The drive from Annapolis, MD to Brentwood, MD covers 76.2 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 38.6 miles on I 70.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $12.63 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
38.1 miles from Annapolis, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 48m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 32m. Total distance: 76.2 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 (74%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 1h 32m highway drive covering 76.2 miles, with most of the trip on I 70 and I 97. The longest continuous stretch is about 38.6 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 30 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 38.6 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 76.2 miles you will encounter 19 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 19 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
71.5 mi into trip|~1h 25m in|I 70 Exit 5A
Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 5A toward US 340 West, US 15 South: Charles Town, Leesburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 52
Toward US 340 West, US 15 South: Charles Town,...
8
71.8 mi into trip|~1h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 15 South, US 340 West: Charles Town, Leesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 15 South, US 340 West: Charles Town,...
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 Brentwood, MD, road signs point toward Towson, Local Traffic and Leesburg.
Towson
21.9 mi in|~27m|via I 97
Local Traffic
31.9 mi in|~41m
Leesburg
71.5 mi in|~1h 25m|via I 70 Exit 5A
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
38.6 mi
41m
I 97
17.4 mi
20m
Baltimore Beltway
8.9 mi
12m
Jefferson National Pike
2 mi
2m
John Hanson Highway
1.8 mi
2m
Roscoe Rowe Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Jefferson Pike
0.8 mi
1m
Mount Zion Road
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 38.6 mi, about 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Annapolis, MD and Brentwood, 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
13 mi·13 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 5A
0.3 mi·26 sec·I 70 Exit 5A
Exit 52Toward US 340 West, US 15 South: Charles Town, LeesburgUse the right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward US 15 South, US 340 West: Charles Town, LeesburgUse the slight left lane.
21
Merge onto US 15; US 340
2.0 mi·2 min·Jefferson National Pike
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward Mount Zion RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork
156 ft·4 sec
Toward Mount Zion RoadUse the left / right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto Mount Zion Road
0.4 mi·43 sec·Mount Zion Road
25
Enter roundabout onto MD 180
215 ft·4 sec·Jefferson Pike
26
Continue on MD 180
0.7 mi·1 min·Jefferson Pike
27
Turn right onto Teen Barnes Road
0.3 mi·48 sec·Teen Barnes Road
28
Turn right onto Woodhill Way
476 ft·22 sec·Woodhill Way
29
Turn right onto Woodhirst Drive
0.1 mi·34 sec·Woodhirst Drive
30
Arrive at destination
Woodhirst Drive
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 38.1 miles from Annapolis, MD, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.6 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 17 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.1 miles or 48m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brentwood, 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 76.2 miles and 1h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 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 38.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 38.1 mi from Annapolis, MD
· 48m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
$20
near mile 76.2
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
$20
near mile 76.2
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 76.2
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 52.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.63 one way
$25.27 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$13.84
$27.67
premium
$4.93
$14.78
$29.56
diesel
$5.61
$16.82
$33.65
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22.9
0
$8.00
$3.66
Efficient EV
19.1
0
$6.67
$3.05
EV Truck/SUV
30.5
0
$10.67
$4.88
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (67% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Annapolis, MD
Late night
in Annapolis on Friday
Local time
3:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brentwood, MD
Late night
in Brentwood on Friday
Local time
3:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°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
2 degrees cooler 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 Brentwood, MD covers 76.2 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 38.1 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 $12.63 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 76.2 miles you will encounter 19 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 Brentwood, MD, road signs point toward Towson, Local Traffic and Leesburg.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Monocacy National Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. There are 5 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
