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Trip from Williamsport, MD to Gaithersburg, MD

Data updated 33 minutes ago

Drive Time

1h 3m

Distance

52.1 mi

84 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$9

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 16 min
4 AM
0h 58m ★
6 AM
1h 4m
8 AM
1h 14m
10 AM
1h 7m
12 PM
1h 6m
3 PM
1h 8m
5 PM
1h 13m
8 PM
1h 0m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Williamsport, MD, MD

Williamsport, MD

Tranise Foster

Downtown Gaithersburg, MD, MD

Gaithersburg, MD

Kristopher Hines

Trip Overview

This 52.1-mile drive from Williamsport, MD to Gaithersburg, MD is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. You'll spend a significant portion of your journey on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway and the Eisenhower Memorial Highway, with about 100% of the drive on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $9, making it an affordable option. The route is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive, suggesting a need for attention to navigation. Given its short length and the region remaining within the Northeast, this trip is ideal for a quick excursion without the need for an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

26 miles from Williamsport, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 29m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for this 52.1-mile journey. While you'll be on highways for the entirety of the trip, the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile indicates frequent changes in direction and potentially navigating through populated areas. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 26.7 miles on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. This suggests a dynamic driving experience rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, requiring you to stay engaged with your navigation and surroundings.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 14 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 26.7 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 2.2 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 52.1 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 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.6 miles (I 70 Exit 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

8
2.2 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the exit toward I 70 East, I 70 West: Frederick, Hancock

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 4 Toward I 70 East, I 70 West: Frederick, Hancock
7
2.4 mi into trip | ~3m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 70 East: Frederick

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 70 East: Frederick
7
29.6 mi into trip | ~33m in | I 70 Exit 53

Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 53 toward I 270 South: Washington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 53 Toward I 270 South: Washington
8
49.9 mi into trip | ~59m in

Take the exit toward MD 124: Montgomery Village Avenue, Quince Orchard Road

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 11 Toward MD 124: Montgomery Village Avenue, Quinc...
5
50.7 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in

Keep slight left at fork toward MD 124 North: Montgomery Village Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward MD 124 North: Montgomery Village Avenue

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway 26.7 mi 28m
Eisenhower Memorial Highway 19.9 mi 24m
East Potomac Street 1 mi 1m
North Frederick Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
Maryland Veterans Memorial Highway 0.8 mi <1m
Quince Orchard Road 0.4 mi <1m
I 70 Exit 53 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Dwight D Eisenhower Highway — 26.7 mi, about 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Williamsport, MD and Gaithersburg, MD.

1

Start on US 11; MD 63

1.0 mi · 1 min · East Potomac Street
2

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward I 81 North
3

Merge onto I 81

0.8 mi · 56 sec · Maryland Veterans Memorial Highway
4

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 4 Toward I 70 East, I 70 West: Frederick, Hancock Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Toward I 70 East: Frederick Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Merge onto I 70

27 mi · 28 min · Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
7

Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 53

0.4 mi · 51 sec · I 70 Exit 53
Exit 53 Toward I 270 South: Washington Use the slight right lane.
8

Continue on I 270

20 mi · 24 min · Eisenhower Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 11 Toward MD 124: Montgomery Village Avenue, Quince Orchard Road Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork

127 ft · 5 sec
Toward MD 124 North: Montgomery Village Avenue
11

Turn left onto MD 124

0.4 mi · 44 sec · Quince Orchard Road
12

Turn right onto MD 355

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Frederick Avenue
13

Turn right

85 ft · 6 sec
14

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a total duration of just over an hour, this 52.1-mile drive offers plenty of flexibility. You can easily depart Williamsport, MD at your leisure. Since the longest stretch on the highway is 26.7 miles, you won't need to worry about extensive periods without services. The approximate fuel cost of $9 means you can likely complete the trip on a single tank, but it's always wise to check your gauge before heading out. Pay attention to the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, as this implies you'll be making several directional changes, particularly as you approach Gaithersburg, MD.

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 26 miles from Williamsport, MD, or about 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.7 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 52.1 miles or 1h 3m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 26 miles or 29m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 52m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gaithersburg, MD than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Williamsport, 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 Williamsport, MD

This is one driving day of about 52.1 miles and 1h 3m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Williamsport, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway for about 26.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 26 mi from Williamsport, MD · 29m into the drive

capital city of the United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Washington, DC

26 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Rockville, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52.1 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Washington, DC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 26 miles from Williamsport, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Gaithersburg, MD

The final approach into Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg, MD.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Monocacy National Battlefield

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...

0 mi from route ~1 min detour Free near mile 32.3
View on nps.gov
Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield

National Battlefield

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...

8 mi from route ~21 min detour $20 near mile 16.2
View on nps.gov
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour $20 near mile 52.1
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

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!

14 mi from route ~34 min detour Free near mile 41.3
View on nps.gov
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

15 mi from route ~38 min detour $20 near mile 19.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$8.64 one way

$17.28 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 18 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $9.46 $18.92
premium $4.93 $10.10 $20.21
diesel $5.61 $11.50 $23.01

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$9

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$34–$59

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 18.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 15.6 0 $5.47 $2.50
Efficient EV 13 0 $4.56 $2.08
EV Truck/SUV 20.8 0 $7.29 $3.33

Gas CO2

18 kg

EV CO2

6 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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Williamsport, MD

Late night in Williamsport on Wednesday

Local time

12:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gaithersburg, MD

Late night in Gaithersburg on Wednesday

Local time

12:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

88°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

68°F

Washington, DC

26 mi in

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

25 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 3m 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 Williamsport, MD to Gaithersburg, MD covers 52.1 miles and takes about 1h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, Eisenhower Memorial Highway, East Potomac Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 26 miles from Williamsport, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.64 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 is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 52.1 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 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.6 miles (I 70 Exit 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Williamsport, MD to Gaithersburg, MD does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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