VIR - Driving Directions

[Robert in Potomac]

Is it quicker to stay on I95 until Exit 79 and take VA-76 to 360 or take I95 to Exit 51 and take I85?

I can't recall which route I took a couple of years ago.

Thanks.

[BMAN]

I've driven the 85 and 360 route and 360 is faster. However, watch your speed on 360. It seems someone always gets pulled over.

[Robert in Potomac]

I've driven the 85 and 360 route and 360 is faster. However, watch your speed on 360. It seems someone always gets pulled over.

Thanks Brian. Driving an unobtrusive car with large numbers on the side will also provide some fun for the protectors of our roads.

[Potomac-Greg]

360 is a nice, easy route. There is some paving going on just West of Richmond, but not too bad. (Just came back Friday.)

[APKhaos]

Driving an unobtrusive car with large numbers on the side will also provide some fun for the protectors of our roads.

Ha! Back when I was driving the Carrera to the track I was driving back on 360 in full track rig. Got pulled from a line a five cars all travelling at the same speed and booked. It helps to go low profile anywhere south of Richmond.

The opposite is also true. I was pulled in my LandBruiser heading back from SP on Rt7. Officer took one look at the driving suit, helmet, and other track paraphernalia and proceeded to tell me about his Mustang he ran at SP. No ticket.

[John Clay]

I've taken 29 last couple of times.

[Chopper Dropper]

360 route has several sections that are 65 or 60. Still need to watch for hiding cops. 58 is much more boring and lower speed limit last time I took that route plus the cops.29 is probably good if you are West or close to West of DC
Dirk

[Vicegrip]

95 85 58. Set the ipod and put the mind in low gear.

[APKhaos]

I've taken 29 last couple of times.

My preferred route. Easy drive, with a few hills but nothing nearly as steep at Rt7 between Leesburg and SP.

[antonioconceicao]

From west of DC from exit rt66 / 29 Gainesville is exactly 217 miles 3 hours and 45 minutes ;)


27860




360 route has several sections that are 65 or 60. Still need to watch for hiding cops. 58 is much more boring and lower speed limit last time I took that route plus the cops.29 is probably good if you are West or close to West of DC
Dirk

[spiffyjiff]

95 85 58. Set the ipod and put the mind in low gear.

yep, did that last year and will do the same this year.

any caravans leaving g-burg/rkvl around 11a?

[FTS]

It seems someone always gets pulled over.

I only got two tickets thus far :D

[Chopper Dropper]

Did the 95-85-58 a couple years ago towing. Met another much much slower tower at a gas station around Fredricksburg, I took 95-85 driving pretty fast, they took the 360 route and were 20 minutes ahead at the VIR gate. I did not stop!! The tolls are all easy pass and don't amount to much slow part first section on 360 if you get caught at school out time.
Dirk

[Richard Curtis]

Believe me, I've driven every possible combination of routes there and back over the past 20 years to visit my Mom, who until recently lived in N.C. not far from the track. Going south -- if you're not trying to drive any of the possible routes in rush-hour traffice -- the time travel is about the same regardless. I like Kurt's route because it's mindless, as he points out. I-95 & US 360 can be quicker but not always (cheaper gas available just south of Richmond, though). The return trip on Sunday afternoon is almost always quicker via U.S. 29; that stretch of I-95 between Richmond and D.C. is very unpredictable but predictably stop-and-go most of the time anytime prior to 8 p.m. I was last in Danville in late June for a Corvette thing at VIR and found gas in Danville for $3.17/gallon for 87 octane. The next day, the price shot up 20 cents!

[realroadrage]

My preferred route. Easy drive, with a few hills but nothing nearly as steep at Rt7 between Leesburg and SP.

x2. Beautiful drive, relatively straight shot.

[BMAN]

I only got two tickets thus far :D

I took 95-85 driving pretty fast, they took the 360 route and were 20 minutes ahead at the VIR gate.

