Trip from Brandywine, MD to Bethesda, MD

Data updated 4 hours ago

Drive Time

54m

Distance

28.1 mi

45 km

Drive Score

6/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 13 min

4 AM

0h 50m ★

6 AM

0h 54m

8 AM

1h 3m

10 AM

0h 57m

12 PM

0h 56m

3 PM

0h 58m

5 PM

1h 2m

8 PM

0h 51m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Brandywine, MD

Jonathan Borba

unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States

Bethesda, MD

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 28.1-mile drive from Brandywine, MD to Bethesda, MD is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 54 minutes. With a modest fuel cost estimate of $5, it's an economical option for a quick journey. The route primarily utilizes local roads like Branch Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, with only an 11% highway share. Expect a turn-heavy local drive experience, typical for navigating between communities in the Northeast region. Given its short distance and duration, no overnight stops are necessary, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

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

14 miles from Brandywine, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 21m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

The character of this drive is defined by its frequent turns and local road focus, making it a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. While only 11% of the route involves highway travel, the longest uninterrupted stretch is 11.1 miles on Branch Avenue. This suggests a journey that transitions from more open local roads to potentially busier segments as you approach your destination. You'll likely experience varied traffic patterns and speed limits, requiring consistent attention to navigation and road conditions.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 41 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Branch Avenue is the longest continuous segment at about 11.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 13.5 miles in near MD 637 / Naylor Road.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 30 significant decision points across 28.1 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 13.5 miles (MD 637 / Naylor Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 16.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 30 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

13.5 mi into trip | ~19m in | MD 637 / Naylor Road

Enter roundabout onto MD 637 / Naylor Road

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

16.6 mi into trip | ~27m in

Take the ramp toward I 695 West

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 695 West

18.2 mi into trip | ~30m in

Take the exit toward Maine Avenue Southwest, 12th Street Northwest, Downtown

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 4B-A Toward Maine Avenue Southwest, 12th Street Nort...

18.4 mi into trip | ~30m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 12th Street Northwest, Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 4B Toward 12th Street Northwest, Downtown

18.6 mi into trip | ~31m in

Keep slight left at fork toward D Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward D Street

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Brandywine, MD and Bethesda, MD, road signs point toward Maine Avenue Southwest, 12Th Street Northwest and Downtown.

Maine Avenue Southwest

18.2 mi in | ~30m

12Th Street Northwest

18.2 mi in | ~30m

Downtown

18.2 mi in | ~30m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Branch Avenue	11.1 mi	15m
Massachusetts Avenue Northwest	3.2 mi	9m
Brandywine Road	1.9 mi	3m
Little Falls Parkway	1.4 mi	2m
Marion Barry Avenue Southeast	1.2 mi	2m
Southeast Freeway	1.1 mi	1m
Massachusetts Avenue	0.7 mi	1m
Naylor Road Southeast	0.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Branch Avenue — 11.1 mi, about 15m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Brandywine, MD and Bethesda, MD.

Start on MD 381

1.9 mi · 3 min · Brandywine Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 35 sec

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

Merge onto MD 5

11 mi · 14 min · Branch Avenue

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto MD 5

0.4 mi · 38 sec · Branch Avenue

Take the exit onto MD 637

0.2 mi · 28 sec · MD 637

Use the left lane.

Enter roundabout onto MD 637

129 ft · 2 sec · Naylor Road

Continue on MD 637

381 ft · 13 sec · Naylor Road

Enter roundabout onto MD 637

48 ft · 0 sec · Naylor Road

Continue on MD 637

0.3 mi · 50 sec · Naylor Road

Turn straight

295 ft · 10 sec

Turn slight right onto Naylor Road Southeast

0.7 mi · 1 min · Naylor Road Southeast

Use the straight / left lanes.

