<p>My daughter and I were unable to attend DOTL and are registered for an information session this week. This is our first time visiting UVA. We will be driving from the Baltimore area. </p>
<p>I have Googled directions and have found three separate routes. If anyone has visited from my area, can you offer any advice as to the safest route we should take? Also, I prefer not to take roads that feel isolated. I would like the option to stop for breaks if needed. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! </p>
<p>I’ve made the trip from DC to Cville many times, and I have a daughter who does it twice a month. We take 66 west to 29 south, and although there can be congestion and construction, I like the route very much. Many opportunities to stop once you’re on 29, but it moves along well for most of the route. If a faster way existed, my d would definitely take that.</p>
<p>If the alternative routes you’ve looked at include any time on 95 south of DC, I wouldn’t. The traffic there is just too predictably messed up, with lane closures, construction, accidents, etc. I have never used that area without encountering near-standstill conditions at some point, unless I’m driving late at night. Looking forward to seeing what other posters say. Congrats to your d on her UVA acceptance.</p>
<p>During times of high traffic, you may be better off taking I70 west to I81 south to I64 north. It is smooth-flowing with a 70 mph speed limit most of the way, and there are no tolls. </p>
<h2>I also stay in Waynesboro, which is along that route on I64. Waynesboro hotels don’t have the high price spikes you find in Cville and they don’t sell out as fast. It is a much smoother ride into UVa from I64, versus fighting Rt. 29 traffic from the hotels further north of Cville. </h2>
<p>Rt. 15 is another alternative to taking the Beltway. It moves OK in Md., but then bogs down in northern Va. (it is only 2 lanes in many places) before connecting with Rt. 29 north. </p>
<p>Amtrak is a reasonable alternative from Baltimore to Cville. However, you need to make reservations about a month or more in advance, or the price dramatically increases. </p>
<p>I’ve been covering NOVA for about nine years now and I stick to 66 West to 29 South. The times when I end a Friday in southern Fairfax and take 95 South to 3 West, I usually regret the decision. :)</p>
<p>Stay away from 95 South. For some reason, many GPS units want you to go that way, but there can be heavy traffic throughout the day.</p>
<p>Thank you @Frazzled1, @Charliesch and @ Dean J.<br>
We are making the trip on Friday. You have all provided me a wealth of information. I have no fears of getting lost! Will I cross any major bridges along the way? </p>
<p>This is the last college visit for DD #1. She is confident that UVA is where she wants to spend the next 4 years. I am thrilled to be nearing the end of this exhaustive process! </p>
<p>Sometime if you have some time to kill on a day with good weather, you might also drive part of the route along Skyline Drive. I believe it has a 35 mph speed limit and about a $10 toll. It runs parallel between I-81 and Rt. 29.</p>
<p>If you decide to take the DC Beltway, and I66 is congested, another option is the Rt. 267/Dulles Toll road to go west to Rt. 28 south to I66. It has many more lanes, if you are willing to pay tolls. </p>
<p>If you take the route of I95 to the DC Beltway to I66 west to Rt. 29 south, the only major bridge is across the Potomac, when you cross into Va. Going west on I66, the fastest way is to get on Rt. 29 at exit 43, not at earlier exits.</p>
<p>Friday afternoon traffic is typically particularly difficult around DC. I’d plan to leave Cville later in the evening, so you have a smoother return trip later at night. </p>
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