Tested the route with FTS last year where we timed eachout from Richmond. I took 85 to 58 and was flying with no traffic. FTS still beat me taking the 360 route and was stopped for a speeding ticket, stopped for a smoke, stopped for coffee.....I never stopped and he beat me by 20 minutes.

that stretch of I-95 between Richmond and D.C. is very unpredictable but predictably stop-and-go most of the time anytime prior to 8 p.m.

Monday's a holiday, so I'm hoping this isn't the case Sunday night but I have also been stuck in the Richmond to DC traffic coming home from VIR. :bang:

[Richard Curtis]

Monday's a holiday, so I'm hoping this isn't the case Sunday night but I have also been stuck in the Richmond to DC traffic coming home from VIR. :bang:

I figure Sunday afternoon-evening traffic homeward bound from the beaches is what you'll hit. The two times we've tiimed Route 29 home towing a trailer was right at 4:20 including a quick stop for dinner and praying there's no backups in Charlottesville.

[smdubovsky]

I go I85 w/ the trailer.

The difference between 360 & I85 is exactly 18mi per google (I85 is longer). Most of that different is made up by the higher speed on I85. *ALL* of the difference is made up by the relative lack of cops vs 360:) I've never had problem w/ traffic on either (seems to all be north), but that could easily make one route advantageous over the other (google traffic layer to the rescue!). No way someone could drive slower and stop for gas and still beat the I85 route by 20min unless abnormal traffic was a factor.

[Dr K]

Steven,
Are you joining us at VIR? You can bring a BMW, you know...

Peter

[Chopper Dropper]

Seen just as many cops on 58 as 360, yeah they can be out there. Including stops as Brian also indicated 360 is about a good 20 minutes faster. 360 has regular 60MPH limit and some 65 limit 58 is so straight it's boring and has the same rolling hills as 360. Coming back on Sunday where I am, I consider 301 or even 29 to avoid the parking lot around Fredricksburg.
Dirk

[magnetic1]

I85 speed limit is 70. US58 speed limit is mostly 60 (same as 360).

Only slow part of 360 is the stretch through Midlothian.

I take I85 because im towing all the time. That stretch of I85 w/ 70MPH limit really KILLS your MPG.

If leaving anytime where there might be traffic on I95, it pays to shoot out I66 to US29.

[Dr K]

If leaving anytime where there might be traffic on I95, it pays to shoot out I66 to US29.

So long as traffic on I-66 isn't worse...

[Paddy]

I take RT 288 and go on the West end of Richmond. Takes me 4.5 hours from Silver Spring to VIR with a stop in Chesterfield for gas and beer.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Tysons+Corner,+VA&daddr=37.66085,-77.44993+to:37.6659104,-77.6373322+to:1245+Pine+Tree+Road,+Alton,+Virginia +24520+(Virginia+International+Raceway)&hl=en&sll=37.545666,-77.388382&sspn=0.466565,0.891953&geocode=FULaUQIdDIxl-yn5W_hi8Eq2iTH6332u8QVIfA%3BFbKoPgIdNjVi-yl7E8qd6j2xiTGT_tyEgUdX8g%3BFXa8PgIdLFlf-ynRCHAh4kGxiTF8AgF8VUEmww%3BFZbWLQIddWVH-yFluSvFXAQcdw&vpsrc=0&mra=dpe&mrsp=2&sz=11&via=1,2&t=h&z=11

[Dr K]

I did that last time - 9 miles longer than Powhite Pkwy, listed as 5 minutes longer, but I think about the same time. If you're doing this to save the Powhite Parkway toll, remember that the gas you use will almost counteract the Powhite toll (for a trailer, it's about a dollar).

[Cliff Claven]

I did that last time - 9 miles longer than Powhite Pkwy, listed as 5 minutes longer, but I think about the same time. If you're doing this to save the Powhite Parkway toll, remember that the gas you use will almost counteract the Powhite toll (for a trailer, it's about a dollar).

hahahaha dr k is unique in worrying about saving 100 pennies to the point of actually making this computation and then posting about it.

but, math failure: nine miles for a dollar would be pretty good mpg pulling a trailer w/car on it.

