Bethesda to Jarrettsville is 72.2 miles and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes via I 95 and Express Toll Lanes, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maryland, traversing the Northeast region on your way from the DC suburbs to your destination. You'll spend about a quarter of your time on major highways before shifting to surface roads for the remainder of the drive. It's a straightforward trip that's easily manageable in a single day, making it a convenient option for a quick regional excursion.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
36.1 miles from Bethesda, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
18.4 mi
21m
Express Toll Lanes
13.9 mi
16m
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
11.6 mi
15m
Capital Beltway
6.5 mi
8m
Fallston Road
5.3 mi
8m
Mountain Road
4.8 mi
7m
Baldwin Mill Road
4.6 mi
8m
Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 18.4 mi, about 21m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~6,324 veh/hr typical
· worst 8,056
Quietest
2 AM
~710 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bethesda, MD and Jarrettsville, MD.
1
Start on this road
44 ft·5 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto Bethesda Avenue
510 ft·24 sec·Bethesda Avenue
3
Turn left onto Arlington Road
0.3 mi·55 sec·Arlington Road
4
Turn right onto Edgemoor Lane
0.3 mi·51 sec·Edgemoor Lane
5
Turn left onto MD 355
0.7 mi·1 min·Wisconsin Avenue
6
Continue on MD 355
0.1 mi·19 sec·Rockville Pike
7
Turn right onto Jones Bridge Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Jones Bridge Road
8
Turn left onto MD 185
0.3 mi·39 sec·Connecticut Avenue
Use the left / slight left lanes.
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver SpringUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 495
6.5 mi·8 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 27Toward I 95 North: BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
13
Merge onto I 95
18 mi·21 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto I 895
5.7 mi·6 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Exit 46Toward I 895 North: Baltimore Harbor Tunnel ThruwayUse the slight right lane.
15
Continue on I 895
1.0 mi·1 min·Harbor Tunnel Throughway
16
Continue on I 895
2.2 mi·3 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 895
1.4 mi·2 min·Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
18
Continue on I 895
3.7 mi·5 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 895
8.5 mi·9 min·Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
5.3 mi·6 min·Express Toll Lanes
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
22
Turn sharp left onto MD 152
4.8 mi·7 min·Mountain Road
23
Continue on MD 152
5.3 mi·8 min·Fallston Road
Use the right lane.
24
Turn right onto MD 165
4.6 mi·8 min·Baldwin Mill Road
Use the right lane.
25
Turn right
123 ft·9 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 1 hour and 40-minute drive, leaving Bethesda during off-peak hours is advisable to avoid the heaviest congestion, especially around the I 95 corridor. Since the total distance is only 72.2 miles, you likely won't need to plan for extensive rest stops, but a quick break around the halfway point could be beneficial. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $12, and gas stations are more frequent along the highway sections. Consider using the Express Toll Lanes if you want to potentially speed up your travel time through the busier stretches, but be aware of the associated tolls.
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 36.1 miles from Bethesda, MD, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 18.4 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 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.1 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jarrettsville, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bethesda, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bethesda, MD
This is one driving day of about 72.2 miles and 1h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Bethesda, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 18.4 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.8 and 43.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
2.8 mi into trip|~7m in
Take the ramp toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
7
9.6 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Baltimore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 27
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore
6
9.9 mi into trip|~16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
7
29.4 mi into trip|~40m in|I 895 / Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Take the exit onto I 895 / Harbor Tunnel Thruway toward I 895 North: Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 46
Toward I 895 North: Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Thr...
6
43.4 mi into trip|~58m in|I 895 / Express Toll Lanes
Keep slight left at fork onto I 895 / Express Toll Lanes
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.77 one way
$25.54 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg25 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$13.99
$27.97
premium
$5.24
$14.91
$29.81
diesel
$5.35
$15.21
$30.41
Estimated Tolls: $0.81
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
(11.6 mi)$0.81
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
$13
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
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, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
21.7
0
$7.58
$3.47
Efficient EV
18.1
0
$6.32
$2.89
EV Truck/SUV
28.9
0
$10.11
$4.62
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 May 31, 2026
Origin
Bethesda, MD
Evening
in Bethesda on Wednesday
Local time
5:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Clear
N 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Jarrettsville, MD
Evening
in Jarrettsville on Wednesday
Local time
5:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Clear
N 5 mph0% chanceLive 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 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 40m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
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!
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 25% of this 72.2-mile drive involves highway travel, including I 95 and the Express Toll Lanes. Your longest continuous stretch on the highway will be 18.4 miles on I 95. After that, you'll transition to mostly surface roads for the remaining portion of your trip. Expect to encounter a higher density of exits and merging traffic as you navigate the initial highway segments.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 18.4 mi on I 95.
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 2.8 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 72.2 miles you will encounter 17 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 2.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
646 ft30 ft
Total Climb
850 ft
Total Descent
520 ft
Highest Point
646 ft
~72.2 mi in
Elevation Range
617 ft
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 Bethesda, MD to Jarrettsville, MD, road signs begin pointing toward New York along the way.
Bethesda is in Montgomery County, Maryland, 1½ miles northwest of Washington, D.C. Wealthy and well-educated, Bethesda is best known for its numerous restaurants and as the headquarters of the National Institutes of Health.
Top landmarks
•Robert Llewellyn Wright House — historic house in Bethesda, Maryland
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 40m. Total distance: 72.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 18.4 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.81 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.
Yes — we found about 5 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Jarrettsville, 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 2.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park 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 Jarrettsville, MD before heading back.
