Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
23m
Distance
17.1 mi
27 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Camden, DE
Wikimedia Commons
Smyrna, DE
Wikimedia Commons
If you are planning to travel between Camden and Smyrna, Delaware, you are looking at a quick, 17.1-mile journey that typically takes about 23 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, requiring no overnight stays or complex logistics. You can expect to spend roughly $3 on fuel for the entire drive, making it a very economical transit within the Northeast region. Because the trip is so short, you have plenty of flexibility in your schedule to head out whenever it suits your plans. Whether you are commuting or just crossing the state for an errand, this straightforward connection between the two towns is efficient and easy to navigate.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
8.5 miles from Camden, DE
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 11m into the drive .
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate grind. Your route utilizes a combination of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, the Puncheon Run Connector, and South Dupont Highway to make your way north. You will spend your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 10.5 miles on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Since the highway share for this trip is 0%, the experience focuses more on local roads than high-speed motorway cruising. Be prepared to navigate various turns as you transition between these key thoroughfares throughout the 17.1-mile span.
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 23m drive. You will face about 5 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.3 miles (DE 1 Toll / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 6.7 miles (DE 1 Toll / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Take the exit toward Wilmington, Delaware Memorial Bridge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Merge onto DE 1 Toll / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining
Keep slight right at fork onto DE 1 Toll / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Take the exit toward US 13: South Smyrna
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Turn right onto East South Street
Navigation decision point
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Camden, DE to Smyrna, DE, road signs begin pointing toward Wilmington along the way.
Wilmington
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 10.5 mi | 12m |
| Puncheon Run Connector | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| South Dupont Highway | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| South Dupont Boulevard | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| South Main Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| East Camden Wyoming Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East South Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Camden, DE and Smyrna, DE.
Start on DE 10
Turn left onto US 13
Take the exit
Continue on Puncheon Run Connector
Merge onto DE 1 Toll
Keep slight right at fork onto DE 1 Toll
Take the exit
Turn right onto US 13
Turn left onto South Main Street
Turn right onto East South Street
Arrive at destination
Since this is a brief 23-minute excursion, you do not need to worry about planning for mid-trip stops or rest breaks. You can easily complete the entire drive in one go, allowing you to focus your energy on your arrival in Smyrna. With fuel costs estimated at $3, you won't need to stress over expensive fill-ups along the way. Keep in mind that because this route relies on a series of local roads and connectors, traffic patterns can shift quickly. A great tip for this specific drive is to keep an eye on your navigation as you transition between the Puncheon Run Connector and South Dupont Highway to ensure you stay on the most efficient path.
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.
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 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 8.5 miles or 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Smyrna, DE than in the middle of the route.
Have your navigation ready before leaving Camden, DE.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Camden, DE
This is one driving day of about 17.1 miles and 23m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 8.5 mi from Camden, DE · 11m into the drive
A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 8.5 miles from Camden, DE, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Smyrna, DE if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$2.83 one way
$5.67 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $3.10 | $6.21 |
| premium | $4.93 | $3.32 | $6.63 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $3.78 | $7.55 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 5.1 | 0 | $1.80 | $0.82 |
| Efficient EV | 4.3 | 0 | $1.50 | $0.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.8 | 0 | $2.39 | $1.09 |
Gas CO2
6 kg
EV CO2
2 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Camden on Thursday
Local time
12:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Clear
Destination
Late night in Smyrna on Thursday
Local time
12:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Clear
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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