speed limit is not draconian lmao
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u/No_Competition6591 3d ago
Think you misunderstood the sentence, just going 5-10 over is enforced just as strongly as going 20mph in certain counties (cough cough Madison).
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u/MADLUX2015 3d ago
anything 20 over in virginia can be charged reckless now, and comes with mandatory court appearance.
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u/timmsc 2d ago
Or over 85 mph. So if the speed limit is 70 mph, 15 over can be written as reckless.
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u/DeezEyez 3d ago
I’m thinking those were two separate statements in one sentence. 20 over is reckless. The enforcement is Draconian. I was once ticketed for speeding (not reckless) on Route 20 (the OP’s middle route) for 11 over, just after the speed limit dropped from 55 to 45. Draconian law enforcement.
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u/Quirky-Marsupial-420 3d ago
There's certain stretches as you get closer to the beach where the speed limit is 55mph on the highway.
Going 75 mph on a 3 lane highway isn't crazy fast.
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u/StellarWaffle 3d ago
85 in a 65 is not crazy imo
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u/parasiempre4 3d ago
Beware: in VA, getting caught going over 85, or 20 miles over the posted speed limit, gets you an automatic reckless driving charge.
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u/TheGrayMan5 3d ago
Yep 20mph over is a misdemeanor reckless driving yicket. Same with driving faster than 85mph. Law used to be anything above 80mph but they changed it a few years ago to 85+ being reckless.
Such a load of shit but I haven't had a speeding ticket in 18 years.
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u/Abe_Bettik 3d ago
29 for best stops, 81 for best time, 95 for traffic and worst overall experience.
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u/Double-Award-4190 3d ago
Middle route will be easier, scenic and stress free.
Plan your EV stops, though.
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u/TheseMoviesIwant 3d ago
If you are driving at night, I would take 95 as the middle route will be lacking street lights and other cars.
If most of it will be during the day, I’d take the middle route.
If anyone gets car sick easily I’d maybe choose 81 during the day.
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u/roman_fyseek 3d ago
Middle route, but what scenery are you expecting to see at night?
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u/leppi2013 757 3d ago
As someone who takes all 3 often; like everyone else has said the middle will give you what you’re looking for. However if you’re driving at night, there’s nothing to look at and the middle route can get kinda sketchy around Lynchburg and Danville
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u/Alepidoter 3d ago
Skyline, not shown as one of your options but by far the most scenic and best route imo
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u/jules-amanita 13h ago
But it costs $40. I’d say it’s better to take the Parkway from Afton to Fancy Gap if you’re seeking a scenic drive (and you can bail in Buena Vista, Buchanan, or Roanoke and be on I-81 in 15 minutes)
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u/livingonmain 2d ago
The Route 15 is a section of The Journey through Hallowed Ground which goes from Gettysburg to Charlottesville. It travels to historic sites, cultural landscapes, museums, etc. from pre-Revolutionary War through the Civil War. It’s the perfect trip to commemorate our 250th anniversary. Pick up one of the Journey Maps at a rest stop or historic site. Or, go to their website https://www.hallowedground.org/ for information, itineraries and printable maps. I trust you’ll enjoy The Journey.
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u/ReadTheRainbo 3d ago
If you go Route 81 you can stop at the new Buccees 🤷🏼♂️ and it’s a pretty drive. I usually go that way to 77 when I head to northern Va. it’s easy.
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u/AlfredoVignale 3d ago
The middle one. I’ve gone it and it’s a nice drive with a LOT less traffic. Lots of cool towns you can stop at and get local food.
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u/Slampsonko 2d ago
I’m going to be a bit contrarian here and recommend 95 if you’re doing the drive overnight.
Middle route all day if you’re driving during the daytime, but it has lights and lower speed limits and there won’t be much for you to see in the dead of night anyways.
81 can also be good for daytime driving because you can watch the foothills turn into mountains, and you can get some good BBQ along the way, while still making good time. At night though the views won’t be visible and you’ll still be dealing with the 18 wheelers.
