This 84.9-mile drive from Annapolis to Brunswick, Maryland, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes. You'll spend about 66% of your time on highways, primarily utilizing I-70 and I-97, along with the Baltimore Beltway. With an estimated fuel cost of $14, this is an economical trip. The route focuses on efficient travel, making it a straightforward journey within the Northeast region of Maryland. Given its manageable length and duration, it's an ideal one-day excursion without the need for an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
42.5 miles from Annapolis, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
38.6 mi
41m
I 97
17.4 mi
20m
Baltimore Beltway
8.9 mi
12m
Jefferson National Pike
8 mi
9m
Petersville Road
2.8 mi
5m
John Hanson Highway
1.8 mi
2m
Jefferson Pike
1.7 mi
3m
Roscoe Rowe Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 38.6 mi, about 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Annapolis, MD and Brunswick, MD.
1
Start on School Street
137 ft·6 sec·School Street
2
Enter roundabout onto MD 450
77 ft·1 sec·College Avenue
3
Continue on MD 450
343 ft·7 sec·College Avenue
4
Turn left onto MD 70
0.3 mi·40 sec·Bladen Street
5
Continue on MD 70
1.4 mi·2 min·Roscoe Rowe Boulevard
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·53 sec
7
Continue on US 50; US 301; MD 2
1.8 mi·2 min·John Hanson Highway
8
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 21Toward I 97 North: BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·51 sec
Toward I 97 North: Baltimore
10
Continue on I 97
6.0 mi·6 min·I 97
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 97
10 mi·11 min·I 97
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto I 97
1.1 mi·1 min·I 97
Exit 17AToward I 695 West: Baltimore, TowsonUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 695
8.9 mi·12 min·Baltimore Beltway
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 16A-BToward I 70: Frederick, Local TrafficUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 16AToward I 70 West: FrederickUse the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 70
14 mi·15 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 70; US 40
12 mi·12 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 70; US 40
13 mi·13 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 5A
0.3 mi·26 sec·I 70 Exit 5A
Exit 52Toward US 340 West, US 15 South: Charles Town, LeesburgUse the right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward US 15 South, US 340 West: Charles Town, LeesburgUse the slight left lane.
21
Merge onto US 15; US 340
3.9 mi·4 min·Jefferson National Pike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 340
4.2 mi·4 min·Jefferson National Pike
Toward US 340 West: Charles TownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward MD 180: PetersvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
176 ft·5 sec
25
Turn left onto MD 180
1.7 mi·3 min·Jefferson Pike
26
Turn left onto MD 79
2.3 mi·4 min·Petersville Road
27
Enter roundabout onto MD 17
182 ft·6 sec·Petersville Road
28
Continue on MD 17
0.4 mi·51 sec·Petersville Road
29
Enter roundabout onto Petersville Road
192 ft·3 sec·Petersville Road
30
Continue on Petersville Road
90 ft·10 sec·Petersville Road
31
Continue on Petersville Road
72 ft·2 sec·Petersville Road
32
Arrive at destination
Petersville Road
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 1 hour and 44-minute journey of 84.9 miles, flexibility is key. Consider departing mid-morning to avoid the heaviest rush hour traffic on the Baltimore Beltway, which is a significant part of your travel. With no designated stops, you can easily pull over as needed for fuel or a break. The estimated fuel cost of $14 is quite low, so you shouldn't have to worry much about budget. A specific tip for this route: be mindful of potential traffic congestion when merging onto or exiting I-70 near the Baltimore metropolitan area.
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 42.5 miles from Annapolis, MD, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.6 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 19 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 42.5 miles or 53m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brunswick, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Annapolis, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Annapolis, MD
This is one driving day of about 84.9 miles and 1h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Annapolis, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 70 for about 38.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 21.9 and 71.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
21.9 mi into trip|~27m in|I 97
Take the exit onto I 97 toward I 695 West: Baltimore, Towson
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 17A
Toward I 695 West: Baltimore, Towson
8
31.9 mi into trip|~41m in
Take the exit toward I 70: Frederick, Local Traffic
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 16A-B
Toward I 70: Frederick, Local Traffic
8
32 mi into trip|~41m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 West: Frederick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 16A
Toward I 70 West: Frederick
8
71.5 mi into trip|~1h 25m in|I 70 Exit 5A
Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 5A toward US 340 West, US 15 South: Charles Town, Leesburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 52
Toward US 340 West, US 15 South: Charles Town,...
8
71.8 mi into trip|~1h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 15 South, US 340 West: Charles Town, Leesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 15 South, US 340 West: Charles Town,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.08 one way
$28.15 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg30 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$15.42
$30.83
premium
$4.93
$16.47
$32.93
diesel
$5.61
$18.74
$37.49
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
25.5
0
$8.91
$4.08
Efficient EV
21.2
0
$7.43
$3.40
EV Truck/SUV
34
0
$11.89
$5.43
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 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 as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Annapolis, MD
Night
in Annapolis on Saturday
Local time
10:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brunswick, MD
Night
in Brunswick on Saturday
Local time
10:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
75°F
Columbia, MD
42 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
6 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 44m 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.
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...
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...
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...
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!
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 84.9
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 52.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for much of this trip, with 66% of the route being on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 38.6 miles on I-70, offering a chance to maintain steady progress. While predominantly highway, the inclusion of the Baltimore Beltway means you may experience some traffic variations. The profile suggests a drive that prioritizes getting you from point A to point B efficiently, rather than focusing on winding backroads or scenic overlooks.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 38.6 mi on I 70.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and I 97. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.9 miles in near I 97.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 84.9 miles you will encounter 22 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 21.9 miles (I 97): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Annapolis, MD and Brunswick, MD, road signs point toward Towson, Local Traffic and Leesburg.
Annapolis is the capital city of the U.S. state of Maryland. Annapolis was a thriving, wealthy town in the 1600s and 1700s. Many of the houses and other buildings from the 1800s remain, leaving a thriving, vibrant historic district with shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Brick-lined streets and quaint shops add to the feel. You could easily spend a day walking around the town's downtown harbor area shopping and eating. There is also a lively nighttime scene.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 44m. Total distance: 84.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (66%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 38.6 miles on I 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Brunswick, MD before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 21.9 miles (I 97): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Antietam National Battlefield (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Brunswick, MD before heading back.
