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Trip from Darnestown, MD to Salisbury, MD

Drive Time

3h 13m

Distance

136.7 mi

220 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

14 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 1m ★
6 AM
3h 13m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 22m
5 PM
3h 35m
8 PM
3h 6m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Salisbury, MD, MD

Salisbury, MD

RDNE Stock project

Trip Overview

The drive from Darnestown, MD to Salisbury, MD covers 136.7 miles and takes about 3h 13m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Blue Star Memorial Highway, Sussex Highway, John Hanson Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 21.6 miles on Blue Star Memorial Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $22.62 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

68.3 miles from Darnestown, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a 3h 13m drive with frequent turns across 136.7 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Blue Star Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 21.6 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 early in the drive.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 136.7 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: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 11.4 miles (I 270): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.2 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

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

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

8
11.4 mi into trip | ~21m in | I 270

Keep slight left at fork onto I 270 toward I 270 South: Silver Spring, College Park

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

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward I 270 South: Silver Spring, College Park
5
14.2 mi into trip | ~25m in | I 495 / Capital Beltway

Merge onto I 495 / Capital Beltway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
30.5 mi into trip | ~46m in

Take the exit toward US 50 East: Annapolis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 19A Toward US 50 East: Annapolis
6
71.8 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in | US 50

Keep slight right at fork onto US 50 toward US 50 East: Ocean City, Rehoboth

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 50 East: Ocean City, Rehoboth

Towns Along This Route

Between Darnestown, MD and Salisbury, MD, road signs point toward College Park and Rehoboth.

College Park

11.4 mi in | ~21m | via I 270

Rehoboth

71.8 mi in | ~1h 40m | via US 50

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Blue Star Memorial Highway 21.6 mi 30m
Sussex Highway 18.9 mi 25m
John Hanson Highway 18.7 mi 21m
Capital Beltway 16.3 mi 21m
Shore Highway 13.5 mi 18m
Seashore Highway 7.5 mi 9m
North Salisbury Boulevard 7.1 mi 11m
US 50 6.9 mi 9m
Longest stretch: Blue Star Memorial Highway — 21.6 mi, about 30m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Darnestown, MD and Salisbury, MD.

1

Start on this road

150 ft · 16 sec · this road
2

Turn left

114 ft · 16 sec
3

Turn left onto MD 28

5.0 mi · 10 min · Darnestown Road
4

Turn right onto Darnestown Road

1.9 mi · 3 min · Darnestown Road
5

Turn right onto MD 28

0.5 mi · 54 sec · West Montgomery Avenue
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward I 270 South: Washington
7

Merge onto I 270

3.7 mi · 5 min · I 270
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 270

2.8 mi · 3 min · I 270
Toward I 270 South: Silver Spring, College Park Use the slight left / straight lanes.
9

Merge onto I 495

16 mi · 21 min · Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 2 min
Exit 19A Toward US 50 East: Annapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Merge onto US 50

19 mi · 21 min · John Hanson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on US 50; US 301; MD 2

22 mi · 30 min · Blue Star Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto US 50

6.9 mi · 9 min · US 50
Toward US 50 East: Ocean City, Rehoboth
14

Turn left onto MD 404

6.2 mi · 8 min · Queen Anne Highway
Use the left lane.
15

Continue on Shore Highway

5.3 mi · 7 min · Shore Highway
Use the left lane.
16

Take the exit onto MD 404 Business

1.4 mi · 2 min · MD 404 Business
17

Turn slight right onto MD 404 Business

0.4 mi · 50 sec · Franklin Street
18

Turn right onto South 5th Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · South 5th Avenue
19