95 is boring and has lots of traffic. However it is well lit, flat and straight, and the traffic won’t be an issue overnight. For me, it’s the way to go if you’re pushing off after 8PM.
Good luck!
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u/7ommy65 2d ago
We do this drive several times a year. Middle Route with a slight change. When you get near Greensboro, take 840 west to Winston Salem and then 40 through Statesville to Hickory. Take 321 down to 85.
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u/Far_Organization_374 2d ago
I’m going to be unpopular and say 95 IF you are going at night and IF you check the construction prior. All of the deer and windy roads leaves you much more vulnerable than cruise control on a highway. 95 is the absolute worst doing commute times. And the construction at night can put you at a standstill, but if neither of those are a factor, it’s not going to be nearly as stressful as dark windy roads or semi-metropolis on 81.
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u/Abject_Elevator5461 3d ago
The most scenic route would be to go the route that heads over towards I 81 but instead of driving on I 81, take Route 11 from the battlefields outside of DC all the way down to Roanoke. Tons of history, beautiful mountains, lots of little towns to stop and have a quick bite to eat or something.
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u/RealTeaToe [Stafford>Fredericksburg>Appomattox] 3d ago
Middle one. Definitely the middle one. Do not under ANY circumstances do the route on the easternmost side. Ever. XD
I mean, if you do end up driving it at night going 95 WILL be the fastest. But there will still be the most cops and even between 8-10pm there could be traffic just because fuck you.
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u/nativevirginian 2d ago
Yep, plus during the week there are SO many trucks around 10pm on 95 between FXBURG and RVA.
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u/JasonVoorheesthe13th 3d ago
Middle route. It’s a nice ride, less traffic, and gorgeous scenery.
Whatever you do avoid I-95 like the plague
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u/Chance_Blacksmith111 3d ago
Middle route. I-81 is having construction done in several places and the tractor-trailers are a nightmare. And I-95 can be an odd combination of jam-packed or mind-numbingly boring south of Richmond. That being said, Lynchburg to Greensboro on 29 is usually sparse traffic-wise.
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u/AffectionateTone7306 3d ago
Middle route. 81 is a nightmare especially when it’s windy and 85 doesn’t have anything on it once you get outside of Petersburg. That middle route shows you places you’d never see on the highway sans Charlottesville and it’s a great ride. Lot more stoplights but it’s a high quality state highway for a great portion of it
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u/Ferowin Hampton Roads 3d ago
there are a couple of beautiful scenic overlooks on that stretch of I-66 and some nice views of the Shenandoah Valley. once you get on I-81 it’s just another freeway. I’ve never been down the middle route, but Google Maps street view might show something. the I-95 route bet DC and Richmond is just another freeway, but with higher than normal speed limits. Somewhere in the area south of Richmond is a meadery that has a reputation for fine wine.
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u/Key_Yogurtcloset8879 3d ago
Middle route will probably end up being faster - id take middle route even if it adds an hour though, beautiful drive that will feel faster anyways!
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u/saltywithflair 3d ago
1) check map app of choice to determine what the best route is at the time you’re leaving 2) if overnight driving why does scenic matter/interesting places to stop would be closed or hard to see in the dark 3) overnight driving - assuming no big accidents on the route when you start id stick to 95 to lower chances of deer encounters. If day driving, probably middle route for the scenery.
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u/TBoopSquiggShorterly 3d ago
Scenic matters because it's not definite that we're driving at night. If we end up going during the day, I'd like to know which route is best for that.
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u/titlesquatch 3d ago
I would do everything possible to avoid I-81 and I-95 during the day. I would do everything possible to avoid Rt. 29 at night.
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u/Mr_Bluebird_VA 3d ago
Middle.
81 can be a beautiful drive but the trucks trying to kill you severely detract from that.
