Origin
Columbia, MD
Evening in Columbia on Sunday
Local time
8:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Columbia, MD to Charlotte Hall, MD
Drive Time
1h 33m
Distance
65.7 mi
106 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 26m
★
6 AM
1h 33m
8 AM
1h 47m
10 AM
1h 38m
12 PM
1h 37m
3 PM
1h 39m
5 PM
1h 47m
8 PM
1h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Columbia, MD
RDNE Stock project
Charlotte Hall, MD
Lubomir Satko
Trip Overview
Connecting Columbia to Charlotte Hall, this 65.7-mile journey typically takes about 1 hour and 33 minutes to complete. Because the trip is relatively short, you can easily handle it as a single-day excursion without needing an overnight stay. You will traverse the Northeast region of Maryland, moving from the suburban landscape of Columbia toward the more rural settings of Charlotte Hall. Budget approximately $11 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. It is a straightforward route that works well for travelers looking to navigate between these two points efficiently.
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
32.9 miles from Columbia, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 44m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience that balances high-speed interstate travel with local road navigation. About 50% of your time will be spent on highways, starting with a significant 28.1-mile stretch on I-95. As you transition off the interstate, you will navigate via Branch Avenue and Leonardtown Road, which change the pace of the drive considerably. The personality of the road shifts from the heavy traffic flow of the major highway system to the more localized feel of the secondary roads as you approach your destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 24 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 28.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 65.7 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 5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
5 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the exit toward MD 32 East: Fort Meade
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 16A
Toward MD 32 East: Fort Meade
8
5.4 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Shaker Drive, Eden Brook Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward Shaker Drive, Eden Brook Drive
7
7.8 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 13B
Toward I 95 South: Washington
8
36.5 mi into trip
|
~49m in
Take the exit toward MD 337: Andrews Air Force Base Main Gate, Morningside
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 9
Toward MD 337: Andrews Air Force Base Main Gate...
7
49.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 8m in
|
MD 5
Take the exit onto MD 5 toward Lexington Park, Leonardtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Lexington Park, Leonardtown
Towns Along This Route
Between Columbia, MD and Charlotte Hall, MD, road signs point toward Morningside, Lexington Park and Leonardtown.
Morningside
36.5 mi in
|
~49m
Lexington Park
49.5 mi in
|
~1h 8m
|
via MD 5
Leonardtown
49.5 mi in
|
~1h 8m
|
via MD 5
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 28.1 mi | 35m |
| Leonardtown Road | 10.7 mi | 15m |
| Branch Avenue | 8.1 mi | 10m |
| Columbia Pike | 4.2 mi | 5m |
| Mattawoman Beantown Road | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| Patuxent Freeway | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| MD 337 | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| Crain Highway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 28.1 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, MD and Charlotte Hall, MD.
1
Start on this road
404 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
Exit 21B
Toward MD 108 West: Clarksville, Dorsey's Search, Harper's Choice
2
Turn straight onto MD 108
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Clarksville Pike
3
Continue on MD 108
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
Clarksville Pike
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Toward US 29 South: Columbia, Town Center
5
Merge onto US 29
4.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Columbia Pike
Use the none lane.
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 16A
Toward MD 32 East: Fort Meade
Use the right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward Shaker Drive, Eden Brook Drive
Use the none lane.
8
Merge onto MD 32
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Patuxent Freeway
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 13B
Toward I 95 South: Washington
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 95
28 mi
·
35 min
·
I 95
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 9
Toward MD 337: Andrews Air Force Base Main Gate, Morningside
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn right onto MD 337
426 ft
·
12 sec
·
Forestville Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
13
Turn slight right onto MD 337
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
MD 337
Toward MD 337 South
Use the none lane.
14
Turn left
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
Toward MD 5 South: Waldorf
15
Merge onto MD 5
8.1 mi
·
10 min
·
Branch Avenue
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto US 301; MD 5
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Crain Highway
Use the none lane.
17
Take the exit onto MD 5
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
MD 5
Toward Lexington Park, Leonardtown
Use the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto MD 5
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Mattawoman Beantown Road
Use the left lane.
19
Turn left onto MD 5
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Leonardtown Road
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on MD 5
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Three Notch Road
Use the none lane.
21
Turn right onto Golden Beach Road
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Golden Beach Road
22
Turn left onto Charlotte Hall Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Charlotte Hall Road
23
Turn left
170 ft
·
12 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth journey, try to avoid peak commuting hours when traffic on I-95 can become unpredictable. Since the total drive time is under two hours, you likely won't need to plan for formal rest stops, offering you plenty of flexibility in your departure time. Keep a close watch on your navigation as you transition from the interstate onto Branch Avenue and Leonardtown Road, as these turns are vital to staying on track. Given the $11 fuel estimate, filling your tank before you leave Columbia is a smart way to avoid potential price fluctuations on the road.
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 32.9 miles from Columbia, MD, or about 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.1 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 65.7 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 32.9 miles or 44m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Charlotte Hall, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Columbia, 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 Columbia, MD
This is one driving day of about 65.7 miles and 1h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Columbia, 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 28.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 32.9 mi from Columbia, MD · 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
33 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 65.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 32.9 miles from Columbia, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Charlotte Hall, MD
The final approach into Charlotte Hall, 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 Charlotte Hall, 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
$10.87 one way
$21.74 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
23 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $11.90 | $23.79 |
| premium | $4.92 | $12.73 | $25.46 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $14.60 | $29.19 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 23 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 19.7 | 0 | $6.90 | $3.15 |
| Efficient EV | 16.4 | 0 | $5.75 | $2.63 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 26.3 | 0 | $9.20 | $4.20 |
Gas CO2
23 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (65% 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
Charlotte Hall, MD
Evening in Charlotte Hall on Sunday
Local time
8:05 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
24 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 33m 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 Columbia, MD to Charlotte Hall, MD covers 65.7 miles and takes about 1h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, Leonardtown Road, Branch Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 32.9 miles from Columbia, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.87 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 21 significant decision points across 65.7 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 5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Columbia, MD and Charlotte Hall, MD, road signs point toward Morningside, Lexington Park and Leonardtown.
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