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Trip from Bel Air, MD to North Bethesda, MD

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 30m

Distance

67 mi

108 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$11

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 23m ★
6 AM
1h 30m
8 AM
1h 44m
10 AM
1h 35m
12 PM
1h 34m
3 PM
1h 36m
5 PM
1h 43m
8 PM
1h 26m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Bel Air, MD, MD

Bel Air, MD

Captured Hal ⁰

Downtown North Bethesda, MD, MD

North Bethesda, MD

Kelly

Trip Overview

The drive from Bel Air, MD to North Bethesda, MD covers 67 miles and takes about 1h 30m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 95, Harbor Tunnel Thruway, Capital Beltway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly surface roads. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 17.7 miles on I 95. At current regular gas prices, budget about $11.11 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

33.5 miles from Bel Air, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 17.7 mi 20m
Harbor Tunnel Thruway 12 mi 15m
Capital Beltway 8.2 mi 10m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway 8.1 mi 9m
Express Toll Lanes 7.7 mi 9m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway 5.2 mi 7m
Rockville Pike 1.8 mi 3m
Baltimore Harbor Tunnel 1.4 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 17.7 mi, about 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bel Air, MD and North Bethesda, MD.

1

Start on Courtland Place

403 ft · 19 sec · Courtland Place
2

Turn right onto South Hickory Avenue

342 ft · 9 sec · South Hickory Avenue
3

Turn right onto MD 22

0.4 mi · 56 sec · Churchville Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
4

At end of road, turn right onto US 1 Business

0.5 mi · 1 min · Baltimore Pike
5

Turn left onto MD 24

5.2 mi · 7 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the left lane.
6

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 95 South: Baltimore Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Merge onto I 95

8.1 mi · 9 min · John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes

6.5 mi · 7 min · Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes

1.2 mi · 1 min · Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
10

Merge onto I 895

3.8 mi · 5 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway
11

Continue on I 895

1.4 mi · 2 min · Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
12

Continue on I 895

2.2 mi · 3 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on I 895

0.5 mi · 39 sec · Harbor Tunnel Throughway
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 895

0.5 mi · 41 sec · Harbor Tunnel Throughway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on I 895

6.0 mi · 7 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Merge onto I 95

18 mi · 20 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 27 Toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda, College Park Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight right at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda
19

Merge onto I 495

8.2 mi · 10 min · Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 37 sec
Exit 34 Toward MD 355: Bethesda, Rockville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Turn straight onto MD 355

1.8 mi · 3 min · Rockville Pike
22

Turn left onto Nicholson Lane

0.3 mi · 1 min · Nicholson Lane
Use the left lane.
23

Turn left onto Commonwealth Drive

347 ft · 17 sec · Commonwealth Drive
24

Turn right onto Tudor Lane

338 ft · 15 sec · Tudor Lane
25

Continue on Tudor Lane

146 ft · 6 sec · Tudor Lane
26

Arrive at destination

Tudor Lane

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 33.5 miles from Bel Air, MD, or about 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 17.7 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 15 miles or 21m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 33.5 miles or 46m 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 14m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North Bethesda, MD than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bel Air, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Bel Air, MD

This is one driving day of about 67 miles and 1h 30m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Bel Air, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 17.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Baltimore, MD

34 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Essex, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Catonsville, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 33.5 miles from Bel Air, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Royal Spice Nepalese & Indian Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Linthicum Heights, Maryland

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 33.5

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+14105895166

Visit website

G & M Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Linthicum Heights, Maryland

0.5 mi

Conrad's Seafood Restaurant - Abingdon

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Abingdon, Maryland

1 mi

Royal Spice Nepalese & Indian Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 33.5

Linthicum Heights, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+14105895166

Visit website

G & M Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 33.5

Linthicum Heights, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14106361777

Visit website

Conrad's Seafood Restaurant - Abingdon

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 4.8

Abingdon, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+14434020482

Visit website

G & A RESTAURANT INC

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 14.4

White Marsh, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+14434483218

Visit website

Royal Taj Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 43.1

Columbia, Maryland

Hours: 11:30 am–9:15 pm

+14103811111

Visit website

Helmand Kabobi | Afghan Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.9

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14103272230

Visit website

Seoul Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.6

Edgewood, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–5:30 pm

+14106719399

Visit website

RWV Fireside Restaurant

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 52.7

Silver Spring, Maryland

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 28.7

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 19.2

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 47.9

Laurel, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 23.9

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 47.9

Laurel, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 19.2

Rosedale, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 28.7

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 33.5

Halethorpe, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

National Museum of Health and Medicine

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 62.3

Silver Spring, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–5:30 pm

+13013193300

Visit website

Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 28.7

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+14102460669

Visit website

Creative Alliance

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 23.9

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 12–5 pm

+14102761651

Visit website

Patterson Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 23.9

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14102763676

Wonderfly Arena - Arbutus

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 33.5

Arbutus, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+14102042224

Visit website

Baltimore Museum of Industry

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 28.7

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+14107274808

Visit website

Riverside Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 28.7

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+14103967931

Urban Pirates

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 23.9

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+14103278378

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 6.2 and 64.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
6.2 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the exit toward I 95 South: Baltimore

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South: Baltimore
6
15 mi into trip | ~21m in | Express Toll Lanes

Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane.
6
21.4 mi into trip | ~29m in | Express Toll Lanes

Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane.
8
54.8 mi into trip | ~1h 10m in

Take the exit toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda, College Park

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 27 Toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda, Col...
8
64.4 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in

Take the exit toward MD 355: Bethesda, Rockville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 34 Toward MD 355: Bethesda, Rockville

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$11.11 one way

$22.22 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 23 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $12.17 $24.33
premium $4.93 $12.99 $25.99
diesel $5.61 $14.79 $29.59

Estimated Tolls: $0.84

Harbor Tunnel Thruway (12 mi) $0.84

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$11

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 23.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 20.1 0 $7.03 $3.22
Efficient EV 16.8 0 $5.86 $2.68
EV Truck/SUV 26.8 0 $9.38 $4.29

Gas CO2

23 kg

EV CO2

8 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

Bel Air, MD

Afternoon in Bel Air on Saturday

Local time

3:56 PM

EDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

North Bethesda, MD

Afternoon in North Bethesda on Saturday

Local time

3:56 PM

EDT

Current temp

77°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

5 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 30m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

8 mi from route ~19 min detour $20 near mile 67
Caution: DC Water Sewer Overflow
Caution: Hiking in Gold Mine Tract
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

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!

23 mi from route ~57 min detour Free near mile 67
View on nps.gov
Monocacy National Battlefield

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...

26 mi from route ~66 min detour Free near mile 67
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

67 mi in 1h 30m across surface roads — expect steady turns and local traffic rather than long highway runs.

Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 17.7 mi on I 95.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 67 miles you will encounter 18 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 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Bel Air, MD and North Bethesda, MD, road signs point toward Bethesda and College Park.

Bethesda

54.8 mi in | ~1h 10m

College Park

54.8 mi in | ~1h 10m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 30m. Total distance: 67 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 17.7 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.84 in tolls one way, starting with Harbor Tunnel Thruway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at North Bethesda, MD before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Monocacy National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at North Bethesda, MD before heading back.

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.

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