Trip from Dundalk, MD to Annapolis, MD

Drive Time

48m

Distance

33.6 mi

54 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 12 min

4 AM

0h 44m ★

6 AM

0h 48m

8 AM

0h 56m

10 AM

0h 51m

12 PM

0h 50m

3 PM

0h 51m

5 PM

0h 56m

8 PM

0h 46m

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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Dundalk, MD

Jonathan Borba

Annapolis, MD

Jason Gooljar

Trip Overview

If you are planning to head from Dundalk to Annapolis, you are looking at a quick 33.6-mile trip that typically takes about 48 minutes. This route serves as a straightforward connection within Maryland’s Northeast region, making it an ideal day trip that requires no overnight stay. You will spend roughly $6 in fuel to make the journey, leaving your budget wide open for your destination. Navigating the route involves a combination of the Harbor Tunnel Thruway, I-97, and the John Hanson Highway. Because of the manageable distance and time commitment, this drive offers a great deal of flexibility for your schedule, allowing you to easily complete the round trip in a single afternoon.

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

16.8 miles from Dundalk, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 25m into the drive .

Drive Character

This 33.6-mile trek features a mixed driving profile that keeps you engaged as you transition between different types of infrastructure. With a 50% highway share, you will experience a blend of high-speed transit and local navigation. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-97, where you will cover 16.7 miles of consistent driving. Expect the road's personality to shift as you move from the Harbor Tunnel Thruway toward the John Hanson Highway segments. It is a functional, efficient drive that balances fast-paced interstate segments with the necessary transitions to reach your final destination in Annapolis.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 97 is the longest continuous segment at about 16.7 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 8.7 miles in near Harbor Tunnel Throughway.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 33.6 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 8.7 miles (Harbor Tunnel Throughway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.3 miles (I 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

8.7 mi into trip | ~16m in | Harbor Tunnel Throughway

Keep slight right at fork onto Harbor Tunnel Throughway toward Annapolis, Glen Burnie

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 6 Toward Annapolis, Glen Burnie

10.4 mi into trip | ~18m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 97 South: Annapolis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 97 South: Annapolis

20.3 mi into trip | ~29m in | I 97

Keep slight left at fork onto I 97 toward Bay Bridge

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward Bay Bridge

28.1 mi into trip | ~38m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 50 East, US 301 North: Annapolis, Bay Bridge

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

Use the none lane. Toward US 50 East, US 301 North: Annapolis, Bay...

31.6 mi into trip | ~44m in

Take the exit toward MD 70: Rowe Boulevard, Bestgate Road, Annapolis, Maryland Fire-Rescue Memorial, Historic Annapolis State Capital

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 24 Toward MD 70: Rowe Boulevard, Bestgate Road, An...

Towns Along This Route

Between Dundalk, MD and Annapolis, MD, road signs point toward Glen Burnie, Maryland Fire-Rescue Memorial, Historic Annapolis State Capital and Annapolis South.

Glen Burnie

8.7 mi in | ~16m | via Harbor Tunnel Throughway

Maryland Fire-Rescue Memorial

31.6 mi in | ~44m

Historic Annapolis State Capital

31.6 mi in | ~44m

Annapolis South

31.8 mi in | ~44m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 97	16.7 mi	19m
Harbor Tunnel Thruway	3.4 mi	5m
John Hanson Highway	2.2 mi	2m
Harbor Tunnel Throughway	2.2 mi	3m
Dundalk Avenue	2.1 mi	4m
Baltimore Harbor Tunnel	1.4 mi	2m
Roscoe Rowe Boulevard	1.3 mi	2m
Boston Street	0.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 97 — 16.7 mi, about 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Dundalk, MD and Annapolis, MD.

Start on Dundalk Avenue

2.1 mi · 4 min · Dundalk Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto Boston Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · Boston Street

Use the left lane.

Continue on O'Donnell Street Cutoff

0.5 mi · 1 min · O'Donnell Street Cutoff

Use the none lane.

