Connecticutans - What's the best way through your state during rush hour?

[DeviousTrap]

I'm currently in NYC, and have to get to Boston by dinner time tomorrow, which leaves me with crossing through Connecticut during rush hour. (Say, 4ish)

So:
I-684 -> I-84
or
I-95 -> I-91 > I-84

Or is there a better way?

Thanks

 

[DaWhim]

amtrek

 

[HyTekJosh]

merritt parkway and i95 become a parking lot

 

[DeviousTrap]

Well, I can cancel dinner plans, but no matter what I'd have to be in downtown Boston by 10:30. If I choose to leave around 6, I'll be leaving NY towards the end of rush hour. And, I can't leave before 2, so I'm trying to figure out the best time between those two to drive. Unfortunately, Amtrak isn't an option

 

[aplefka]

Originally posted by: DeviousTrap
Well, I can cancel dinner plans, but no matter what I'd have to be in downtown Boston by 10:30. If I choose to leave around 6, I'll be leaving NY towards the end of rush hour. And, I can't leave before 2, so I'm trying to figure out the best time between those two to drive. Unfortunately, Amtrak isn't an option

Originally posted by: DaWhim
amtrek

That's why he suggested their cheaper, economy company.

Why not just move your plans back an hour and still leave at the same time?

 

[DeviousTrap]

Originally posted by: aplefka

Originally posted by: DeviousTrap
Well, I can cancel dinner plans, but no matter what I'd have to be in downtown Boston by 10:30. If I choose to leave around 6, I'll be leaving NY towards the end of rush hour. And, I can't leave before 2, so I'm trying to figure out the best time between those two to drive. Unfortunately, Amtrak isn't an option

Originally posted by: DaWhim
amtrek

That's why he suggested their cheaper, economy company.

Why not just move your plans back an hour and still leave at the same time?

The dinner plans are really flexible, but the 10:30 ones aren't. So basically, I'm either standing in NY rush hour, or CT rush hour.

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: DeviousTrap
I'm currently in NYC, and have to get to Boston by dinner time tomorrow, which leaves me with crossing through Connecticut during rush hour. (Say, 4ish)

So:
I-684 -> I-84
or
I-95 -> I-91 > I-84

Or is there a better way?

Thanks

Amtrak FTW

 

[Captante]

Unfortunately its a no-win situation ... no matter what you do you'll sit in stop & go traffic pretty much from Greenwich to Bridgeport ... if you can time it so you'll be through Stamford by 3:00pm or so you'll save yourself a lot of pain, but considering its a Friday its going to suck regardless. Assuming dinner at 7:00pm you'll need to leave NYC by 2:00pm at the latest to have a decent shot at being ontime... earlier would be better.

Also be sure to listen to traffic reports ... if things are moving normally (ie: no serious accidents) then you will save some time taking the Merritt Parkway, however note that if anything does go wrong there you'll be trapped with no way out so I-95 might be a safer bet... don't waste your time taking I-684 to 84 because it also backs up for miles & you'll be heading the wrong direction.

 

[intogamer]

NYC<>Boston Chinatown buses?

They run nonstop routes every hour daily. The drivers communicate on traffic conditions. They are always pressured to meet destination times. You know the Chinese! Plus can't buses get on those separate express lanes in CT?

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: intogamer
NYC<>Boston Chinatown buses?

They run nonstop routes every hour daily. The drivers communicate on traffic conditions. They are always pressured to meet destination times. You know the Chinese! Plus can't buses get on those separate express lanes in CT?

No express lanes to speak of till I-91 North of Hartford, however a bus or train is still by far the best way to go ... if you catch an Acela Express train from Penn-Central the trip should take about 2 3/4 - 3 hours & standard Amtrak express about 4 1/2 hours ... the bus is easier then driving & cheaper then Amtrak, but will still take at least 5 hours on a Friday afternoon.


Edit: Theres an Acela Express leaving NYC at 3:00pm that arrives at 6:30pm but its sold out ... the 4:00pm train still has seats available and arrives at 7:35pm ... the best you can do on Standard Amtrak is a 2:00pm train that arrives at 6:20pm.