Originally Posted by
fastflyer
The fastest routing is rather complicated: I-84 through Hartford, picking up the limited-access highway CT-2 in East Hartford all the way to Norwich, then I-395 east for a few miles until you get to state roads CT-138 and RI-138 which lead you to I-95 just west of Kingston RI.
I-80 to I-95 seems to be simpler. But heaven help you if you are anywhere within commuting range of New York during the unpredictably long rush hours.
By the way, you cannot easily get from I-395 back onto westbound CT-2 (return trip) because for some reason CTDOT never built that ramp.
haha, thanks for your insights, as well as everyone else ^
(sorry I didn't reply earlier, I've been a bit busy at work, and some other things here on FT...)
This is just a one-way trip. After Providence, I'll continue on to Boston on Friday, then fly BOS-PHX on Saturday. I'll return my rental car ASAP I get to Boston (I despise driving there).
Nearly each time I run Google maps for the trip I get different suggestions, which is why I asked here. Maybe it varies by time of day, based on all the traffic conditions along the way?
Unless someone can give me a compelling reason to drive through The Bronx (other than that I've never been in The Bronx), that route is at the bottom of my list. I have driven to/through/near NYC, at various times of day, and it is something I'd rather avoid at all costs.
I'm planning to head out from PA by 10am, with a goal to be in Providence by 5pm, with perhaps stops for Starbucks and lunch somewhere enroute.