Frederick, MD to Fort Washington, MD is 69.6 miles and takes about 1 hour 36 minutes via Capital Beltway and I-270, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maryland, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Expect a drive with frequent turns, indicating a more local feel rather than a pure interstate journey. It's a manageable distance for a single day, making it a convenient option if you're looking for a straightforward trip without needing to plan overnight stays.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
34.8 miles from Frederick, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 47m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 36m. Total distance: 69.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting you'll encounter numerous intersections and directional changes. With only 12% highway share, much of your time will be spent on roads that require more active navigation. The longest continuous stretch you'll experience is 22.6 miles on the Capital Beltway. Be prepared for a driving experience that shifts between faster highway segments and more stop-and-go local road conditions, requiring your full attention throughout the journey.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Capital Beltway is the longest continuous segment at about 22.6 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 31.3 miles in near I 270 Spur.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 69.6 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 31.3 miles (I 270 Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 34.7 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 56 miles (I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
31.3 mi into trip|~43m in|I 270 Spur
Keep slight right at fork onto I 270 Spur toward I 270 Spur: Washington, Northern Virginia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 270 Spur: Washington, Northern Virgini...
7
34.7 mi into trip|~47m in|I 495 / Capital Beltway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495 / Capital Beltway toward I 495 South: Northern Virginia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 495 South: Northern Virginia
8
56 mi into trip|~1h 14m in|I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local) toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria
7
60.3 mi into trip|~1h 19m in
Take the exit toward MD 210 South: Indian Head
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3A
Toward MD 210 South: Indian Head
7
61.5 mi into trip|~1h 22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward MD 210 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward MD 210 South
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Frederick, MD to Fort Washington, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Northern Virginia along the way.
Northern Virginia
31.3 mi in|~43m|via I 270 Spur
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Capital Beltway
22.6 mi
28m
Eisenhower Memorial Highway
21.6 mi
27m
I 270
6.6 mi
9m
Indian Head Highway
5.7 mi
8m
Capital Beltway (Local)
4.3 mi
5m
I 270 Spur
2 mi
2m
Buckeystown Pike
1.7 mi
3m
Old Fort Road
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Capital Beltway
— 22.6 mi, about 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Frederick, MD and Fort Washington, MD.
1
Start on MD 144
122 ft·7 sec·East Patrick Street
2
Turn right onto North Market Street
435 ft·18 sec·North Market Street
3
Turn right onto East Church Street
0.3 mi·47 sec·East Church Street
4
Turn right onto North East Street
0.6 mi·1 min·North East Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Enter roundabout onto East Street
101 ft·1 sec·East Street
6
Continue on East Street
0.1 mi·14 sec·East Street
7
Continue on MD 85
1.7 mi·3 min·Buckeystown Pike
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·34 sec
Toward I 270 South
9
Merge onto I 270
22 mi·27 min·Eisenhower Memorial Highway
Use the right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 270
6.6 mi·9 min·I 270
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 270 Spur
2.0 mi·2 min·I 270 Spur
Toward I 270 Spur: Washington, Northern VirginiaUse the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Merge onto I 495
1.4 mi·1 min·Capital Beltway
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495
2.7 mi·3 min·Capital Beltway
Toward I 495 South: Northern VirginiaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
19 mi·23 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495
4.3 mi·5 min·Capital Beltway (Local)
Toward I 95, I 495: AlexandriaUse the slight right lane.
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Exit 3AToward MD 210 South: Indian HeadUse the slight right lane.
17
Continue on this road
1.1 mi·2 min·this road
Exit 3AToward MD 210 South: Indian Head
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward MD 210 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto MD 210
5.7 mi·8 min·Indian Head Highway
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto Old Fort Road
1.4 mi·2 min·Old Fort Road
21
Turn left onto Washington Drive
0.2 mi·46 sec·Washington Drive
22
Continue on Diggers Lane
0.2 mi·48 sec·Diggers Lane
23
At end of road, turn left onto Reid Lane
314 ft·17 sec·Reid Lane
24
Turn right onto Warburton Drive
0.1 mi·32 sec·Warburton Drive
25
Arrive at destination
Warburton Drive
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour 36 minutes, this trip offers a lot of flexibility for when you choose to depart. Leaving mid-morning could help you avoid the heaviest commute traffic. Since it's a single-day drive with a modest fuel cost of $11, you won't need extensive planning for fuel stops. Keep an eye on your GPS for the frequent turns, especially as you transition from I-270 onto the Capital Beltway and then towards your final destination in Fort Washington; a specific tip would be to confirm your route just before merging onto the Beltway, as many exits can appear quickly.
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 34.8 miles from Frederick, MD, or about 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.6 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 15 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 34.8 miles or 47m 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 Fort Washington, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Frederick, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Frederick, MD
This is one driving day of about 69.6 miles and 1h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Frederick, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Capital Beltway for about 22.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 34.8 mi from Frederick, MD
· 47m into the drive
The midpoint is around 34.8 miles from Frederick, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Fort Washington, MD
The final approach into Fort Washington, MD usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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...
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!
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 14.4
23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.20 one way
$22.39 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg24 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$12.60
$25.20
premium
$4.95
$13.57
$27.15
diesel
$5.98
$16.39
$32.77
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: 24.4 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
20.9
0
$7.31
$3.34
Efficient EV
17.4
0
$6.09
$2.78
EV Truck/SUV
27.8
0
$9.74
$4.45
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Frederick, MD
Morning
in Frederick on Saturday
Local time
9:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fort Washington, MD
Morning
in Fort Washington on Saturday
Local time
9:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°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
12 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 36m 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 Frederick, MD to Fort Washington, MD covers 69.6 miles and takes about 1h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Capital Beltway, Eisenhower Memorial Highway, I 270. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 34.8 miles from Frederick, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.20 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 69.6 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 31.3 miles (I 270 Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 34.7 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 56 miles (I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Frederick, MD to Fort Washington, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Northern Virginia along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
