Origin
Bethesda, MD
Evening in Bethesda on Sunday
Local time
7:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bethesda, MD to Dundalk, MD
Drive Time
1h
Distance
43 mi
69 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$7
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 56m
★
6 AM
1h 1m
8 AM
1h 11m
10 AM
1h 4m
12 PM
1h 3m
3 PM
1h 5m
5 PM
1h 10m
8 PM
0h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bethesda, MD
RDNE Stock project
Dundalk, MD
Jonathan Borba
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick trip from Bethesda to Dundalk, you are looking at a straightforward 43-mile journey that typically takes about one hour. This route is designed as a direct highway-focused drive, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. You will primarily navigate the Capital Beltway and I-95 before transitioning onto Broening Highway to reach your destination. With a modest fuel budget of approximately $7, this trip is both affordable and efficient. Since both the origin and destination are located within the Northeast region of Maryland, the transition between these two points is seamless and familiar for local drivers. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a day of local travel, the simplicity of this route allows for maximum flexibility in your schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
21.5 miles from Bethesda, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 31m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip dominated by high-speed interstate travel, as highway driving accounts for 67% of your total time on the road. The most significant portion of your journey features a 28.8-mile stretch along I-95, which serves as the core of your navigation. While the initial leg involves the heavy traffic patterns of the Capital Beltway, the drive eventually shifts toward the more industrial corridors near Broening Highway as you approach Dundalk. You will find that the road maintains a consistent, fast-paced character throughout the majority of the trip. Because this is a highway-focused route, it emphasizes speed and directness over technical or winding backroads, keeping your focus steady on the flow of traffic.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 28.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Capital Beltway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Arlington Road.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 43 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Arlington Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles (Jones Bridge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Arlington Road
Turn left onto Arlington Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
1.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
Jones Bridge Road
Turn right onto Jones Bridge Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
2.8 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the ramp toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
7
9.6 mi into trip
|
~15m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Baltimore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 27
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore
6
9.9 mi into trip
|
~16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
Towns Along This Route
Between Bethesda, MD and Dundalk, MD, road signs point toward Silver Spring and New York.
Silver Spring
2.8 mi in
|
~7m
New York
9.9 mi in
|
~16m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 28.8 mi | 34m |
| Capital Beltway | 6.5 mi | 8m |
| Broening Highway | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| Jones Bridge Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Keith Avenue | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| Wisconsin Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Connecticut Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Edgemoor Lane | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 28.8 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bethesda, MD and Dundalk, MD.
1
Start on this road
44 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Bethesda Avenue
510 ft
·
24 sec
·
Bethesda Avenue
3
Turn left onto Arlington Road
0.3 mi
·
55 sec
·
Arlington Road
Use the none lane.
4
Turn right onto Edgemoor Lane
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
·
Edgemoor Lane
5
Turn left onto MD 355
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Wisconsin Avenue
6
Continue on MD 355
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Rockville Pike
7
Turn right onto Jones Bridge Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Jones Bridge Road
Use the none lane.
8
Turn left onto MD 185
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
Connecticut Avenue
Use the left / slight left lanes.
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 495
6.5 mi
·
8 min
·
Capital Beltway
Use the none lane.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 27
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
13
Merge onto I 95
27 mi
·
32 min
·
I 95
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 95
Use the slight right lane.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn left onto Keith Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Keith Avenue
17
Keep slight right at fork onto Keith Avenue
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
Keith Avenue
18
Turn straight onto Broening Highway
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Broening Highway
19
Turn left onto Belclare Road
490 ft
·
20 sec
·
Belclare Road
20
Turn right onto Dundalk Avenue
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Dundalk Avenue
21
Continue on Dundalk Avenue
285 ft
·
12 sec
·
Dundalk Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
1 ft
·
Dundalk Avenue
Trip Plan
Because this route relies heavily on major arteries like I-95 and the Capital Beltway, your biggest challenge will be managing peak traffic hours. Aiming for an off-peak departure is your best strategy to ensure you maintain that one-hour arrival estimate. Since the entire trip is only 43 miles, you will likely find that you do not need to factor in any scheduled stops for fuel or rest, allowing you to complete the drive in one efficient push. Keep an eye on your GPS as you transition from the interstate onto Broening Highway, as the turn-off can come up quickly after your long, uninterrupted stretch on the highway. Taking advantage of this short travel time gives you the freedom to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay or complex logistics.
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 21.5 miles from Bethesda, MD, or about 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.8 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 43 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 21.5 miles or 31m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dundalk, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bethesda, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bethesda, MD
This is one driving day of about 43 miles and 1h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Bethesda, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 28.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 21.5 mi from Bethesda, MD · 31m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
22 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 21.5 miles from Bethesda, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Dundalk, MD
The final approach into Dundalk, MD usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Dundalk, MD.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$7.12 one way
$14.23 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
15 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $7.79 | $15.57 |
| premium | $4.92 | $8.33 | $16.67 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $9.55 | $19.11 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$32–$57
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 15 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 12.9 | 0 | $4.52 | $2.06 |
| Efficient EV | 10.8 | 0 | $3.76 | $1.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 17.2 | 0 | $6.02 | $2.75 |
Gas CO2
15 kg
EV CO2
5 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.
Destination
Dundalk, MD
Evening in Dundalk on Sunday
Local time
7:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°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
27 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 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 Bethesda, MD to Dundalk, MD covers 43 miles and takes about 1h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, Capital Beltway, Broening Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 21.5 miles from Bethesda, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.12 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 is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 43 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Arlington Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles (Jones Bridge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Bethesda, MD and Dundalk, MD, road signs point toward Silver Spring and New York.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Dundalk, MD
More trips to Dundalk, MD
Explore more options from Bethesda, MD or browse trips ending in Dundalk, MD.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MD road trips.
Explore maps for Bethesda, MD or Dundalk, MD on MapSof.net.