Traveling from Laurel to Newark covers 87.7 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes. This journey stays entirely within Delaware, moving from the southern region toward the northeast. Because the trip is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $15 for fuel to complete the transit. It is a straightforward local drive that connects the lower part of the state to the northern urban area, making it an efficient way to cross the region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.9 miles from Laurel, DE
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 57m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 54m. Total distance: 87.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route contains no highway-exclusive stretches. You will navigate using a combination of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, South Dupont Highway, and Sussex Highway. The longest uninterrupted section you will encounter is a 34-mile stretch along the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Because the road consists entirely of local paths, you should be prepared for frequent adjustments and varying speed limits throughout the nearly two-hour journey.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 34 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 41 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.7 miles you will encounter 11 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 41 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 77.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 77.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
41 mi into trip|~53m in
Take the exit toward Wilmington, Delaware Memorial Bridge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Wilmington, Delaware Memorial Bridge
8
77.5 mi into trip|~1h 36m in
Take the exit toward DE 72: Delaware City, Newark
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 152
Toward DE 72: Delaware City, Newark
8
77.7 mi into trip|~1h 36m in
Keep slight left at fork toward DE 72 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward DE 72 North
5
77.8 mi into trip|~1h 36m in|DE 72 / Wrangle Hill Road
Merge onto DE 72 / Wrangle Hill Road
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
87 mi into trip|~1h 51m in|DE 273 / East Main Street
Turn left onto DE 273 / East Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
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 Laurel, DE to Newark, DE, road signs begin pointing toward Wilmington along the way.
Wilmington
41 mi in|~53m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
34 mi
39m
South Dupont Highway
21.1 mi
25m
Sussex Highway
18.7 mi
25m
Wrangle Hill Road
3.7 mi
6m
Sunset Lake Road
2.4 mi
3m
Puncheon Run Connector
2.4 mi
3m
Chapel Street
1.8 mi
2m
Library Avenue
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
— 34 mi, about 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Laurel, DE and Newark, DE.
1
Start on South Central Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·South Central Avenue
2
Turn right onto Georgetown Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Georgetown Road
3
Turn left onto US 13
19 mi·25 min·Sussex Highway
4
Continue on US 13
21 mi·25 min·South Dupont Highway
5
Take the exit
0.1 mi·8 sec
Toward Wilmington, Delaware Memorial Bridge
6
Continue on Puncheon Run Connector
2.4 mi·3 min·Puncheon Run Connector
7
Merge onto DE 1 Toll
2.3 mi·2 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
8
Keep slight right at fork onto DE 1 Toll
28 mi·31 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
9
Keep slight left at fork onto DE 1 Toll
4.0 mi·4 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 152Toward DE 72: Delaware City, NewarkUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
347 ft·10 sec
Toward DE 72 NorthUse the left lane.
12
Merge onto DE 72
3.7 mi·6 min·Wrangle Hill Road
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on DE 72
2.4 mi·3 min·Sunset Lake Road
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on DE 72
1.8 mi·2 min·Chapel Street
15
Continue on DE 72
0.2 mi·13 sec·Capitol Trail
16
Continue on DE 72
1.1 mi·1 min·Library Avenue
17
Turn left onto DE 273
0.7 mi·2 min·East Main Street
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn right
260 ft·18 sec
19
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable trip under two hours, you have significant flexibility with your departure time to avoid local traffic bottlenecks. You can complete the entire 87.7-mile distance without needing formal stops, though keeping $15 set aside for fuel remains a smart planning move. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the route requires your full attention, so plan for a steady pace rather than trying to rush through local sections. Given the lack of highway segments, ensure your vehicle is ready for stop-and-go driving conditions before you head out from Laurel.
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 43.9 miles from Laurel, DE, or about 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 34 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 19 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.9 miles or 57m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Newark, DE than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Laurel, DE so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Laurel, DE
This is one driving day of about 87.7 miles and 1h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Laurel, DE.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway for about 34 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 43.9 mi from Laurel, DE
· 57m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
First State National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a dis...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 87.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.54 one way
$29.08 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$15.92
$31.85
premium
$4.93
$17.01
$34.02
diesel
$5.61
$19.36
$38.73
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.3
0
$9.21
$4.21
Efficient EV
21.9
0
$7.67
$3.51
EV Truck/SUV
35.1
0
$12.28
$5.61
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 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
Laurel, DE
Late night
in Laurel on Friday
Local time
5:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Newark, DE
Late night
in Newark on Friday
Local time
5:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°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
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 54m 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 Laurel, DE to Newark, DE covers 87.7 miles and takes about 1h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, South Dupont Highway, Sussex Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 43.9 miles from Laurel, DE. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.54 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 87.7 miles you will encounter 11 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 41 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 77.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 77.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Laurel, DE to Newark, DE, road signs begin pointing toward Wilmington along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include First State National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
