The drive from Salisbury, MD to Ballenger Creek, MD covers 152.9 miles and takes about 3h 28m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 70, Ocean Gateway, Sussex Highway for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 32.6 miles on I 70.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $25.35 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
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
76.5 miles from Salisbury, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 47m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 28m. Total distance: 152.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a 3h 28m drive with frequent turns across 152.9 miles of local and secondary roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 70 is the longest continuous segment at about 32.6 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 85.4 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 152.9 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 85.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.1 miles (MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
85.4 mi into trip|~2h in
Take the exit toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Park
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 27B
Toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Par...
7
95.1 mi into trip|~2h 15m in|MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway toward MD 100 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward MD 100 West
7
112.6 mi into trip|~2h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 29 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 29 North
8
148.8 mi into trip|~3h 19m in
Take the exit toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown Frederick
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 54
Toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown Frederick
9
149 mi into trip|~3h 19m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Downtown Frederick, East Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Downtown Frederick, East Street
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 Salisbury, MD to Ballenger Creek, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.
Severna Park
85.4 mi in|~2h
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
32.6 mi
35m
Ocean Gateway
26.1 mi
36m
Sussex Highway
19.3 mi
26m
Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
17.5 mi
23m
Shore Highway
17.4 mi
24m
Governor Ritchie Highway
8 mi
12m
Seashore Highway
7.5 mi
9m
Queen Anne Highway
6.2 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 32.6 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salisbury, MD and Ballenger Creek, MD.
1
Start on this road
76 ft·11 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto West Vine Street
0.1 mi·28 sec·West Vine Street
3
Turn left onto US 13 BUS
4.0 mi·7 min·South Salisbury Boulevard
4
Keep slight right at fork onto US 13
3.1 mi·3 min·North Salisbury Boulevard
5
Continue on US 13
19 mi·26 min·Sussex Highway
6
Take the exit
166 ft·5 sec
7
Continue on Rifle Range Road
0.1 mi·18 sec·Rifle Range Road
8
Turn right onto US 13 Business; DE 404 Business
1.0 mi·1 min·South Main Street
9
Turn left onto DE 404 Business
0.4 mi·45 sec·Market Street
10
Turn right onto DE 404 Business
7.5 mi·9 min·Seashore Highway
11
Continue on MD 404
17 mi·24 min·Shore Highway
12
Continue on MD 404
6.2 mi·8 min·Queen Anne Highway
13
Take the exit
527 ft·14 sec
14
Merge onto US 50
26 mi·36 min·Ocean Gateway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 27BToward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna ParkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto MD 2
8.0 mi·12 min·Governor Ritchie Highway
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore
18
Merge onto MD 10
1.1 mi·1 min·Arundel Expressway
19
Keep slight left at fork onto MD 100
18 mi·23 min·Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
Toward MD 100 WestUse the slight left lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward US 29 NorthUse the slight right lane.
21
Merge onto US 29
3.0 mi·3 min·Columbia Pike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 25BToward I 70 West: FrederickUse the right lane.
23
Merge onto I 70
10 mi·10 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 70; US 40
12 mi·12 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 70; US 40
11 mi·11 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 54Toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown FrederickUse the slight right lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork
419 ft·10 sec
Toward Downtown Frederick, East StreetUse the slight right lane.
28
Turn straight onto MD 85
426 ft·9 sec·Buckeystown Pike
29
Turn left onto Monocacy Boulevard
0.4 mi·58 sec·Monocacy Boulevard
30
Continue on New Design Road
2.9 mi·5 min·New Design Road
31
Turn right onto Robin Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Robin Drive
32
Turn right onto Canada Goose Court
178 ft·7 sec·Canada Goose Court
33
Arrive at destination
Canada Goose Court
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.5 miles from Salisbury, MD, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.6 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 34 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.5 miles or 1h 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ballenger Creek, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Salisbury, 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 Salisbury, MD
This is one driving day of about 152.9 miles and 3h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Salisbury, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 70 for about 32.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 76.5 mi from Salisbury, MD
· 1h 47m into the drive
The midpoint is around 76.5 miles from Salisbury, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Ballenger Creek, MD
The final approach into Ballenger Creek, 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 Ballenger Creek, MD.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 152.9
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!
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 152.9
23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into...
17 mi from route
~44 min detour
$20
near mile 152.9
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
$20
near mile 152.9
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$20
near mile 131.9
Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime for...
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
45.9
0
$16.05
$7.34
Efficient EV
38.2
0
$13.38
$6.12
EV Truck/SUV
61.2
0
$21.41
$9.79
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (66% 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 17, 2026
Origin
Salisbury, MD
Morning
in Salisbury on Saturday
Local time
7:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Ballenger Creek, MD
Morning
in Ballenger Creek on Saturday
Local time
7:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 28m 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 Salisbury, MD to Ballenger Creek, MD covers 152.9 miles and takes about 3h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 70, Ocean Gateway, Sussex Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 76.5 miles from Salisbury, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.35 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 152.9 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 85.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.1 miles (MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Salisbury, MD to Ballenger Creek, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