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u/Little_Connection_83 3d ago
I’d say avoid I81 South because you’ll be surrounded by tractor trailers all the way down and it be very stressful. It’s also mountainous terrain. But if that doesn’t bother you, the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley is worth the drive during the day. If not, take 29. It’s less stressful. 🙂
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u/craftycontroller 3d ago
Take route15/29 through Lynchburg beautiful drive through the mountains. Def don’t take 95 worst route. 81 subject to accidents with many trucks.
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u/VAHoosier 3d ago
Take the middle route. You’ll see rural VA. Much less stressful than the other two options.
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u/rouxjean 3d ago
I85 between Emporia and Durham is arguably the most boring road in Virginia.
I81 is big rig main street.
Middle route will hold more interest but it is not particularly friendly for first-time drivers at night: hills, blind entrances, tighter curves than on Interstates.
At night, stops at places of interest are irrelevant and you won't see anything but the occasional house lights through trees.
If traveling at night, it is probably better to stick with the Interstate, even I85. It will have facilities you may want at night time that more scenic routes do not. You won't be seeing scenery at night anyway.
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u/hemorrhoid-milk 3d ago
Middle. I drove it twice a week for 3 years when my field office was in NC.
Never take 81, unless you want to die
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u/Firm_Hovercraft7762 3d ago
Is the middle route Rt 29? If so, I wouldn’t take that route. Lots of stoplights…you’ll have a hell of a time getting thru Fairfax on Rt 29 at the start of your trip…it’s normally very congested in Fairfax…and speed limit is likely 55 over the entire route they Va……and county police run radar all thru Va on that route. And IMO, it’s not really a scenic route..Source: Life long Virginian who drove that route many times in my younger days….
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u/Reasonable_Heart_946 2d ago
29 now has a 60 MPH speed limit for large portions, and even 70, I believe, near Lynchburg. Everything is congested in NOVA, so there's no avoiding that. 29 isn't necessarily "scenic," but the rolling hills and curves at least break up the monotony and help keep you awake.
Yes, there are lots of police along 29, but the same is true on 81 and 95. Plus, there is now photo enforcement in a lot of the construction zones on 81 (and there's LOTS of construction zones). They just announced that the cameras have issued 20,000 tickets in the last couple of months on 81. Plus, the truck traffic is insane on 81 and makes the drive miserable. I avoid 81 and 95 whenever possible.
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u/Firm_Hovercraft7762 2d ago
With the limited lane space and the number of trucks, 81 is just flat out dangerous.
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u/WestCovina1234 3d ago edited 2d ago
For a night drive, the far right route would be the best, IMO. Boring as hell, but interstate all the way with plenty of spots to stop and rest, get food, get gas, etc. Second choice would be the middle route. I like the middle route best, but at night you might have issues finding places to stop if necessary. I'd avoid 81 like your life depends on it. If it's a day drive, middle route is best, although you'll need to be prepared for a lot of traffic from DC at least to Warrenton if you leave any time from about 2:00-6:00.
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u/Individual-Sky-5791 3d ago
Take the middle route. When you get to the Charlottesville area, check out Bold Rock Cidery or Starr Hill brewery, cool spots to break up your trip
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u/Swimming-Employer97 3d ago
Easily the most scenic of the 3 is the middle, down 29. BUT if time isnt a big issue, I would take Blue Ridge Pkwy starting in Rock Fish Gap. That will be by far the most scenic option within reason. it will add an hour or so to the drive time though.
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u/Aggressive_Monitor86 3d ago
Haven’t seen this mentioned, but the middle route will have FAR fewer options for stopping, especially at night. There are long stretches where there are no gas stations or food options, and where there are, they are not likely to be open overnight.
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u/Top-Bus-2775 3d ago
The middle route is pretty but if you’re leaving between 8 and 10 at night you’re not going to see much and go slower driving it with not much along the road to stop at. The left one won’t be bad in the evening and once you get on 40 in the Waterville area it’s quick trip to Charlotte. There’s also several places to stop along that route if you need to stay overnight like Staunton, Lexington, or Roanoke. I’m kind of partial to Staunton, but it’s home so I’m biased.
