Driving directions to Washington, D.C.

[sjbrink]

What's the fastest way to drive from Cincinnati to Washington, D.C.? I70 through Wheeling and then onto D.C. or route 32 out of Cincinnati to route 50 across West Virginia and then onto D.C.? Thanks.

[jamal4xu]

I've made the drive at least a dozen times...

From Cincy, take 71 N to Columbus, 70 E to Wheeling...

It's about 540 miles (7.5-8 hour drive). But it goes by quick. Once you have hit Wheeling, you are half way there.

Western Maryland is very "scenic"...lots of mountains and fields.

Your worst traffic could be on I-270 during morning rush hour or I-495 (Capitol Beltway) during AM or PM rush hour (630 to 900 or 400 to 700).

[picknroll]

I've made the drive at least a dozen times...

From Cincy, take 71 N to Columbus, 70 W to Wheeling...

It's about 540 miles (7.5-8 hour drive). But it goes by quick. Once you have hit Wheeling, you are half way there.

Western Maryland is very "scenic"...lots of mountains and fields.

Your worst traffic could be on I-270 during morning rush hour or I-495 (Capitol Beltway) during AM or PM rush hour (630 to 900 or 400 to 700).

jamal, great way to go to DC, but it's I-70 EAST to Wheeling, not West.

[bbaker06]

I've made the drive at least a dozen times...

From Cincy, take 71 N to Columbus, 70 W to Wheeling...

It's about 540 miles (7.5-8 hour drive). But it goes by quick. Once you have hit Wheeling, you are half way there.

Western Maryland is very "scenic"...lots of mountains and fields.

Your worst traffic could be on I-270 during morning rush hour or I-495 (Capitol Beltway) during AM or PM rush hour (630 to 900 or 400 to 700).

This is the best way. If you take 50 it will take you forever and you won't see any civilization for half the trip.

[jamal4xu]

Do you see what time I posted my response? I've been at work now for 3 hours...I need my coffee!!!

Seriously, thanks for the heads up!

[payday]

jamal, do you take PA Turnpike to I-70 and down, or take I-79 South to I-68? Thanks.

Seems to me the hardest part of that route is traffic - I-71 and I-70 can be very crowded at times, and only 2 lanes wide each way in most spots. SR 32 to US 50 to I-79N to I-68E looks to be 4 lanes most of the way, except when crossing the Ohio River at Parkersburg.

[jamal4xu]

I go 70E to 79S to 68E.

Although I've always wanted to do the US50 ride, I usually have two kids under 2 in the car or am in a rush to get back to the base before my leave is up.

My advice, if you are going to drive during the day, and time is not an issue take US 50. If your drive is in the evening/night and/or you are pressed for time stick to the highway.

Again, it is not a bad drive. Wheeling is halfway and knowing that helps you gauge your progress as you travel via interstate.

[Mr. Neutral]

And this is the moment when the MM board became your traffic and weather station.

News updates every 10 minutes, traffic and weather on the 8's!

And now, with the rest of the story, Paul Harvey!

[payday]

jamal, "southern" route is about 40 miles shorter, but may take a little longer due to 60 mph speed restrictions on SR 32. I live in New Richmond and SR 32 is easier for me to get to than I-71N. I'll let you know how it goes.

[jamal4xu]

From my experience those "restrictions" you refer to are nothing more than guidelines.