Bowie, MD to Maugansville, MD is 87.2 miles and takes about 1 hour 53 minutes via I 270, I 70, and the Capital Beltway, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maryland, moving from the Northeast region towards its western part. Given its relatively short length and mostly highway profile, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion. It's a straightforward drive that bypasses the need for overnight stays, making it convenient for a quick trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.6 miles from Bowie, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 270
31.6 mi
40m
I 70
21 mi
22m
Capital Beltway
16.4 mi
21m
John Hanson Highway
5.6 mi
6m
Dual Highway
3.1 mi
5m
Maryland Veterans Memorial Highway
2.2 mi
2m
East Franklin Street
1.8 mi
3m
Collington Road
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 270
— 31.6 mi, about 40m
Traffic on I-270
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~6,085 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~400 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 96 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 Bowie, MD and Maugansville, MD.
1
Start on this road
110 ft·8 sec·this road
2
Turn right
259 ft·20 sec
3
Turn left onto Evergreen Parkway
0.2 mi·33 sec·Evergreen Parkway
4
At end of road, turn left onto MD 197
1.0 mi·1 min·Collington Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward US 50 West: WashingtonUse the slight right lane.
6
Merge onto US 50
5.6 mi·6 min·John Hanson Highway
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
Exit 7BToward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, Silver Spring
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 7BToward I 495 North, I 95 North: BeltwayUse the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto I 95; I 495
6.9 mi·8 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495
9.5 mi·12 min·Capital Beltway
Toward I 495 West: Beltway, Silver SpringUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 270
3.6 mi·4 min·I 270
Exit 35Toward I 270 North: FrederickUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 270
7.0 mi·9 min·I 270
Toward I 270 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 11; 12Toward MD 117, MD 124 North: Clopper Road, West Diamond Avenue, Montgomery Village Avenue, Quince Orchard Road, Watkins Mill RoadUse the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto I 270
21 mi·26 min·I 270
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·30 sec
Exit 32Toward I 70: Hagerstown, BaltimoreUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 70 West: HagerstownUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 70
21 mi·22 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 32BToward US 40 West: HagerstownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto US 40
3.1 mi·5 min·Dual Highway
20
Continue on US 40
1.8 mi·3 min·East Franklin Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
21
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward I 81 North: Harrisburg
22
Merge onto I 81
2.2 mi·2 min·Maryland Veterans Memorial Highway
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 9Toward Maugans AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn left onto Maugans Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·Maugans Avenue
25
Turn left onto Maugansville Road
52 ft·1 sec·Maugansville Road
26
Arrive at destination
Maugansville Road
Trip Plan
For this 1 hour 53 minute drive, leaving in the morning is generally a good idea to avoid peak traffic, especially on the Capital Beltway. Since the route is under 90 miles and primarily highway, you likely won't need extensive stops, but there are opportunities for breaks along I 70. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is around $14, so ensure you have enough to reach your destination or a convenient fuel stop. The flexibility of a short, single-day trip like this means you can depart at your leisure.
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 43.6 miles from Bowie, MD, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.6 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 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.6 miles or 58m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maugansville, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bowie, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bowie, MD
This is one driving day of about 87.2 miles and 1h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Bowie, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 270 for about 31.6 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.7 and 56.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
7.7 mi into trip|~11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 North, I 95 North: Beltway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 7B
Toward I 495 North, I 95 North: Beltway
8
15.2 mi into trip|~21m in|I 495 / Capital Beltway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495 / Capital Beltway toward I 495 West: Beltway, Silver Spring
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 495 West: Beltway, Silver Spring
8
24.7 mi into trip|~33m in|I 270
Keep slight right at fork onto I 270 toward I 270 North: Frederick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 35
Toward I 270 North: Frederick
8
35.3 mi into trip|~48m in
Take the exit toward MD 117, MD 124 North: Clopper Road, West Diamond Avenue, Montgomery Village Avenue, Quince Orchard Road, Watkins Mill 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; 12
Toward MD 117, MD 124 North: Clopper Road, West...
8
56.6 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 70: Hagerstown, Baltimore
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 32
Toward I 70: Hagerstown, Baltimore
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.20 one way
$28.40 round trip
$4.14/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.74
$16.26
$32.52
premium
$5.04
$17.31
$34.62
diesel
$6.36
$21.83
$43.65
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: 30.5 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.2
0
$9.16
$4.19
Efficient EV
21.8
0
$7.63
$3.49
EV Truck/SUV
34.9
0
$12.21
$5.58
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Bowie, MD
Afternoon
in Bowie on Sunday
Local time
3:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Mostly Sunny
N 16 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 17 at 3:37PM EDT until October 20 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 17 at 3:37PM EDT until October 20 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Maugansville, MD
Afternoon
in Maugansville on Sunday
Local time
3:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Sunny
N 17 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 17 at 3:37PM EDT until October 20 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 17 at 3:37PM EDT until October 20 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
1h 53m 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.
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...
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...
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!
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 45.1
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
~39 min detour
$20
near mile 69.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly on highways, with 61% of the 87.2 miles being on major interstates like I 270 and I 70. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 31.6 miles on I 270. Expect a consistent highway experience for the majority of the trip, transitioning to potentially more varied road types as you approach Maugansville. The frequent exits on the interstate sections can make for a busy driving environment.
61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.6 mi on I 270.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 270 and I 70. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.7 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 87.2 miles you will encounter 21 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 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.2 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.7 miles (I 270): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
825 ft93 ft
Total Climb
1,244 ft
Total Descent
758 ft
Highest Point
825 ft
~62.3 mi in
Elevation Range
732 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bowie, MD and Maugansville, MD, road signs point toward Silver Spring and Baltimore.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 53m. Total distance: 87.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (61%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 31.6 miles on I 270. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Maugansville, 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 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.2 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.7 miles (I 270): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal 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 Maugansville, MD before heading back.