[BlackTalon]

hey, cut him some slack. he is the Marco Polo of rectal regions, and never claimed to be a math major. C'mon, he never has to count past the number two :lol:

[N Fotouhi]

I have tried all of these routes and they are all long.

As usual we are in a SNAFU. 993 is not ready due to hurricane. I am waiting for the driver side seat replacement for 964. Looks like we are bringing the S2. The co-driver is not happy about it. On the positive side, my truck is ready which saves me $800 on truck rental.

I do not know when I get going, but I hope to stop by OG to pick up a HANS for Carolyn. If you need something from OG, I will be happy to bring it to VIR as long as it is bought and paid for. The delivery assumes no responsibility for loss or damage.:roll:

[John Clay]

Tomorrow I'll be at a client right next door to O.G. if you (or anyone else) want me to bring something. I guess she may need to try on a HANS though?

[VaSteve]

I thought they were all the same size.

[BlackTalon]

I thought they were all the same size.No, come in S, M, L, XL, etc.

[N Fotouhi]

The sport come in xSM, M, L. I want to take advantage of the clip installation with purchase. It takes those guys 10 min. Me, 10 days or is month:shock:

[Richard Curtis]

Just to add to this discussion since we've just returned from VIR:
On the way down Thursday, we left Fairfax at exactly 2 p.m., ran into moderate traffic on I-95 (but no stop-and-go) until Richmond but then clear sailing to South Boston on US 360, then Route 58 to the turnoff for VIR. Exactly 4 hours and 10 minutes including a 15-minute stop for gas (both for the truck and car). Speeds were slightly in excess of the posted speed limits. Driving to Danville instead of via VIR would have taken about 8 minutes more.

Return trip today in light traffic (even on I-95 from Richmond to Occoquan Exit 160) on the same route took exactly 4 hours and 1 minute, including a lengthy (20 minutes?) stop in South Boston for gas (filled the truck's 40-gallon tank and the car's 16-gallon tank). Speeds were again slightly higher (5-7 mph?) higher than posted limits. We saw one highway patrolman shooting radar/laser/whatever and one patrolman who had pulled someone over in Richmond on I-95.

[Trak Ratt]

Just to add to this discussion since we've just returned from VIR...
Ours was also easy with little backup below Stafford. 95 south to 288, to 360 then 68 like others. 288 bypasses most of the lights on 360 just south of Richmond. Traffic seldom heavy through Richmond once south of 64.

Never really timed it as trafffic always sucks somewhere along 95. But this is easy and gererally trouble free. Gota figure ~ 4.5 hrs. no matter wich way yo go.

[VaSteve]

John Clay and I beat last years record of 4:10 with dinner. This year *I* did about 4:00 with a much more leisurely dinner....I think John's still drving.

Got sandbagged by some smug prius on 29. He had a good run up to some traffic I thought he'd pass....then just hung there deliberately with both cars now blocking the way. John punched a hole in that nonsense (since he wasn't pulling the trailer) and brought me with him. Smooth sailing afterwards.

Andrew's tip on radar around amhert was spot on.

[Trak Ratt]

Prius Drovers :roll: Seriously have you ever met one that wasn't a dick on the highway :?

[John Clay]

John Clay and I beat last years record of 4:10 with dinner. This year *I* did about 4:00 with a much more leisurely dinner....I think John's still drving.

Got sandbagged by some smug prius on 29. He had a good run up to some traffic I thought he'd pass....then just hung there deliberately with both cars now blocking the way. John punched a hole in that nonsense (since he wasn't pulling the trailer) and brought me with him. Smooth sailing afterwards.

Andrew's tip on radar around amhert was spot on.

I got home at 9:00. Used the trip from Bristow to Damascus to cool down the 2.5 motor. The Prius didn't get under my skin, because I was chuckling at how mad I knew Steve was getting.

