how do i get from dc to boston goin over tappan zee bridge?

Answer 1

I would STRONGLY suggest a variation on Julie's directions. Rather than spending so long on 95 before getting on the Merritt, I'd get directly on it over the bridge, rather than going all the way one way and cutting back (look at a map). And why deal with 95? Plus it's shorter. White Plains to Boston is 3 hours, not counting stops, long as traffic is moving.

After getting off the bridge, take the Cross Westchester- 287E for a very short distance and get on 15N-the Hutchinson Pkwy North, which becomes the Merrit in CT. (The road splits, bear left for the Hutch). Later, outside Hartford take 91 North to 84 East and follow signs for the MA Pike, I 90, towards Boston.

If you are not familiar with the trip, the roads do a loop around Hartford so you don't have to go through town. But they are clearly marked, so when you get near Hartford just follow the signs that will say Boston, MA Turnpike (most require staying right).

I also tried to use the names of the roads, as most signs go by that instead of the Rt. number, esp in NY and CT. Last, if you have a lead foot be careful in CT. They are brutal at giving tickets, so be careful!!!

I think I've gone every possible way several times (684 is another option), but this one is generally the fastest and easiest. Plus rest stops on the Merritt are a very easy on off. This looks more complicated than it is. The vast majority of the trip is on the Hutch which turns into the Merritt, a bit on 84, then the MA pike. And on the Pike there are major, full service rest stops. Another tip... If you need gas wait until MA...it's always much cheaper than the CT stops.

One more thing....if you are doing the trip in reverse, be sure to remember that the Merritt is also called the "Wilbur Cross Pkwy" and that is what the sign says in that direction. You miss it you end up on 95. It's idiotic but that's what is up lol.

As was accurately pointed out, you can take 95 the entire way, but it's a truck route (which the Hutch/Merritt isn't), and it's one of those roads that is almost always obnoxious. I made this trip more times than I can count (born and raised in Westerchester, live in MA since college), and I find it's almost always faster and more enjoyable via the Merritt. Just listen to traffic, as it's a 2 lane road, and make sure there are no accidents. There are several places where you can cut over to 95 if need be, but if traffic is moving that's the way to go IMHO.

So I'd suggest pulling up a map, looking at all these choices, but this is always my first choice. Have a great trip! And when crossing the Tappen Zee be sure to look right if you can...lovely view of NY mid-way across!!!

So my version is;

Bridge to 287 N-Cross Westchester to
The Hutchinson/Merritt pkwy-15 N, to
91 N to 84 East to Mass Pike 90 to Boston.
That will take you straight into Boston.

(Note, where I explained you follow the signs to circle outside Hartford, you will be bouncing between 15, 91 and 84. I didn't give exact directions there it sounds WAY more confusing than it is, and most roads just lead right onto the other with easy to follow signs! But wanted to mention it should you run it on Mapquest etc, since they spell it out).

Hope you have a great trip and hope this info helps some!

Answer 2

This is the way I go too.. I'm from right over the TZ Bridge and used to live in Boston.

Ready? Print these directions out - I'm a human compass. ;)

Follow I-95 North (turns into the NJ Turnpike) to the Garden State Pkwy North (in Jersey). Follow all the way straight, and you will end up on I-287 in NY. Take I-287 South toward the Tappan Zee Bridge (White Plains).

Once through the TZ Bridge toll ($4 toll):

Follow I-287 East (Cross Westchester Expwy)

Take I-95 North (Toward Connecticut)

Take I-91 North (Toward Hartford)

Take I-84 East (Toward Massachusetts)

Take I-90 East (Toward Boston - Toll road...)

Follow I-90 East all the way into Boston.

Without traffic, it should take you less the 3.5 hours. Try to avoid rush hour or you will be stuck in CT for hours.

Another way is to follow I-95 North the whole way (it goes along the coast), but there always seems to be construction in Providence, RI, so I would avoid that as well)

Good Luck! I'm doing the same thing this weekend ;)

Answer 3

I make use to make the commute from Greenbelt MD to Dedham MA every weekend for 2 years.

After you exit the NJ Turnpike you follow one of two ways. The first way is the scenic route which is the Palasaides PKWY over to 287 East. 287 East will take you to the Tappan Zee.

The other way is to cut over to the Garden State Pkwy. You can do this at exit 11 on the Turnpike or wait until the end of the turnpike and follow signs to Garden State Pkwy. The garden state pkwy ends at the NY state line. The next exit is for 287 towards the Tappan Zee.

Believe it or not I've also tried another route. It once took me over 11 hours to make that trip which was not acceptable {traffic was a killer}. I've taken 695 in B'more to I-83 to I-81N to I-84 E to the Mass Pike. It adds about 50 - 55 miles to the trip but during rush hour it will definitely save you time. Going this way it is about a 7.5 hour trip if you will be traveling during rush hour. I once hit rush our in NJ, NY and CT. That made the trip 11/12 hours. Rush hour in CT SUCKS!

The downside to going this way is that you don't get to take advantage of the cheap gas in NJ.

Answer 4

Why would you go over the Tap? That takes you WAY out of your way! Pick up 95 south and it should take you right into DC.

Answer 5

I'm not sure about this

Answer 6

Good question, I was wondering the same thing myself

Answer 7

Not sure what to say