The drive from Annapolis, MD to Ballenger Creek, MD covers 73.7 miles and takes about 1h 32m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 70, I 97, Baltimore Beltway for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 36.7 miles on I 70.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $12.22 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
36.8 miles from Annapolis, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 47m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 32m. Total distance: 73.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 1h 32m highway drive covering 73.7 miles, with most of the trip on I 70 and I 97. The longest continuous stretch is about 36.7 miles on I 70.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 70 is the longest continuous segment at about 36.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and I 97. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.9 miles in near I 97.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 73.7 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 21.9 miles (I 97): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
21.9 mi into trip|~27m in|I 97
Take the exit onto I 97 toward I 695 West: Baltimore, Towson
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 17A
Toward I 695 West: Baltimore, Towson
8
31.9 mi into trip|~41m in
Take the exit toward I 70: Frederick, Local Traffic
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 16A-B
Toward I 70: Frederick, Local Traffic
8
32 mi into trip|~41m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 West: Frederick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 16A
Toward I 70 West: Frederick
8
69.6 mi into trip|~1h 22m in
Take the exit toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown Frederick
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 54
Toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown Frederick
9
69.7 mi into trip|~1h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Downtown Frederick, East Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Downtown Frederick, East Street
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Annapolis, MD and Ballenger Creek, MD, road signs point toward Towson, Local Traffic and Frederick.
Towson
21.9 mi in|~27m|via I 97
Local Traffic
31.9 mi in|~41m
Frederick
69.6 mi in|~1h 22m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
36.7 mi
39m
I 97
17.4 mi
20m
Baltimore Beltway
8.9 mi
12m
New Design Road
2.9 mi
5m
John Hanson Highway
1.8 mi
2m
Roscoe Rowe Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Robin Drive
0.5 mi
1m
Monocacy Boulevard
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 36.7 mi, about 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Annapolis, MD and Ballenger Creek, MD.
1
Start on School Street
137 ft·6 sec·School Street
2
Enter roundabout onto MD 450
77 ft·1 sec·College Avenue
3
Continue on MD 450
343 ft·7 sec·College Avenue
4
Turn left onto MD 70
0.3 mi·40 sec·Bladen Street
5
Continue on MD 70
1.4 mi·2 min·Roscoe Rowe Boulevard
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·53 sec
7
Continue on US 50; US 301; MD 2
1.8 mi·2 min·John Hanson Highway
8
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 21Toward I 97 North: BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·51 sec
Toward I 97 North: Baltimore
10
Continue on I 97
6.0 mi·6 min·I 97
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 97
10 mi·11 min·I 97
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto I 97
1.1 mi·1 min·I 97
Exit 17AToward I 695 West: Baltimore, TowsonUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 695
8.9 mi·12 min·Baltimore Beltway
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 16A-BToward I 70: Frederick, Local TrafficUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 16AToward I 70 West: FrederickUse the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 70
14 mi·15 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 70; US 40
12 mi·12 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 70; US 40
11 mi·11 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 54Toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown FrederickUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
419 ft·10 sec
Toward Downtown Frederick, East StreetUse the slight right lane.
21
Turn straight onto MD 85
426 ft·9 sec·Buckeystown Pike
22
Turn left onto Monocacy Boulevard
0.4 mi·58 sec·Monocacy Boulevard
23
Continue on New Design Road
2.9 mi·5 min·New Design Road
24
Turn right onto Robin Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Robin Drive
25
Turn right onto Canada Goose Court
178 ft·7 sec·Canada Goose Court
26
Arrive at destination
Canada Goose Court
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 36.8 miles from Annapolis, MD, or about 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 16 miles or 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.8 miles or 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ballenger Creek, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Annapolis, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Annapolis, MD
This is one driving day of about 73.7 miles and 1h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Annapolis, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 70 for about 36.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 36.8 mi from Annapolis, MD
· 47m into the drive
The midpoint is around 36.8 miles from Annapolis, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Ballenger Creek, MD
The final approach into Ballenger Creek, MD usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Monocacy National Battlefield
National Battlefield
During the summer of 1864, the Confederacy carried out a bold plan to turn the tide of the Civil War in their favor. They planned to capture Washington, DC and influence the election of 1864. On July...
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 73.7
23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into...
17 mi from route
~44 min detour
$20
near mile 73.7
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
$20
near mile 73.7
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potoma...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$20
near mile 55.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.22 one way
$24.44 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg26 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$13.38
$26.76
premium
$4.93
$14.29
$28.59
diesel
$5.61
$16.27
$32.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22.1
0
$7.74
$3.54
Efficient EV
18.4
0
$6.45
$2.95
EV Truck/SUV
29.5
0
$10.32
$4.72
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Annapolis, MD
Afternoon
in Annapolis on Friday
Local time
3:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Ballenger Creek, MD
Afternoon
in Ballenger Creek on Friday
Local time
3:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 32m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Annapolis, MD to Ballenger Creek, MD covers 73.7 miles and takes about 1h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 70, I 97, Baltimore Beltway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 36.8 miles from Annapolis, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.22 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 73.7 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 21.9 miles (I 97): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Annapolis, MD and Ballenger Creek, MD, road signs point toward Towson, Local Traffic and Frederick.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Monocacy National Battlefield, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Antietam National Battlefield. There are 5 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
