Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
46m
Distance
33.8 mi
54 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gwynn Oak, MD
Iqbal farooz
Damascus, MD
Wikimedia Commons
The drive from Gwynn Oak, MD to Damascus, MD covers 33.8 miles and takes about 46m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 70, I 70 Extension, Ridge Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 13 miles on I 70. At current regular gas prices, budget about $5.60 one way before food or hotel costs.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 46m. Total distance: 33.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
This is a 46m highway drive covering 33.8 miles, with most of the trip on I 70 and I 70 Extension. The longest continuous stretch is about 13 miles on I 70.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and I 70 Extension. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Haddon Avenue.
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 33.8 miles you will encounter 8 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: near the start (Haddon Avenue): Navigation decision point; near the start (Hillsdale Road): Navigation decision point; at 2.9 miles (I 70 Extension): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn right onto Haddon Avenue
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto Hillsdale Road
Navigation decision point
Merge onto I 70 Extension
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward MD 27: Damascus, Mount Airy
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn right onto MD 108 / Main Street
Navigation decision point
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Gwynn Oak, MD to Damascus, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Mount Airy along the way.
Mount Airy
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 70 | 13 mi | 13m |
| I 70 Extension | 11.6 mi | 13m |
| Ridge Road | 4.9 mi | 8m |
| West Forest Park Avenue | 1.4 mi | 3m |
| Hillsdale Road | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| Woodfield Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Ingleside Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Main Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Gwynn Oak, MD and Damascus, MD.
Start on this road
Turn right onto Haddon Avenue
Turn left onto Hillsdale Road
Turn slight right onto West Forest Park Avenue
Continue on Ingleside Avenue
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 70 Extension
Continue on I 70; US 40
Continue on I 70; US 40
Take the exit
Turn left onto MD 27
Turn left onto Woodfield Road
Turn right onto MD 108
Turn right
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 16.9 mi from Gwynn Oak, MD · 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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.
A short stop after about 33.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 16.9 miles from Gwynn Oak, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Damascus, MD if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$5.60 one way
$11.21 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $6.14 | $12.27 |
| premium | $4.93 | $6.56 | $13.11 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $7.46 | $14.93 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$6
Estimated CO2 emission: 11.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.1 | 0 | $3.55 | $1.62 |
| Efficient EV | 8.5 | 0 | $2.96 | $1.35 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 13.5 | 0 | $4.73 | $2.16 |
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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Evening in Gwynn Oak on Thursday
Local time
5:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Mostly Sunny
Destination
Evening in Damascus on Thursday
Local time
5:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
66°F
Columbia, MD
17 mi in
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Gwynn Oak, MD or browse trips ending in Damascus, MD.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MD road trips.
Explore maps for Gwynn Oak, MD or Damascus, MD on MapSof.net.
