Stretching 72.4 miles across Maryland, this trip from Bel Air to Montgomery Village is a straightforward journey typically lasting about 1 hour and 38 minutes. You can easily complete this drive in a single day, as it functions perfectly as a quick regional commute rather than a multi-day excursion. Budgeting approximately $12 for fuel should cover your transit costs comfortably. Since the route stays entirely within the Northeast region of Maryland, you won't experience drastic landscape shifts, but you will navigate a variety of major infrastructure. It is a highly practical drive for those needing to connect these two points efficiently 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.
Midpoint
36.2 miles from Bel Air, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Intercounty Connector
15.7 mi
19m
I 95
13.6 mi
15m
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
12 mi
15m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
8.1 mi
9m
Express Toll Lanes
7.7 mi
9m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
5.2 mi
7m
Goshen Road
1.9 mi
4m
Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Intercounty Connector
— 15.7 mi, about 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bel Air, MD and Montgomery Village, MD.
1
Start on Courtland Place
403 ft·19 sec·Courtland Place
2
Turn right onto South Hickory Avenue
342 ft·9 sec·South Hickory Avenue
3
Turn right onto MD 22
0.4 mi·56 sec·Churchville Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
4
At end of road, turn right onto US 1 Business
0.5 mi·1 min·Baltimore Pike
5
Turn left onto MD 24
5.2 mi·7 min·Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the left lane.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 95
8.1 mi·9 min·John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
6.5 mi·7 min·Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
1.2 mi·1 min·Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 895
3.8 mi·5 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
11
Continue on I 895
1.4 mi·2 min·Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
12
Continue on I 895
2.2 mi·3 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 895
0.5 mi·39 sec·Harbor Tunnel Throughway
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 895
0.5 mi·41 sec·Harbor Tunnel Throughway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 895
6.0 mi·7 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 95
14 mi·15 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 31BToward MD 200 Toll WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto MD 200 Toll
9.5 mi·11 min·Intercounty Connector
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on MD 200 Toll
6.2 mi·7 min·Intercounty Connector
Exit 8A
20
Continue on I 370
0.5 mi·41 sec·I 370
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 2Toward MD 355: Rockville, GaithersburgUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn right onto MD 355
0.2 mi·27 sec·Frederick Road
23
Continue on MD 355
1.0 mi·2 min·South Frederick Avenue
24
Turn right onto South Summit Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·South Summit Avenue
25
Continue on Goshen Road
1.9 mi·4 min·Goshen Road
26
Turn left onto Stewartown Road
0.3 mi·48 sec·Stewartown Road
27
Arrive at destination
Stewartown Road
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short trip with no required stops, you have the flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. However, given the turn-heavy nature of the local roads, it is wise to check real-time traffic conditions before heading out to avoid peak congestion. Keep your gas tank topped off before leaving Bel Air to ensure you aren't searching for fuel during the more technical portions of the drive. Since you won't need to pace yourself for a long haul, focus on staying hydrated and alert during the transitions between the highway segments and local connectors. A pro tip for this route: pay close attention to signage when transitioning from I-95 to the Intercounty Connector, as these interchanges can be complex for those unfamiliar with the local layout.
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 36.2 miles from Bel Air, MD, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 15.7 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 16 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.2 miles or 49m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Montgomery Village, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bel Air, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bel Air, MD
This is one driving day of about 72.4 miles and 1h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Bel Air, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Intercounty Connector for about 15.7 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.2 and 67.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
6.2 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Baltimore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South: Baltimore
6
15 mi into trip|~21m in|Express Toll Lanes
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
6
21.4 mi into trip|~29m in|Express Toll Lanes
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
7
50.6 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Take the exit toward MD 200 Toll West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 31B
Toward MD 200 Toll West
8
67.8 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward MD 355: Rockville, Gaithersburg
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 2
Toward MD 355: Rockville, Gaithersburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.00 one way
$24.01 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg25 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$13.15
$26.29
premium
$4.93
$14.04
$28.08
diesel
$5.61
$15.99
$31.97
Estimated Tolls: $0.84
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
(12 mi)$0.84
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.3 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
21.7
0
$7.60
$3.48
Efficient EV
18.1
0
$6.34
$2.90
EV Truck/SUV
29
0
$10.14
$4.63
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 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
Bel Air, MD
Late night
in Bel Air on Sunday
Local time
12:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Montgomery Village, MD
Late night
in Montgomery Village on Sunday
Local time
12:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°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
4 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 38m 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.
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
~25 min detour
$20
near mile 67.4
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...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 72.4
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!
18 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 72.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention as you transition between major arteries. With only 19% of the route consisting of highway travel, you will spend most of your time navigating local infrastructure rather than cruising on open interstates. You will utilize the Harbor Tunnel Thruway and I-95 before transitioning onto the Intercounty Connector. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a 15.7-mile segment on the Intercounty Connector, providing a brief respite from the more technical, winding local sections. Overall, the road's personality is functional and busy, requiring you to remain alert as the environment shifts from suburban Bel Air toward the density of Montgomery Village.
Only 19% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 15.7 mi on Intercounty Connector.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 6.2 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 72.4 miles you will encounter 16 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 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles (Express Toll Lanes): 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.
On the drive from Bel Air, MD to Montgomery Village, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Gaithersburg along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 38m. Total distance: 72.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 15.7 miles on Intercounty Connector. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.84 in tolls one way, starting with Harbor Tunnel Thruway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 Montgomery Village, 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 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Monocacy National Battlefield and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. 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 Montgomery Village, MD before heading back.
