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Trip from Gaithersburg, MD to Waldorf, MD

Drive Time

1h 19m

Distance

55.7 mi

90 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$9

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 18 min
4 AM
1h 13m ★
6 AM
1h 19m
8 AM
1h 31m
10 AM
1h 23m
12 PM
1h 22m
3 PM
1h 24m
5 PM
1h 31m
8 PM
1h 15m

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 Gaithersburg, MD, MD

Gaithersburg, MD

RDNE Stock project

Downtown Waldorf, MD, MD

Waldorf, MD

Iqbal farooz

Trip Overview

The drive from Gaithersburg, MD to Waldorf, MD covers 55.7 miles and takes about 1h 19m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Capital Beltway, Indian Head Highway, I 270 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 22.6 miles on Capital Beltway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $9.22 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

0 planned breaks

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

Midpoint

27.8 miles from Gaithersburg, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 37m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a 1h 19m drive with frequent turns across 55.7 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 22 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 9.1 miles in near I 270 Spur.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 55.7 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 9.1 miles (I 270 Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.5 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.8 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 18 key points

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

8
9.1 mi into trip | ~13m 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
12.5 mi into trip | ~18m 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
33.8 mi into trip | ~44m 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
38 mi into trip | ~50m 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
39.3 mi into trip | ~53m 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 Along This Route

On the drive from Gaithersburg, MD to Waldorf, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Northern Virginia along the way.

Northern Virginia

9.1 mi in | ~13m | via I 270 Spur

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Capital Beltway 22.6 mi 28m
Indian Head Highway 9.6 mi 13m
I 270 6.6 mi 9m
Capital Beltway (Local) 4.3 mi 5m
Berry Road 3.9 mi 5m
I 270 Spur 2 mi 2m
McDaniel Road 1.9 mi 3m
Eisenhower Memorial Highway 1.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Capital Beltway — 22.6 mi, about 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Gaithersburg, MD and Waldorf, MD.

1

Start on the route

85 ft · 12 sec · the route
2

Turn left onto North Frederick Avenue

253 ft · 12 sec · North Frederick Avenue
3

Turn left onto Chestnut Street

0.3 mi · 50 sec · Chestnut Street
4

Turn right onto West Diamond Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Diamond Avenue
5

Take the ramp left toward I 270 South: Washington

0.3 mi · 39 sec · I 270 South: Washington
6

Merge slight left onto Eisenhower Memorial Highway

1.4 mi · 1 min · Eisenhower Memorial Highway
7

Keep slight left

6.6 mi · 9 min
8

Keep slight right to continue on I 270 Spur: Washington, Northern Virginia

2.0 mi · 2 min · I 270 Spur: Washington, Northern Virginia
9

Merge slight right onto Capital Beltway

1.4 mi · 1 min · Capital Beltway
10

Keep slight left to continue on Capital Beltway

2.7 mi · 3 min · Capital Beltway
11

Keep slight right to continue on Capital Beltway

19 mi · 23 min · Capital Beltway
12

Keep slight right to continue on Capital Beltway (Local)

4.3 mi · 5 min · Capital Beltway (Local)
13

Take the exit slight right toward MD 210 South: Indian Head

0.1 mi · 19 sec · MD 210 South: Indian Head
14

Continue on MD 210 South: Indian Head

1.1 mi · 2 min · MD 210 South: Indian Head
15

Keep slight left to continue on MD 210 South

0.3 mi · 34 sec · MD 210 South
16

Merge slight left onto Indian Head Highway

9.6 mi · 13 min · Indian Head Highway
17

Continue on Berry Road

3.9 mi · 5 min · Berry Road
18

Turn right onto Middletown Road

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Middletown Road
19

Turn left onto McDaniel Road

1.9 mi · 3 min · McDaniel Road
20

At the end of the road, turn left onto Smallwood Drive West

0.1 mi · 28 sec · Smallwood Drive West
21

Turn left onto Lancaster Circle

0.3 mi · 1 min · Lancaster Circle
22

Arrive at your destination

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 27.8 miles from Gaithersburg, MD, or about 37m 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 55.7 miles or 1h 19m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 27.8 miles or 37m 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 5m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg, MD

This is one driving day of about 55.7 miles and 1h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Gaithersburg, 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 Capital Beltway for about 22.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 27.8 mi from Gaithersburg, MD · 37m into the drive

Downtown Washington, DC, DC

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Washington, DC

28 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 55.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Washington, DC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 27.8 miles from Gaithersburg, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Waldorf, MD

The final approach into Waldorf, 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 Waldorf, 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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 near mile 15.4
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!

17 mi from route ~43 min detour Free near mile 1.9
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...

18 mi from route ~46 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$9.22 one way

$18.43 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 20 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $10.09 $20.17
premium $4.92 $10.79 $21.59
diesel $5.64 $12.37 $24.75

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$9

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$34–$59

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 19.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 16.7 0 $5.85 $2.67
Efficient EV 13.9 0 $4.87 $2.23
EV Truck/SUV 22.3 0 $7.80 $3.56

Gas CO2

19 kg

EV CO2

7 kg (63% 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

Gaithersburg, MD

Morning in Gaithersburg on Monday

Local time

7:14 AM

EDT

Current temp

88°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waldorf, MD

Morning in Waldorf on Monday

Local time

7:14 AM

EDT

Current temp

88°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

68°F

Washington, DC

28 mi in

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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

1h 19m 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 Gaithersburg, MD to Waldorf, MD covers 55.7 miles and takes about 1h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Capital Beltway, Indian Head Highway, I 270. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 27.8 miles from Gaithersburg, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.22 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 18 significant decision points across 55.7 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 9.1 miles (I 270 Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.5 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.8 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 Gaithersburg, MD to Waldorf, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Northern Virginia along the way.

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