Turn left onto Legion Road

282 ft · 7 sec · Legion Road
20

Turn right onto MD 313; MD 404

8.1 mi · 11 min · Shore Highway
21

Continue on DE 404

7.5 mi · 9 min · Seashore Highway
22

At end of road, turn left onto DE 404 Business

0.4 mi · 46 sec · Market Street
23

At end of road, turn right onto US 13 Business; DE 404 Business

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
24

Turn right onto US 13

19 mi · 25 min · Sussex Highway
25

Continue on US 13

3.8 mi · 5 min · North Salisbury Boulevard
26

Continue on US 13 BUS

3.3 mi · 6 min · North Salisbury Boulevard
27

Turn right onto West Vine Street

241 ft · 7 sec · West Vine Street
28

Continue on West Vine Street

525 ft · 17 sec · West Vine Street
29

Turn right

76 ft · 5 sec
30

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68.3 miles from Darnestown, MD, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.6 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 80 miles or 1h 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 68.3 miles or 1h 35m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 36m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Darnestown, 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 Darnestown, MD

This is one driving day of about 136.7 miles and 3h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Darnestown, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Blue Star Memorial Highway for about 21.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 68.3 mi from Darnestown, MD · 1h 35m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

68 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

Staten Island, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 68.3 miles from Darnestown, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Salisbury, MD

The final approach into Salisbury, 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 Salisbury, MD.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potoma...

7 mi from route ~16 min detour $20 near mile 9.4
Caution: DC Water Sewer Overflow
Caution: Hiking in Gold Mine Tract
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!

13 mi from route ~32 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Monocacy National Battlefield

Monocacy National Battlefield

National Battlefield

During the summer of 1864, the Confederacy carried out a bold plan to turn the tide of the Civil War in their favor. They planned to capture Washington, DC and influence the election of 1864. On July...

19 mi from route ~47 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

National Historical Park

At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...

28 mi from route ~71 min detour $20
View on nps.gov
Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore

National Seashore

Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime for...

29 mi from route ~71 min detour $25 near mile 136.7
View on nps.gov
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman was a deeply spiritual woman who lived her ideals and dedicated her life to freedom. She is the Underground Railroad’s best known conductor and before the Civil War repeatedly risked he...

30 mi from route ~75 min detour Free near mile 136.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.62 one way

$45.24 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $24.75 $49.50
premium $4.92 $26.49 $52.98
diesel $5.64 $30.37 $60.74

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 47.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

EV Charging Along Route

14 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Rio Washingtonian Center - Tesla Supercharger

Gaithersburg, MD

Tesla

12 DCFC

Gaithersburg, MD Rechargery Relay - S Frederick Ave

Gaithersburg, MD

IONNA

10 DCFC

Royal Farms - Tesla Supercharger

Gaithersburg, MD

Tesla

7 DCFC

EVsmart - Pepco - Lakelands Park

Gaithersburg, MD

SWTCH

4 DCFC

EVsmart - Pepco - Gaithersburg FSO

Gaithersburg, MD

SWTCH

2 DCFC

Cadence at Crown

Gaithersburg, MD

eVgo Network

2 DCFC

EVsmart - Pepco - Morris Park

Gaithersburg, MD

SWTCH

2 DCFC

EVsmart - Pepco - Thomas Farm Community Center

Rockville, MD

SWTCH

2 DCFC

SWTCH: 4 ChargePoint Network: 3 Tesla: 2 eVgo Network: 2 IONNA: 1 Non-Networked: 1 IN_CHARGE: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 41 0 $14.35 $6.56
Efficient EV 34.2 0 $11.96 $5.47
EV Truck/SUV 54.7 0 $19.14 $8.75

Gas CO2

48 kg

EV CO2

16 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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 1 day ago

Origin

Darnestown, MD

Morning in Darnestown on Monday

Local time

9:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

88°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Salisbury, MD

Morning in Salisbury on Monday

Local time

9:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

83°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

5 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

3h 13m 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 Darnestown, MD to Salisbury, MD covers 136.7 miles and takes about 3h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Blue Star Memorial Highway, Sussex Highway, John Hanson Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 68.3 miles from Darnestown, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.62 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 136.7 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: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 11.4 miles (I 270): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.2 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Darnestown, MD and Salisbury, MD, road signs point toward College Park and Rehoboth.

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