Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
39m
Distance
29.3 mi
47 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Middletown, DE
Wikimedia Commons
Camden, DE
Wikimedia Commons
Spanning just 29.3 miles, this quick trip from Middletown to Camden, Delaware, is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 39 minutes to complete. Because of the manageable distance, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, requiring no overnight stays. You will primarily navigate via the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, Summit Bridge Road, and South Dupont Parkway. With an estimated fuel cost of only $5, it is an incredibly budget-friendly way to move through the Northeast region. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a local errand, the lack of mandatory stops makes this a highly efficient drive. It is a practical, no-nonsense route that gets you from point A to point B without unnecessary complexity.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
14.6 miles from Middletown, DE
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 20m into the drive .
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise on this 29.3-mile stretch. While you will spend about 15% of your time on highways, the character of the road shifts frequently as you transition between local paths and larger corridors. Your longest uninterrupted stretch covers 14.6 miles along the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, providing a brief period of steady cruising. Outside of that section, be prepared for more frequent adjustments as you navigate the turn-heavy layout of the local roads. This mix keeps you engaged behind the wheel, offering a dynamic driving experience that changes pace as you move south through Delaware.
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 early in the drive near DE 71 / South Broad Street.
Focused - busy navigation packed into a short drive
This is a short but busy drive. With 8 decision points packed into just 29.3 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 39m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (DE 71 / South Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.8 miles (US 13 / South Dupont Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 10.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn left onto DE 71 / South Broad Street
Navigation decision point
Merge onto US 13 / South Dupont Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining
Turn left toward DE 1 Toll South: Dover, Beaches
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork onto DE 1 Toll / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Keep slight right at fork onto Puncheon Run Connector toward Salisbury, Norfolk
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Middletown, DE and Camden, DE, road signs point toward Beaches, Salisbury and Norfolk.
Beaches
Salisbury
Norfolk
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 14.6 mi | 16m |
| Summit Bridge Road | 4.9 mi | 7m |
| South Dupont Parkway | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| Puncheon Run Connector | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| South Dupont Highway | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| South Broad Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| East Camden Wyoming Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Middletown, DE and Camden, DE.
Start on DE 299
Turn left onto DE 71
Continue on DE 71
Take the ramp onto DE 71
Merge onto US 13
Turn left
Merge onto DE 1 Toll
Keep slight left at fork onto DE 1 Toll
Keep slight right at fork onto Puncheon Run Connector
Turn left onto US 13
Turn right onto DE 10
Arrive at destination
Since this is a short, 39-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the entire 29.3-mile route without planning for formal rest stops, as the duration is quite brief. Keep in mind that the route relies heavily on local roads, so stay alert for changing traffic patterns during peak hours. Budgeting $5 for fuel should be more than sufficient for the trip, but it is always wise to ensure your tank is topped off before leaving Middletown. A pro tip for this specific drive is to keep your navigation apps handy, as the reliance on three different major roads—the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, Summit Bridge Road, and South Dupont Parkway—requires a few simple transitions.
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.
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 29 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 14.6 miles or 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Camden, DE than in the middle of the route.
Have your navigation ready before leaving Middletown, DE.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Middletown, DE
This is one driving day of about 29.3 miles and 39m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 14.6 mi from Middletown, DE · 20m into the drive
A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 14.6 miles from Middletown, DE, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Camden, DE 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
$4.86 one way
$9.72 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $5.32 | $10.64 |
| premium | $4.93 | $5.68 | $11.36 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $6.47 | $12.94 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 10.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 70% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 8.8 | 0 | $3.08 | $1.41 |
| Efficient EV | 7.3 | 0 | $2.56 | $1.17 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 11.7 | 0 | $4.10 | $1.88 |
Gas CO2
10 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (70% 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
Late night in Middletown on Thursday
Local time
12:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Clear
Destination
Late night in Camden on Thursday
Local time
12:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Clear
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.
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