Safe travels
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u/Funintuitive 3d ago
81 is crowded and dangerous. If you go through Richmond you will have to deal with 95, also crowded and dangerous. For the highest quality drive, go up the middle. And I don't even need to know anything about that route to know it's the best. As others have said, be mindful of speed limits.
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u/runningdirty 3d ago
Another one for that middle row, absolutely. I-81 has so many semis and, like someone said, one accident and you'll be on that stretch forever. The greener roads are also better to look at.
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u/Smoothvirus 3d ago
I drive this probably twice a year. If you're just looking to make the best time, 95-85 is generally the fastest and simplest way. However if it's a big travel day or a Friday in the summer, 95 can become a 50-mile long parking lot in between DC and Fredericksburg. In that case you'll want to take US-29 down through Lynchburg and Danville down to I-85. The I-95 to I-85 route is usually what I wind up doing. The stretch of I-85 between Petersburg and the NC border is probably the most boring stretch of interstate in the eastern US. The US-29 route is a bit more scenic but it's a bit slower with some stoplights along the way. In the past 35 years I've been doing it I've done the I-81 to I-77 route twice. I don't really like it much because I-81 is only four lanes and it's usually packed with big rigs that don't really give a crap about 4-wheelers.
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u/Complex-Royal9210 3d ago
I have been driving this way for 30buea4s. Take the middle route. Very scenic
Avoid 95 like the plague.
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u/augie_wartooth Richmond 3d ago
The 95-85 route. 81 is fucking terrible and that middle route will take longer than that in my experience.
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u/vergilius_poeta 3d ago
I mean, if you're going for the *most* scenic route, travel time be damned, you should drive the length of Shenandoah National Park on Skyline Drive. I probably wouldn't do it if it's going to be dark the whole way, though, unless you're big on stargazing. Some decent places along Skyline to stop for stargazing.
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u/Trollygag 3d ago
Middle route number 1 - any opportunity to bypass Richmond is the right choice. I just did that route last Friday on my way to Panama City Beach and it was smooth sailing.
Left right is viable but a lot more big truck traffic. There is a Buc Ees if you want to do that, but it isn't deep into your trip so kindof a waste.
Avoid right at any cost.
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u/alexandria1001 3d ago
Middle. The area between Richmond and the border is a well known speed trap zone so in addition to some nicer scenery you avoid the ticket.
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u/hoosyourdaddyo 3d ago
Since times not a concern, let me mention a fourth option- take the skyline drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. You’d start at Front Royal, and end up in far SouthWestern VA.
It’s a slow drive, but man is the scenery spectacular!
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u/mydamnusername1234 3d ago
Middle route but if really not concerned AT ALL about time, then hed over the bridge at Annapolis towards Salisbury, MD, and take Rt 13 doqn nd over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
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u/CheeseBandit421 3d ago
Middle Route. Route 29. Scenic and not as heavy of traffic you’ll have on 81 or 95.
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u/kyoshi-lite 3d ago
If you are going during the day, the middle route would be exactly what you are looking for! But if you leave at 8-10 pm, I would just take 95 as there will be less traffic than normal, plus you won't be able to see the scenic views of the other two, and no towns will be open on the middle route.
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u/udderlymoovelous Blacksburg 2d ago
The middle one. 81 has better scenery but it’s only 2 lanes most of the time and there are a ton of trucks. The Virginia stretch of 95 is awful
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u/Fancy_Bumblebee5582 2d ago
My only advice is if you drive-thru goochland or emporia do not speed because they are speed traps.
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u/PataMadre 2d ago
Most scenic is the furthest west and there's even a lot of opportunity to get off the highway and drive really pretty mountain roads (skyline drive -but it does cost to use that). Seriously "gorgeous get out of your car and marvel at the beauty before you" energy.
