Origin
Charlotte Hall, MD
Evening in Charlotte Hall on Sunday
Local time
8:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Charlotte Hall, MD to Gwynn Oak, MD
Drive Time
1h 46m
Distance
71.7 mi
115 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 38m
★
6 AM
1h 46m
8 AM
2h 2m
10 AM
1h 52m
12 PM
1h 50m
3 PM
1h 52m
5 PM
2h 1m
8 PM
1h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Charlotte Hall, MD
Lubomir Satko
Gwynn Oak, MD
Iqbal farooz
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Charlotte Hall to Gwynn Oak, expect a straightforward 71.7-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as the distance is manageable without requiring an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $12 for fuel to cover the trip. Since both your start and end points are located within the Northeast region of Maryland, the transition between them is seamless. Whether you are heading out for business or visiting family, this drive offers a practical way to navigate through the heart of the state.
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
35.8 miles from Charlotte Hall, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .
Drive Character
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route relies on Leonardtown Road and Crain Highway, with only 14% of the trip spent on major highways. You will experience a series of transitions as you navigate the local roads, with your longest uninterrupted stretch lasting just 15.6 miles on Crain Highway. Because of the frequent turns, the pace of the drive changes often, making it a more active experience than a standard highway cruise. Stay alert as you transition between these road types to ensure a smooth arrival at your destination.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Crain Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 15.6 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 16 miles in near US 301; MD 5 / Crain Highway.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 71.7 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 16 miles (US 301; MD 5 / Crain Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 49.5 miles (I 97): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.5 miles (I 97): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
16 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
US 301; MD 5 / Crain Highway
Merge onto US 301; MD 5 / Crain Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / none lanes.
5
49.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 12m in
|
I 97
Merge onto I 97
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
58.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m in
|
I 97
Take the exit onto I 97 toward I 695 West: Baltimore, Towson
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 17A
Toward I 695 West: Baltimore, Towson
5
59.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 24m in
|
I 695 / Baltimore Beltway
Merge onto I 695 / Baltimore Beltway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
67.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 34m in
Take the exit toward US 40 East: Baltimore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15A
Toward US 40 East: Baltimore
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Charlotte Hall, MD to Gwynn Oak, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Towson along the way.
Towson
58.5 mi in
|
~1h 23m
|
via I 97
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Crain Highway | 15.6 mi | 21m |
| South East Crain Highway | 10.8 mi | 15m |
| Leonardtown Road | 10.6 mi | 14m |
| I 97 | 10 mi | 11m |
| Baltimore Beltway | 7.7 mi | 10m |
| Robert Crain Highway | 7.1 mi | 11m |
| Mattawoman Beantown Road | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| Ingleside Avenue | 1.6 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Crain Highway
— 15.6 mi, about 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charlotte Hall, MD and Gwynn Oak, MD.
1
Start on this road
170 ft
·
13 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Charlotte Hall Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Charlotte Hall Road
3
Turn right onto Golden Beach Road
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Golden Beach Road
4
Turn left onto MD 5
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Three Notch Road
Use the none lane.
5
Continue on MD 5
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Leonardtown Road
Use the straight lane.
6
Turn right onto MD 5
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Mattawoman Beantown Road
7
Merge onto US 301; MD 5
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Crain Highway
Use the left / none lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 301
13 mi
·
18 min
·
Crain Highway
9
Continue on US 301
11 mi
·
15 min
·
South East Crain Highway
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on MD 3; MD 450
7.1 mi
·
11 min
·
Robert Crain Highway
Use the none lane.
11
Merge onto I 97
8.9 mi
·
10 min
·
I 97
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto I 97
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
I 97
Exit 17A
Toward I 695 West: Baltimore, Towson
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 695
7.7 mi
·
10 min
·
Baltimore Beltway
Use the none lane.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 15A
Toward US 40 East: Baltimore
Use the slight right lane.
15
Turn straight onto US 40
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Baltimore National Pike
16
Turn left onto Ingleside Avenue
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Ingleside Avenue
Use the left lane.
17
Continue on North Forest Park Avenue
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
North Forest Park Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
18
Turn slight left onto Hillsdale Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Hillsdale Road
19
Turn right onto Haddon Avenue
178 ft
·
11 sec
·
Haddon Avenue
20
Turn left
60 ft
·
4 sec
21
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this 1-hour and 46-minute route involves zero scheduled stops, you have the flexibility to power through or pull over whenever you need a break. We recommend checking local traffic conditions before you depart, as the turn-heavy nature of the route can be influenced by volume on the local roads. Because the total fuel cost is a modest $12, you won't need to stress about elaborate refueling logistics along the way. Keep in mind that the majority of your time will be spent on local thoroughfares, so prioritize comfort and keep your navigation ready for the frequent turns. Planning your departure to avoid peak local congestion will help you maintain a steady pace throughout the 71.7-mile trek.
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 35.8 miles from Charlotte Hall, MD, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 15.6 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 71.7 miles or 1h 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.8 miles or 51m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gwynn Oak, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Charlotte Hall, 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 Charlotte Hall, MD
This is one driving day of about 71.7 miles and 1h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Charlotte Hall, 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 Crain Highway for about 15.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 35.8 mi from Charlotte Hall, MD · 51m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 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 71.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 35.8 miles from Charlotte Hall, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Gwynn Oak, MD
The final approach into Gwynn Oak, 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 Gwynn Oak, 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
$11.86 one way
$23.73 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
25 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $12.98 | $25.96 |
| premium | $4.92 | $13.89 | $27.79 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $15.93 | $31.86 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.5 | 0 | $7.53 | $3.44 |
| Efficient EV | 17.9 | 0 | $6.27 | $2.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 28.7 | 0 | $10.04 | $4.59 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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
Gwynn Oak, MD
Evening in Gwynn Oak on Sunday
Local time
8:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
84°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
22 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 46m 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 Charlotte Hall, MD to Gwynn Oak, MD covers 71.7 miles and takes about 1h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Crain Highway, South East Crain Highway, Leonardtown Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 35.8 miles from Charlotte Hall, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.86 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 12 significant decision points across 71.7 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 16 miles (US 301; MD 5 / Crain Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 49.5 miles (I 97): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.5 miles (I 97): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Charlotte Hall, MD to Gwynn Oak, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Towson along the way.
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