Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
23m
Distance
15.9 mi
26 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Middletown, DE
Wikimedia Commons
Delaware City, DE
Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for a quick excursion within Delaware, the 15.9-mile connection between Middletown and Delaware City is an efficient option. Expect to spend about 23 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal day trip that requires no overnight stay. You will navigate via the First Responders Memorial Highway, Wrangle Hill Road, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. With an estimated fuel cost of only $3, it is a very budget-friendly transit. Since both locations are situated in the Northeast region, you will remain within the same familiar landscape throughout the journey. This route is best viewed as a straightforward local drive rather than a long-haul expedition.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 23m. Total distance: 15.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Expect a turn-heavy local drive as you navigate your way between these two towns. You will not spend any time on high-speed interstates, as the highway share for this route is 0%. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 6-mile segment on the First Responders Memorial Highway. Because the route relies on local roads rather than long, monotonous highway corridors, you should stay alert for frequent turns. The character of the road is strictly utilitarian, prioritizing local connectivity over scenic highway cruising.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
99 ft
Total Descent
159 ft
Highest Point
79 ft
~6 mi in
Elevation Range
74 ft
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 2.4 miles in near Connector Road.
Focused - busy navigation packed into a short drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a short but busy drive. With 10 decision points packed into just 15.9 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 23m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles (Connector Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 11.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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 Connector Road
Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward US 301 Toll North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
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
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Merge onto US 13; DE 72 / Wrangle Hill Road
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Middletown, DE to Delaware City, DE, road signs begin pointing toward Newark along the way.
Newark
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| First Responders Memorial Highway | 6 mi | 6m |
| Wrangle Hill Road | 3.1 mi | 5m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| Summit Bridge Road | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| North Broad Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| 5th Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Clinton Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Connector Road | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Middletown, DE and Delaware City, DE.
Start on DE 299
Turn right onto DE 71
Turn straight onto DE 71
Turn left onto Connector Road
Take the exit
Merge onto US 301 Toll
Merge onto DE 1
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto US 13; DE 72
Continue on DE 9
Turn left onto Clinton Street
Arrive at destination
Regular Gas
$2.64 one way
$5.27 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $2.89 | $5.77 |
| premium | $4.93 | $3.08 | $6.17 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $3.51 | $7.02 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$3
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 4.8 | 0 | $1.67 | $0.76 |
| Efficient EV | 4 | 0 | $1.39 | $0.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.4 | 0 | $2.23 | $1.02 |
Gas CO2
6 kg
EV CO2
2 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
Afternoon in Middletown on Thursday
Local time
3:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Clear
Destination
Afternoon in Delaware City on Thursday
Local time
3:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
42°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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