It's such an adjustment going from drivers with a clue well, maybe not red/black group to the Prius drivers of the world.

[Chopper Dropper]

Doesn't Dr. K drive a Prius ;-)
Dirk

[Dr K]

Not any more. Now Ben K drives a Prius, and I can't believe my so-called friends are razzing him!

[Chopper Dropper]

Not any more. Now Ben K drives a Prius, and I can't believe my so-called friends are razzing him!

Friends on this board?? ;-) Think you might have come to the wrong place to look for anything other than razzing
Dirk

[Trak Ratt]

Not any more. Now Ben K drives a Prius, and I can't believe my so-called friends are razzing him!

Friends on this board?? ;-) Think you might have come to the wrong place to look for anything other than razzing
DirkX2 besides if the shoe fits...

If not move along could be you're the exception...

But then isn't there a number of old'r threads with you saying how you got 4000 mpg by droving like Prious drivers world wide?

[spiffyjiff]

thought i'd revive an old thread cuz i'm so cool like that. ANYway...

i'm planning on leaving from the gaithersburg area around 2:30p on thurs and heading 95-85-58 route. anyone else leaving around the same?

[Fritz]

thought i'd revive an old thread cuz i'm so cool like that. ANYway...

i'm planning on leaving from the gaithersburg area around 2:30p on thurs and heading 95-85-58 route. anyone else leaving around the same?

If I'm accepted I'll be getting on the road from Bethesda at about that time towing and happy to caravan. Does that put you in Richmond right at 5:00 though? Is that bad a bad idea, or not much traffic that direction then?

[spiffyjiff]

If I'm accepted I'll be getting on the road from Bethesda at about that time towing and happy to caravan. Does that put you in Richmond right at 5:00 though? Is that bad a bad idea, or not much traffic that direction then?

i was thinking that too and am trying to rearrange things at work so i can leave earlier. maybe if i can leave by 1:30 at the latest, richmond traffic might not be that bad...

[RENN 951]

i was thinking that too and am trying to rearrange things at work so i can leave earlier. maybe if i can leave by 1:30 at the latest, richmond traffic might not be that bad...


I've typically found Richmond to be not that bad even at 5 pm -- certainly compared to the DC area at that time. Even with a 1:30 departure from G'burg you'll likely find your most frustrating driving will be on I-95 between Woodbridge and Fredricksburg. With people skipping out early for the holiday weekend that section will be loading up badly by about 2:30, creating stop and go traffic the whole way, but once past Fredricksburg things should open up (barring any accidents of course).

If at all possible, try to get on the road from G'burg by noon or 12:30 and I think you'll have a much better driving experience. I'm planning on leaving from Mount Vernon by 1 pm.

[Dr K]

It's been a few years since I dared to go through Richmond at 5, but the two times I did, I sat and sat. Now if that's when I'm leaving (2:30 or so) I'll take 66 and go down Rt. 29. Very pretty drive, little traffic once you get off 66.

[JAFort]

I like Mr. Curtis have done this drive way too many times and for me 29 is the answer. 29 does has more hills (which I like - but I don't trailer) than 95 but the key is that 29 is much more predictable. I don't care what time you come back on 95 on a sunday - you are going to hit a lot of traffic. 29 is generally good unless you hit some weird UVA traffic like a football game (and even that is not so bad). I would add Charlottesville to my earlier advice on Amherst as the spots to watch.

29 is just a nice drive anyway.


John Clay and I beat last years record of 4:10 with dinner. This year *I* did about 4:00 with a much more leisurely dinner....I think John's still drving.

Got sandbagged by some smug prius on 29. He had a good run up to some traffic I thought he'd pass....then just hung there deliberately with both cars now blocking the way. John punched a hole in that nonsense (since he wasn't pulling the trailer) and brought me with him. Smooth sailing afterwards.

Andrew's tip on radar around amhert was spot on.