Origin
Dundalk, MD
Evening in Dundalk on Sunday
Local time
7:58 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dundalk, MD to Gaithersburg, MD
Drive Time
1h 2m
Distance
46.7 mi
75 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 58m
★
6 AM
1h 3m
8 AM
1h 13m
10 AM
1h 6m
12 PM
1h 5m
3 PM
1h 7m
5 PM
1h 12m
8 PM
1h 0m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dundalk, MD
Jonathan Borba
Gaithersburg, MD
RDNE Stock project
Trip Overview
Traveling between Dundalk and Gaithersburg covers 46.7 miles, typically taking about 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete. Because this journey stays within Maryland, you will remain in the Northeast region throughout the entire trip. With a fuel cost estimated at just $8, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion. You won't need to worry about overnight accommodations, as the distance is short enough to handle in one go. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a quick visit, the straightforward nature of the drive makes it a manageable trip for any driver.
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
23.4 miles from Dundalk, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 31m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience that transitions from high-speed interstates to local streets. You will spend roughly 53% of your time on highways, with a significant portion of the trip involving a 24.3-mile stretch on I-95. As you navigate toward your destination, the route shifts from major thoroughfares like I-95 and the Intercounty Connector onto the more localized South Frederick Avenue. This combination ensures you spend most of your time moving quickly before slowing down for the final approach into Gaithersburg. It’s a functional drive that balances efficiency with the necessary local navigation required to reach your final stop.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 18 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 24.3 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 2.8 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 46.7 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 2.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles (I 95): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 27.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
2.8 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 Toll South: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95 Toll South: Washington
5
3.2 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
I 95
Merge onto I 95
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
27.4 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Take the exit toward MD 200 Toll West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 31B
Toward MD 200 Toll West
5
28.4 mi into trip
|
~37m in
|
MD 200 Toll / Intercounty Connector
Merge onto MD 200 Toll / Intercounty Connector
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
8
44.6 mi into trip
|
~58m in
Take the exit toward MD 355: Rockville, Gaithersburg
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 2
Toward MD 355: Rockville, Gaithersburg
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 24.3 mi | 29m |
| Intercounty Connector | 15.7 mi | 19m |
| South Frederick Avenue | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| Broening Highway | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Keith Avenue | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| I 370 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Dunhill Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Frederick Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 24.3 mi, about 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dundalk, MD and Gaithersburg, MD.
1
Start on Dundalk Avenue
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Dundalk Avenue
2
Turn left onto Dunhill Road
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
Dunhill Road
3
Continue on Dunhill Road
181 ft
·
9 sec
·
Dunhill Road
4
Turn right onto Broening Highway
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Broening Highway
5
Turn slight right
201 ft
·
7 sec
6
Continue on Keith Avenue
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Keith Avenue
7
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward I 95
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 95 Toll South: Washington
Use the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto I 95
24 mi
·
29 min
·
I 95
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 31B
Toward MD 200 Toll West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto MD 200 Toll
9.5 mi
·
11 min
·
Intercounty Connector
Use the none lane.
12
Continue on MD 200 Toll
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Intercounty Connector
Exit 8A
Use the none lane.
13
Continue on I 370
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
I 370
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 2
Toward MD 355: Rockville, Gaithersburg
Use the slight right lane.
15
Turn right onto MD 355
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Frederick Road
16
Continue on MD 355
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Frederick Avenue
Use the none lane.
17
Turn left
85 ft
·
6 sec
18
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this 1-hour drive is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours is always a smart move. You shouldn't need any scheduled stops given the total duration, allowing you to reach Gaithersburg without interruption. Keep your $8 fuel budget in mind when planning your vehicle's needs before you pull out of Dundalk. To make the most of your travel, pay close attention to the transition from the Intercounty Connector onto South Frederick Avenue, as this is where the character of the road changes most significantly. Having a clear plan for your final approach will help you navigate the local roads with ease.
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 23.4 miles from Dundalk, MD, or about 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 24.3 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 46.7 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 23.4 miles or 31m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gaithersburg, 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 46.7 miles and 1h 2m.
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 95 for about 24.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 23.4 mi from Dundalk, MD · 31m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
23 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 46.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 23.4 miles from Dundalk, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Gaithersburg, MD
The final approach into Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg, 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
$7.73 one way
$15.46 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
16 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $8.46 | $16.91 |
| premium | $4.92 | $9.05 | $18.10 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $10.38 | $20.75 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 16.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 14 | 0 | $4.90 | $2.24 |
| Efficient EV | 11.7 | 0 | $4.09 | $1.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 18.7 | 0 | $6.54 | $2.99 |
Gas CO2
16 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (69% 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
Gaithersburg, MD
Evening in Gaithersburg on Sunday
Local time
7:58 PM
EDT
Current temp
88°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
26 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 2m 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 Gaithersburg, MD covers 46.7 miles and takes about 1h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, Intercounty Connector, South Frederick Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 23.4 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 $7.73 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 10 significant decision points across 46.7 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 2.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles (I 95): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 27.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Dundalk, MD to Gaithersburg, MD does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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