Q for folks in Alabama and Georgia (driving directions advice)

[youtalkfunny]

Taking a road trip to visit my sister in Ocala (and catch a Red Sox game or two in Tampa).

Google Maps and Yahoo Maps have different opinions on what road to take once I reach Birmingham:



According to Yahoo, their way is about 70 miles shorter, and about an hour less.

But those aren't interstates that Yahoo is advocating.

Can someone who is familiar with the area tell me if the Yahoo path is the better of the two?

[jthegreat]

Honestly, it depends entirely on the traffic around Atlanta. If the traffic is fine, that way is probably faster, since you can drive up to 80 or so the entire way on Interstates.

That said, taking state highways through Columbus and (I'm guessing here) Valdosta would be a prettier drive, but you'll be stuck on 55mph speed limits the whole way.

[ChipWrecked]

That leg of 78 from the Bama state line to Birmingham is enough to make me want to tear my teeth out. From there I would take 20 to ATL, no question.

Traffic shouldn't be that bad going around the south side on 285 to 75.

[dlk9s]

[ QUOTE ]
That leg of 78 from the Bama state line to Birmingham is enough to make me want to tear my teeth out. From there I would take 20 to ATL, no question.

Traffic shouldn't be that bad going around the south side on 285 to 75.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed. If you're hitting the Atlanta area in the afternoon/evening, rush hour doesn't really affect traffic going into Atlanta on I-20 or southbound I-285 after the I-20 merge too much.

The main traffic is coming out of the city at that time of day and going north on I-285. When you hit I-285, you'll be going against the prime rush hour flow.

Just hope there aren't any accidents.

[youtalkfunny]

Wow, and I thought it was a dumb question. Glad I asked. Thanks guys.

(I won't be hitting ATL until after dark, or close to it, so I'll go that way.)

[dug]

You are exactly right. That drive across Alabama is the worst thing on earth.

[dlk9s]

[ QUOTE ]


(I won't be hitting ATL until after dark, or close to it, so I'll go that way.)

[/ QUOTE ]

You should be perfectly fine, then.

[Nicholasp27]

20E->285S->75S FTW 6 hours from Bham to FL Line is what you are looking at, then 2 hours if going to Orlando, so prolly 1.5 to Ocala

[jbrent33]

DO NOT under any circumstances take route A. I grew up in Alabama and took hwy 280 back and forth to school (AU). It is not an interstate nor even a controlled access highway. You will pass though buttholeville cities like Dadeville, Phenix City, and Alex city that have stoplights and overzealous cops.

Seriously, ever see the movie Macon County Line? You might want to check it out because you will be heading right through Macon County if you take route A.


Route B is a much easier drive.

[Ineedaride2]

I'll 7th (or whatever) the second route. Personally, I'd take the first, but only because I hate interstates as a general rule. If I were solely trying to save time, it'd definitely be the second one. The Birmingham to Tifton on state highways route will drive you to drink if you aren't a patient person. Too many redlights, semis, tractors and 35 mph zones.