to OBX
Below is what I posted in reply to a Tugger wanting directions to drive to OBX and how I go. So you’ll have something to compare your situation to, here’s the background. We live in Windsor Locks, CT which is about 15 mile south of Springfield, MA on Interstate 91. We leave at 6:00 AM on Saturday and arrive at KDH just about 11 hours after leaving WL, CT. That time includes breakfast in NJ at the first plaza after the GW bridge, lunch in DE (Waffle House), one gas stop and one comfort stop. One thing that has saved me time is that I have an EZ Pass, no more waiting in toll lines; what a time saver. The only toll I pay directly is for the CBB/T.
Directions (from WL)
I 91 south to I 95 south to NYC – (next time down I am going to try the Tappen Zee Bridge, it maybe a little longer)– I take I 95 through NYC and take the GW Bridge into NJ where I pick up the NJ Turnpike.
NJ Turnpike, south, to the Delaware Turnpike, south;
Exit 4A off the Delaware Turnpike to Route 1, south (portions toll) to Dover;
Most people would recommend following Route 13, south; IMHO, take Route 113 south instead because Route 13 has heavy local traffic and it seems to have stop lights every 2-3 mile. That is a slight exaggeration but it seems that when you get to a good cruising speed you hit another light. It is four lanes but just too much local traffic and lights. Route 113 has less local traffic and less lights; it is part 2 lane and part 4 lane and 5-10 miles longer but I seem to make better time on it. (On the return trip if you are planning to stop at OC you would take Route 113 north at Pocomoke City and look for the OC exits.)
As you continue south on Route 113, you will join up with Route 13 south at Pocomoke City which you then follow south across the CBB/T (toll) into Norfolk, VA;
Then merge onto I 64, south in Norfolk, take Exit 291b off I 64 to I 464 immediately to Route 168, south/east (portions toll); Route 168 merges with Route 158, east to OBX.
Tugger Basham saved my directions for his trip to OBX and emailed me a thank you on his return. He agreed with my assessment of 113 vs 13 and he won’t be using 13 again.
I use this route in mid-May; I don't know what it is like during the summer.
BTW, if you stay on I 95 to Richmond, VA and then go east, I've measure it as 90 to 95 miles longer than going down the DelMaVa peninsula.
SBtS