Connecting Ballenger Creek to South Bel Air, this 81.6-mile trek serves as an efficient regional connection within Maryland. You can expect the journey to take approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes, making it a perfectly manageable day trip that requires no overnight stay. Budget around $14 for fuel to cover the distance, which is entirely comprised of local roads rather than interstate highway. Because this route involves navigating turn-heavy local roads, it demands more active attention than a standard highway cruise. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, this direct path keeps your time on the road minimal while moving you across the northeast region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
40.4 miles from Ballenger Creek, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
36.6 mi
39m
I 95
11.1 mi
15m
Express Toll Lanes
8.3 mi
9m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
7.3 mi
8m
Baltimore Beltway
4.7 mi
6m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
4.3 mi
6m
Buckeystown Pike
1.9 mi
3m
New Design Road
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 36.6 mi, about 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ballenger Creek, MD and South Bel Air, MD.
1
Start on Canada Goose Court
178 ft·10 sec·Canada Goose Court
2
Turn right onto Robin Drive
0.6 mi·2 min·Robin Drive
3
Turn left onto New Design Road
0.7 mi·1 min·New Design Road
4
Turn right onto Corporate Drive
0.3 mi·46 sec·Corporate Drive
Use the straight lane.
5
Turn right onto Crestwood Boulevard
0.4 mi·47 sec·Crestwood Boulevard
6
Turn left onto MD 85
1.9 mi·3 min·Buckeystown Pike
Use the left lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward I 70 East, US 40 East
8
Merge onto I 70; US 40
21 mi·22 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 70; US 40
6.5 mi·6 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
9.1 mi·9 min·I 70
Toward BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 91B-AToward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen BurnieUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 91AToward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen BurnieUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 695
4.7 mi·6 min·Baltimore Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 11A; 11BToward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 11AToward I 95 North: BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 95
4.7 mi·6 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
6.4 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
8.3 mi·9 min·Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
297 ft·3 sec
20
Merge onto I 95
7.3 mi·8 min·John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 77AToward MD 24: Bel Air, EdgewoodUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward MD 24 North: Bel AirUse the slight left lane.
23
Turn left onto MD 24
4.3 mi·6 min·Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the left lane.
24
Turn right onto West Ring Factory Road
0.6 mi·1 min·West Ring Factory Road
Use the right lane.
25
Turn left onto MD 924
0.6 mi·1 min·Emmorton Road
26
Continue on MD 924
496 ft·17 sec·South Main Street
27
Turn right onto East MacPhail Road
0.3 mi·44 sec·East MacPhail Road
28
Turn left onto South Shamrock Road
0.3 mi·1 min·South Shamrock Road
29
Arrive at destination
South Shamrock Road
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short 81.6-mile drive, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around local traffic patterns. Given the lack of highway miles, your pace will be dictated by local speed limits and frequent turns, so factor in a little extra time if you are traveling during peak commuting hours. You won't need to plan for major stops, as the duration is under 90 minutes, allowing you to complete the trip in one comfortable push. Keep your navigation system active and ready, as the reliance on local roads like Robin Drive and New Design Road means you will be making several turns along the way. Monitoring your fuel gauge before you head out is wise, as a $14 budget covers the basics but leaves little room for unexpected detours.
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 40.4 miles from Ballenger Creek, MD, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.6 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 18 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.4 miles or 48m 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 South Bel Air, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ballenger Creek, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Ballenger Creek, MD
This is one driving day of about 80.9 miles and 1h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Ballenger Creek, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 70 for about 36.6 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 40.9 and 74.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
40.9 mi into trip|~49m in
Take the exit toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen Burnie
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 91B-A
Toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Tows...
9
41.1 mi into trip|~49m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 91A
Toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie
8
46.3 mi into trip|~57m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washington
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 11A; 11B
Toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washi...
8
46.5 mi into trip|~57m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Baltimore
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 11A
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore
8
74.2 mi into trip|~1h 32m in
Take the exit toward MD 24: Bel Air, Edgewood
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 77A
Toward MD 24: Bel Air, Edgewood
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.41 one way
$26.82 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$14.69
$29.38
premium
$4.93
$15.69
$31.38
diesel
$5.61
$17.86
$35.72
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.3
0
$8.49
$3.88
Efficient EV
20.2
0
$7.08
$3.24
EV Truck/SUV
32.4
0
$11.33
$5.18
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (68% 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
Ballenger Creek, MD
Late night
in Ballenger Creek on Sunday
Local time
12:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
South Bel Air, MD
Late night
in South Bel Air on Sunday
Local time
12:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°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
3 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...
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!
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...
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...
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 19.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a technical and hands-on experience behind the wheel, as this 81.6-mile route features a 0% highway share. You will rely on a series of local connectors, including Robin Drive, New Design Road, and Corporate Drive, which define the path's turn-heavy nature. Unlike the monotony of an interstate, this drive keeps you engaged with constant adjustments and local navigation. The character of the road remains consistent throughout the 1-hour and 28-minute duration, favoring surface streets over high-speed lanes. Prepare for a trip that prioritizes local connectivity over the ability to set cruise control for long stretches.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 36.6 mi on I 70.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 40.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 80.9 miles you will encounter 24 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 40.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ballenger Creek, MD and South Bel Air, MD, road signs point toward Baltimore, Towson, Glen Burnie, Washington and Edgewood.
Baltimore
31.8 mi in|~39m|via I 70
Towson
40.9 mi in|~49m
Glen Burnie
40.9 mi in|~49m
Washington
46.3 mi in|~57m
Edgewood
74.2 mi in|~1h 32m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 44m. Total distance: 80.9 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 (59%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 36.6 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 South Bel Air, 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 40.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail 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 South Bel Air, MD before heading back.
