Driving DC to Lexington, KY - which route to take?

[Anonymous]

Hi all, We're driving from DC to Lexington, KY during daytime for holidays, Google maps is suggesting two options:

1) Where 66 meets 81 near Strasburg, continue west on Rt48 through WV until Rt48 connects to 79-south near Weston, continue on 79-S until connecting to 64-W at Charleston, WV and continue to Lexington, KY on 64-W

2) Where 66 meets 81, continue south on 81 till Lexington, VA, then connect to 64-W, through Charleston and continue to Lexington, KY on 64-W

Estimated drive time is approx. the same for both, albeit #2 is 30 or so miles longer. For those of you who have experience driving on both routes, which one would you suggest and why?

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Waze and Google Maps both say to take 270 to 70, then 68 all the way through WV until it ends near Morgantown, then 79 south.to Charleston, and pick up 64 there straight to Lexington. Zero tolls and the fastest way, apparently.

[Anonymous]

64 through Charleston

[Anonymous]

If you take the PP’s rec of I-68 until Morgantown, you’ll pass right by this artisan village (with good restaurant)—
https://www.spruceforest.org/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Waze and Google Maps both say to take 270 to 70, then 68 all the way through WV until it ends near Morgantown, then 79 south.to Charleston, and pick up 64 there straight to Lexington. Zero tolls and the fastest way, apparently.

My guess is OP is starting from western Fairfax (or beyond) which is why both routes are sending them west on 66 rather than up 270. I would stick to routes that stay on interstates. We’ve cut through some back roads to avoid traffic and cell coverage can get spotty.

I would do 66–>81–>64 (plus you pass the new Buc ee’s!) Or go up 270 as PP recommended if you want the 79–> 64 option.

[Anonymous]

OP here; thank you all for your responses.

[Anonymous]

I drive that part of 48 every couple of weeks and, this time of year, it can be dicey due to weather. I agree with everyone else to stick to interstates.