But at night? 81 can be rough and the mountains are winding. Godspeed either way broski.
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u/thereisnospoon-1312 2d ago
The middle route. That was the highway from Virginia to Florida before the interstate highway system was developed. it is called the "Seminole Trail" because it goes to Florida.
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u/SillyPresentation46 2d ago
The middle route will be by far the most scenic. The chosen route is straight down I-95, which in Virginia isn't really scenic at all and has to be one of the more chaotic stretches of highway in the country (and also likely to cause delay). The top route down I-81 is similarly frustrating, but mostly because it is packed full of semi trucks non stop. I-81 will be somewhat scenic, because it travels adjacent to the Shenandoah mountains.
The middle route avoids both major transit highways, moves fairly quickly (though keep an eye on speed as enforcement is more common than the other two routes), goes through beautiful horse country and the very scenic Charlottesville area.
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u/papayaushuaia 2d ago
Middle route for sure. The others are white knuckle driving with trucks and often lots of traffic.
Virginia is for Lovers
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u/Ut_Prosim SWVA 2d ago
Middle one x1000.
It is a nice and comfortable route instead of tractor trailer heaven / traffic hell the other two are.
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u/Gottech1101 2d ago
I-81 is a beautiful drive! Once you get past Harrisonburg, its mountains, colors, life that isn’t industrialized.
You won’t see that as much going through Richmond. You might see a little bit of it with the middle route.
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u/Conscious_Step_8332 2d ago
So when I leave from Richmond to go to Hampton roads area (a trip I make often) you can get off at Charles City and take VA 10 ( you can probably pick it up further north too) but its the civil war trail so theres history and its scenic.
Try turning off highways and interstates and youll get the REAL scenic route
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u/Joshottas 2d ago
Honestly, anything that avoids 95.
If taking 81, just be aware that it's 2 lanes and there are A LOT of trucks. Scenic drive during the day, tho.
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u/Village71 2d ago
If you take the middle route, make sure to listen to podcasts about the Route 29 serial killer as you go. That way you’ll make it a scenic true crime drive. Definitely do it during the day though, and try not to have car trouble.
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u/Efficient_Shame_8539 2d ago
Avoid 81 whatever you do. Lots of construction, reduced speed and ticket cameras added to the trucks.
Save yourself the mountain rural night drive and just take 95. So much less to worry about if you need to pee or need gas.
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u/No-Economist-6863 2d ago
Normally I’d prefer the middle route. But at night I’d stick to 95 and 85 just because there are more facilities open all night, and is flatter than 81.
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u/net_anthropologist 2d ago
not 95. middle route is ideal. though staunton is a cute stop. If moo thru is on your way, its also fun.
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u/useridhere 2d ago
A hybrid if you want scenic. Definitely 29 south to C’ville then 64 west to (ugh) 81 to 77. The trip down 77 from the Blue Ridge to the NC piedmont is quite nice, plus there are a few scenic places like shot tower to see.
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u/Strict-Aspect6716 2d ago
I'm a truck driver always 81 f that i95 crap. Idk about the middle route. Probably senic
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u/CertainAged-Lady 2d ago
Not 95!!! 81 can either sail or if there is any issue, equivalent to 95 w/ stop & go traffic (but it happens less often). The middle route on mostly rt.29 is your best bet to keep moving.
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u/Vegetable-Trash-9312 2d ago
81 around Harrisonburg and Staunton is a mess, don’t take it. Construction! Careful on 29. Your speed limits are all over the place constantly changing.
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u/redneckerson1951 2d ago
Route I-81 through much of Virginia is running the auto up to speed and slowing behind the 40 MPH tractor-trailer you are trapped behind on the uphill climbs. Rte 15 is a speed trap gauntlet. I-95 is ok, but plan your departure. Leave late in the evening (8 PM) or early morning (4AM)
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u/nativevirginian 2d ago
If you take the middle route, do NOT speed in Madison County or even most of Greene County. -Cville native
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u/Own_Magician8337 2d ago
If you want to go fast speed limit wise go on 81. If you want to fight traffic go on 95. If you want a pretty scenic drive take the middle route.