Turn left onto Marion Barry Avenue Southeast

1.2 mi · 2 min · Marion Barry Avenue Southeast

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast

0.5 mi · 53 sec · Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast

Continue on 11th Street Southeast

0.3 mi · 51 sec · 11th Street Southeast

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 29 sec

Toward I 695 West Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 695

1.1 mi · 1 min · Southeast Freeway

Continue on I 395

0.3 mi · 32 sec · Southwest Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Exit 4B-A Toward Maine Avenue Southwest, 12th Street Northwest, Downtown Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Exit 4B Toward 12th Street Northwest, Downtown Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

513 ft · 16 sec

Toward D Street

Turn right onto 12th Street Southwest

0.2 mi · 31 sec · 12th Street Southwest

Turn left onto Independence Avenue Southwest

0.6 mi · 1 min · Independence Avenue Southwest

Use the left lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto 17th Street Southwest

0.3 mi · 40 sec · 17th Street Southwest

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on 17th Street Northwest

0.5 mi · 53 sec · 17th Street Northwest

Use the straight / left lanes.

Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest

0.6 mi · 59 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest

Turn right onto 22nd Street Northwest

0.5 mi · 1 min · 22nd Street Northwest

Use the straight / slight right / right lanes.

Turn left onto P Street Northwest

209 ft · 7 sec · P Street Northwest

Turn right

521 ft · 19 sec

Turn straight onto Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Northwest

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Northwest

Turn slight right

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward Massachusetts Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on Waterside Drive Northwest

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Waterside Drive Northwest

Turn left onto Massachusetts Avenue Northwest

2.1 mi · 5 min · Massachusetts Avenue Northwest

Enter roundabout onto Massachusetts Avenue Northwest

213 ft · 5 sec · Massachusetts Avenue Northwest

Continue on Massachusetts Avenue Northwest

1.1 mi · 2 min · Massachusetts Avenue Northwest

Enter roundabout onto MD 396

199 ft · 3 sec · Massachusetts Avenue

Continue on MD 396

0.7 mi · 1 min · Massachusetts Avenue

Turn right onto Little Falls Parkway

1.4 mi · 2 min · Little Falls Parkway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn right onto Arlington Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Arlington Road

Turn left onto Bethesda Avenue

510 ft · 22 sec · Bethesda Avenue

Turn left

44 ft · 3 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the short 54-minute duration for this 28.1-mile trip, you have ample flexibility with departure times. Consider leaving earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid potential local traffic congestion, especially as you approach Bethesda. With a low fuel cost of around $5, you won't need to worry extensively about refueling stops. The longest stretch without a turn is 11.1 miles on Branch Avenue, so be prepared for frequent adjustments to your steering and speed throughout the journey.

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 14 miles from Brandywine, MD, or about 21m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 11.1 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 28.1 miles or 54m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 14 miles or 21m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 43m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Brandywine, 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 Brandywine, MD

This is one driving day of about 28.1 miles and 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Brandywine, 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 Branch Avenue for about 11.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 14 mi from Brandywine, MD · 21m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

14 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

North Bethesda, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28.1 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 14 miles from Brandywine, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Bethesda, MD

The final approach into Bethesda, 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 Bethesda, 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

$4.66 one way

$9.32 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 10 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.61	$5.10	$10.20
premium	$4.93	$5.45	$10.90
diesel	$5.61	$6.20	$12.41

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$30–$55

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 9.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 70% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	8.4	$2.95	$1.35
Efficient EV	7	$2.46	$1.12
EV Truck/SUV	11.2	$3.93	$1.80

Gas CO2

10 kg

EV CO2

3 kg (70% 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Brandywine, MD

Late night in Brandywine on Wednesday

Local time

4:08 AM

EDT

Current temp

87°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bethesda, MD

Late night in Bethesda on Wednesday

Local time

4:08 AM

EDT

Current temp

89°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 warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

54m 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 Brandywine, MD to Bethesda, MD covers 28.1 miles and takes about 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Branch Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Brandywine Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 14 miles from Brandywine, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $4.66 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.

Between Brandywine, MD and Bethesda, MD, road signs point toward Maine Avenue Southwest, 12Th Street Northwest and Downtown.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Brandywine, MD or browse trips ending in Bethesda, MD.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MD road trips.

Explore maps for Brandywine, MD or Bethesda, MD on MapSof.net.

Trip from Brandywine, MD to Bethesda, MD

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Bethesda, MD

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Brandywine, MD

Bethesda, MD

Same local time

2 degrees warmer at arrival

54m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Bethesda, MD

More from Brandywine, MD

More trips to Bethesda, MD