Driving Atlanta to Baltimore questions

[luv2cruise4ever]

Heading out on Grandeur this summer once again.  Driving this time instead of flying and wondering if anyone has driven into Baltimore from the South?  

 

We are planning on parking at the port so no need for hotel/shuttle.  Ship leaves on a Thursday so traffic to the port shouldn't be too bad, should it?  I'm thinking we get a hotel a bit out of town and finish the last hour or so on Thursday morning.  Is there a good stopping point close enough without getting into the downtown area?  If it's like Atlanta then I'm guessing there might be construction on the interstate?

 

I guess I'm just looking for some general advice from anyone who's done this drive.  Do's/Don'ts, etc. Thanks!!

 

Alisa

[SRF]

The area around BWI airport has many hotels, and is convenient off the interstate (I-95).  And about 20 minutes to the port in the morning.   There are also a lot of places to eat.  Arundel Mills shopping center with a casino.

 

Further south, puts you in the DC area.

 

Be advised, getting around DC may take a while, if you come at the wrong time.  Actually, what I typically do coming north is taking the exit for 207 (I think exit 104) a bit north of Kings Dominion amusement park, then going up 301 to I-97, to Baltimore.  Bypass DC totally.   

[luv2cruise4ever]

Thank you so much.....I kind of figured there had to be a better way than coming through DC.  I appreciate your help!

[SRF]

Glad to help.

 

Coming up that way, it is a bit more complicated once you get to Baltimore, but not that bad.  You will need to get onto I-695 Beltway west bound to go over to I-95 to hit the port or downtown.  If you want to spend the night in the airport area, you would go south on 295 from 695 to that area.