Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
42m
Distance
32.8 mi
53 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Catonsville, MD
Wikimedia Commons
Damascus, MD
Wikimedia Commons
The drive from Catonsville, MD to Damascus, MD covers 32.8 miles and takes about 42m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 70, Ridge Road, Baltimore Beltway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 22.9 miles on I 70. At current regular gas prices, budget about $5.44 one way before food or hotel costs.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 42m. Total distance: 32.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
This is a 42m highway drive covering 32.8 miles, with most of the trip on I 70 and Ridge Road. The longest continuous stretch is about 22.9 miles on I 70.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and Ridge Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in.
Focused - busy navigation packed into a short drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a short but busy drive. With 10 decision points packed into just 32.8 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 42m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Take the ramp toward I 695 North
Lane positioning matters here
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
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 West: Frederick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Merge onto I 70
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward MD 27: Damascus, Mount Airy
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Catonsville, MD and Damascus, MD, road signs point toward Local Traffic and Mount Airy.
Local Traffic
Mount Airy
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 70 | 22.9 mi | 24m |
| Ridge Road | 4.9 mi | 8m |
| Baltimore Beltway | 2 mi | 2m |
| Woodfield Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Frederick Road | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Main Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Catonsville, MD and Damascus, MD.
Start on this road
Turn left onto MD 144
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 695
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 70
Continue on I 70; US 40
Take the exit
Turn left onto MD 27
Turn left onto Woodfield Road
Turn right onto MD 108
Turn right
Arrive at destination
Regular Gas
$5.44 one way
$10.88 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $5.96 | $11.91 |
| premium | $4.93 | $6.36 | $12.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $7.24 | $14.48 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$5
Estimated CO2 emission: 11.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 9.8 | 0 | $3.44 | $1.57 |
| Efficient EV | 8.2 | 0 | $2.87 | $1.31 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 13.1 | 0 | $4.59 | $2.10 |
Gas CO2
11 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (64% 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
Afternoon in Catonsville on Thursday
Local time
3:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny
Destination
Afternoon in Damascus on Thursday
Local time
3:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
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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