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Trip from Frederick, MD to North East, MD

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 59m

Distance

97.8 mi

157 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 50m ★
6 AM
1h 59m
8 AM
2h 16m
10 AM
2h 5m
12 PM
2h 3m
3 PM
2h 6m
5 PM
2h 15m
8 PM
1h 54m

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

city in Frederick County, Maryland, United States

Frederick, MD

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown North East, MD, MD

North East, MD

Kelly

Trip Overview

The drive from Frederick, MD to North East, MD covers 97.8 miles and takes about 1h 59m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 70, John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, I 95 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed highway & surface. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 36.6 miles on I 70. At current regular gas prices, budget about $16.21 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.

Midpoint

48.9 miles from Frederick, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 59m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 70 36.6 mi 39m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway 30.7 mi 35m
I 95 11.1 mi 15m
Express Toll Lanes 8.3 mi 9m
Baltimore Beltway 4.7 mi 6m
North East Road 1.5 mi 2m
North East Street 0.6 mi 1m
North Mauldin Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 70 — 36.6 mi, about 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Frederick, MD and North East, 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

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Buckeystown Pike
8

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 70 East, US 40 East
9

Merge onto I 70; US 40

21 mi · 22 min · I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on I 70; US 40

6.5 mi · 6 min · I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 70

9.1 mi · 9 min · I 70
Toward Baltimore Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 16 sec
Exit 91B-A Toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen Burnie Use the slight right lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 91A Toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto I 695

4.7 mi · 6 min · Baltimore Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 11A; 11B Toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 11A Toward I 95 North: Baltimore Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Merge onto I 95

4.7 mi · 6 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

6.4 mi · 8 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes

8.3 mi · 9 min · Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
20

Keep slight right at fork

297 ft · 3 sec
21

Merge onto I 95

31 mi · 35 min · John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 30 sec
Exit 100 Toward MD 272: North East, Rising Sun Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward MD 272 South: North East Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
24

Turn straight onto MD 272

1.5 mi · 2 min · North East Road
Use the left lane.
25

Continue on MD 272

0.4 mi · 46 sec · North Mauldin Avenue
Use the left lane.
26

Continue on MD 272

0.3 mi · 38 sec · North Main Street
27

Turn left onto West Street

391 ft · 24 sec · West Street
28

Turn left onto MD 272

145 ft · 2 sec · South Mauldin Avenue
29

Arrive at destination

MD 272

Trip Plan

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 48.9 miles from Frederick, MD, or about 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.6 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 22 miles or 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 48.9 miles or 59m 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 36m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North East, 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 97.8 miles and 1h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Frederick, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 70 for about 36.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Baltimore, MD

49 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

Mount Airy, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Baltimore, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 48.9 miles from Frederick, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 38.4 and 95 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
38.4 mi into trip | ~43m in

Take the exit toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen Burnie

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 91B-A Toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Tows...
9
38.6 mi into trip | ~43m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 91A Toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie
8
43.8 mi into trip | ~51m in

Take the exit toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washington

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 11A; 11B Toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washi...
8
44 mi into trip | ~51m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Baltimore

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 11A Toward I 95 North: Baltimore
8
95 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in

Take the exit toward MD 272: North East, Rising Sun

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 100 Toward MD 272: North East, Rising Sun

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.21 one way

$32.43 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 34 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $17.76 $35.52
premium $4.93 $18.97 $37.93
diesel $5.61 $21.59 $43.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 34.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 29.3 0 $10.27 $4.69
Efficient EV 24.5 0 $8.56 $3.91
EV Truck/SUV 39.1 0 $13.69 $6.26

Gas CO2

34 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (68% 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

Afternoon in Frederick on Saturday

Local time

1:32 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

North East, MD

Afternoon in North East on Saturday

Local time

1:32 PM

EDT

Current temp

70°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

3 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 59m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

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...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 3.4
View on nps.gov
Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield

National Battlefield

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...

18 mi from route ~45 min detour $20
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...

19 mi from route ~47 min detour $20
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!

19 mi from route ~48 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
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...

25 mi from route ~63 min detour $20 near mile 16.9
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

97.8 mi in 1h 59m — 49% highway, the rest on surface roads. Biggest road: I 70.

49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 36.6 mi on I 70.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 38.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 97.8 miles you will encounter 22 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 38.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 38.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Frederick, MD and North East, MD, road signs point toward Baltimore, Towson, Glen Burnie and Washington.

Baltimore

29.2 mi in | ~33m | via I 70

Towson

38.4 mi in | ~43m

Glen Burnie

38.4 mi in | ~43m

Washington

43.8 mi in | ~51m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 97.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (49%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 36.6 miles on I 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at North East, MD before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 38.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 38.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at North East, MD before heading back.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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