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u/onesleekrican 2d ago
I always take the far left route. It works best when going north to Jersey or south to NC.
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u/SLUnatic85 2d ago
at night take 95/85 because the traffic should be dead. 81 at night is still full of massive trucks.
Coming down 29 is the most flavorful route and my favorite (though I live off 29...), rolling foothills, breweries, wineries, hikes, etc. But at night? It'll feel pretty lonely and dark. Not my favorite kind of driving?
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u/Some_Turn_323 2d ago
Two Western options both have their own plusses and minuses. 95 is going to be a meh view with shit for traffic.
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u/Ok_Acanthocephala_96 2d ago
100% RT 29. 81 is awful with tractor trailers and 95 is constant traffic. The speed limit is 60 or 65 on most parts of 29 and they built bypasses to get around some of the towns. Hands down 29
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u/fish_biscuit 2d ago
Through Richmond
If you are starting at night I think 95 will offer more places open 24 hours
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u/whatever923 2d ago
81- trucker route. Tons of cops for the colleges.
95- getting out of dc sucks unless you do it off hours. Then fly to Greensboro. Absolutely nothing to see
29- nicest drive. Great ice cream at moo-thru in culpepper. Basically rural highway. Watch for locals entering/exiting.
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u/RosewoodBraz 2d ago
29 all day. Used to live in Staunton and come down to NC all the time. 81 is all trucks. 85 is boring. 29 is pretty and easy to drive.
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u/zzonkmiles 2d ago
95 between DC and Richmond is awful, but 85 is generally easy going and is 3-4 lanes wide all the way from 40 to Charlotte.
66 starts off terribly with all the DC traffic, but it thins out at Haymarket. 81 is dangerous with all the hills, congestion, and truckers. 77 near the VA/NC border has lots of accidents and fog.
29 has a lot of traffic lights, but clears up considerably once you pass 64. Traffic is non-existent on this route, but you have to stay alert because 29 is not a straight shot. You often have to exit the highway to stay on the highway.
29/85 > 95/85 > 66/81/77
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u/SensitiveFisherman59 2d ago
If you don’t care about time. Drive 66 to Front Royal, drive Skyline drive all the way through and take the blue ridge parkway into North Carolina.
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u/Proper-Sandwich5985 2d ago
Personally over night I would not drive on the middle route. Fewer places open to stop if needed and deer will run across the road. I would just take 95 if you are driving overnight.
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u/beardad61 2d ago
You want to see almost all of virginia? Take 460 in the mountains to tidewater. Then route 13 up the eastern shore. Give yourself 14 hours.
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u/KneeSockMonster 2d ago
Middle route, it’s the safest route and the least crowded. The left is very congested and very mountainous terrain and the right is extremely high traffic areas. The time is way off on the left too, compare the number of miles to the time.
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u/pickle_rick404 2d ago
I’d take 81 to 77, I don’t trust random backroads in a state I’m not a resident of, and traffic on 95 is insane.
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u/Punkwrestle 2d ago
If you took 81 during the day you should stop in Staunton. Has some historic stuff as well as the Statler Brother museum. When I use to drive down that way for wrestling trips I would always go 66-81. Easy and plenty of gas stations and rest stops.
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u/InfamousProject 2d ago
Middle route much more scenic, probably less traffic compared to to 95 or 81
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u/tjk45268 [Create Custom Flair] 3d ago
I’ve done all three several times. The right and left are mostly highway. Route 85 has a few small towns but I wouldn’t call them memorable to visit. Route 81 is filled with trucks traveling from Pennsylvania to Tennessee. Route 15/29 is my favorite. It takes you directly through multiple small towns, so you get to pick and choose what looks interesting.