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 32 sec · this road

Toward I 895 Toll South

Merge onto I 895

1.2 mi · 1 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 895

1.4 mi · 2 min · Baltimore Harbor Tunnel

Continue on I 895

2.2 mi · 3 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 895

0.5 mi · 39 sec · Harbor Tunnel Throughway

Keep slight right at fork onto Harbor Tunnel Throughway

1.7 mi · 2 min · Harbor Tunnel Throughway

Exit 6 Toward Annapolis, Glen Burnie Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

1.1 mi · 1 min

Toward I 97 South: Annapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 97

8.9 mi · 10 min · I 97

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 97

7.8 mi · 8 min · I 97

Toward Bay Bridge Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min

Toward US 50 East, US 301 North: Annapolis, Bay Bridge Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 52 sec

Toward US 50 East, US 301 North: Annapolis, Bay Bridge

Merge onto US 50; US 301

2.2 mi · 2 min · John Hanson Highway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Exit 24 Toward MD 70: Rowe Boulevard, Bestgate Road, Annapolis, Maryland Fire-Rescue Memorial, Historic Annapolis State Capital Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 32 sec

Toward MD 70 : Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis South

Turn straight onto MD 70

1.1 mi · 1 min · Roscoe Rowe Boulevard

Keep slight right at fork onto Roscoe Rowe Boulevard

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Roscoe Rowe Boulevard

Turn left onto Northwest Street

0.1 mi · 22 sec · Northwest Street

Enter roundabout onto School Street

0.1 mi · 16 sec · School Street

Continue on School Street

137 ft · 5 sec · School Street

Arrive at destination

School Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short 48-minute drive, you have plenty of freedom regarding your departure time. However, be mindful that the route relies heavily on major arteries like I-97, so checking local traffic conditions before you leave is a smart move to avoid potential delays. You will not need to plan for any formal stops along the way given the short duration, but having your $6 fuel budget ready ensures you are prepared for the transition. Use the flexibility of this short route to your advantage by timing your arrival to avoid peak congestion. A concrete tip for this trip is to keep a close watch on your navigation as you transition between the three primary highways to ensure you maintain your momentum.

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 16.8 miles from Dundalk, MD, or about 25m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 16.7 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 33.6 miles or 48m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 16.8 miles or 25m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 39m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Dundalk, 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 Dundalk, MD

This is one driving day of about 33.6 miles and 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Dundalk, 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 97 for about 16.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 16.8 mi from Dundalk, MD · 25m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

17 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 33.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 16.8 miles from Dundalk, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Annapolis, MD

The final approach into Annapolis, 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 Annapolis, 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

$5.56 one way

$11.12 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 12 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$6.08	$12.17
premium	$4.92	$6.51	$13.02
diesel	$5.64	$7.46	$14.93

Estimated Tolls: $0.24

Harbor Tunnel Thruway (3.4 mi) $0.24

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$31–$56

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 11.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	10.1	$3.53	$1.61
Efficient EV	8.4	$2.94	$1.34
EV Truck/SUV	13.4	$4.70	$2.15

Gas CO2

12 kg

EV CO2

4 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 10 hours ago

Origin

Dundalk, MD

Evening in Dundalk on Sunday

Local time

7:59 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Annapolis, MD

Evening in Annapolis on Sunday

Local time

7:59 PM

EDT

Current temp

81°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

19 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

48m 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 Dundalk, MD to Annapolis, MD covers 33.6 miles and takes about 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 97, Harbor Tunnel Thruway, John Hanson Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 16.8 miles from Dundalk, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.56 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.

Between Dundalk, MD and Annapolis, MD, road signs point toward Glen Burnie, Maryland Fire-Rescue Memorial, Historic Annapolis State Capital and Annapolis South.

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Return Trip

Annapolis, MD to Dundalk, MD

Plan the drive back the other way.

32.8 mi 45m

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Trip from Dundalk, MD to Annapolis, MD

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Annapolis, MD

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Dundalk, MD

Annapolis, MD

Same local time

19 degrees warmer at arrival

48m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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