South Mountain Welcome Center
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Bowie, MD to Williamsport, MD
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 49m
Distance
87.1 mi
140 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
18 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 42m
★
6 AM
1h 50m
8 AM
2h 6m
10 AM
1h 56m
12 PM
1h 54m
3 PM
1h 56m
5 PM
2h 5m
8 PM
1h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bowie, MD
Wikimedia Commons
Williamsport, MD
Tranise Foster
Trip Overview
Bowie, MD to Williamsport, MD is 87.1 miles and takes about 1h 49m 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 to the Northeast region. It's a straightforward drive mostly on major interstates, making it a convenient option for a quick trip. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to get between these two points without venturing too far off the beaten path.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.5 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 | 26.9 mi | 28m |
| Capital Beltway | 16.4 mi | 21m |
| John Hanson Highway | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| Collington Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| East Potomac Street | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Maryland Veterans Memorial Highway | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| Evergreen Parkway | 0.2 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
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Williamsport, 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: Washington
Use 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 7B
Toward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, Silver Spring
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 7B
Toward I 495 North, I 95 North: Beltway
Use 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 Spring
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 270
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
I 270
Exit 35
Toward I 270 North: Frederick
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 270
7.0 mi
·
9 min
·
I 270
Toward I 270 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 11; 12
Toward MD 117, MD 124 North: Clopper Road, West Diamond Avenue, Montgomery Village Avenue, Quince Orchard Road, Watkins Mill Road
Use 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 32
Toward I 70: Hagerstown, Baltimore
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
Toward I 70 West: Hagerstown
Use the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 70
27 mi
·
28 min
·
I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 26
Toward I 81 North, I 81 South: Harrisburg, Roanoke
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 26A
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Use the right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
22
Merge onto I 81
0.6 mi
·
44 sec
·
Maryland Veterans Memorial Highway
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 2
Toward US 11: Williamsport
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto US 11
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Potomac Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Arrive at destination
US 11; MD 63
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour and 49 minutes, this trip is easily doable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to avoid potential rush hour traffic, especially around the Capital Beltway. You won't need many stops for this distance, but it's always wise to check your fuel gauge before you leave, especially since the estimated fuel cost is around $14. The flexibility of a shorter drive means you can depart on your own schedule.
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 43.5 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 43.5 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 Williamsport, 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 87.1 miles and 1h 49m.
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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
44 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 43.5 miles from Bowie, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
South Mountain Welcome Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.7 mi from route
Rest Area
0.8 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.9 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
1.5 mi from route
I-81 Southbound West Virginia Welcome Center
1.7 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 235 decision points cluster between mile 7.7 and 84.6 — 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...
9
84.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 45m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 26A
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.21 one way
$30.42 round trip
$4.44/gal
25.4 MPG avg
31 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.86 | $16.66 | $33.31 |
| premium | $5.20 | $17.82 | $35.64 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $21.52 | $43.04 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
EV Charging Along Route
18 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Target - Tesla Supercharger
Bowie, MD
Tesla
16 DCFC
Greenbelt, MD - Tesla Supercharger
Greenbelt, MD
Tesla
12 DCFC
Bowie, MD - Tesla Supercharger
Bowie, MD
Tesla
8 DCFC
Riverdale Park, MD - Tesla Supercharger
Riverdale Park, MD
Tesla
8 DCFC
Lanham Crossing
Lanham Seabrook, MD
eVgo Network
6 DCFC
EVsmart - BGE - Bowie State
Bowie, MD
SWTCH
4 DCFC
EVsmart - BGE - Kenhill Center
Bowie, MD
SWTCH
4 DCFC
Bowie Town Center (Bowie, MD)
Bowie, MD
Electrify America
3 DCFC
SWTCH: 8
Tesla: 4
eVgo Network: 2
Non-Networked: 2
RED_E: 1
Electrify America: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 26.1 | 0 | $9.15 | $4.18 |
| Efficient EV | 21.8 | 0 | $7.62 | $3.48 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 34.8 | 0 | $12.19 | $5.57 |
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.
Origin
Bowie, MD
Afternoon in Bowie on Friday
Local time
1:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Sunny
NE 6 to 9 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Williamsport, MD
Afternoon in Williamsport on Friday
Local time
1:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Sunny
NE 6 mph
0% chance
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
1h 49m 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...
0 mi from route
Free
near mile 54.1
View on nps.gov
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
$20
near mile 27
View on nps.gov
Antietam National Battlefield
National Battlefield
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...
9 mi from route
~21 min detour
$20
near mile 72.1
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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
View on nps.gov
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
With 67% of this route on highways, expect a significant portion of your drive to be on interstates like I 270 and I 70. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 31.6 miles on I 270. You'll notice the dense exit environment common to major interstate corridors as you navigate through Maryland. The highway portion will eventually transition to other roads as you approach your destination.
67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 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 Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.1 miles you will encounter 23 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
812 ft
94 ft
Total Climb
1,130 ft
Total Descent
852 ft
Highest Point
812 ft
~62.2 mi in
Elevation Range
719 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Williamsport, MD, road signs point toward Silver Spring and Baltimore.
Silver Spring
7.3 mi in
|
~10m
Baltimore
56.6 mi in
|
~1h 14m
About the Cities
Starting in Bowie, MD
Full guide →Bowie is a suburban bedroom community of Washington, D.C. in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Top landmarks
- • Bowie Railroad Buildings — railway building and museum in Bowie, Maryland, USA
- • Belair Mansion — mansion located in Collington, Maryland, United States of America
Arriving in Williamsport, MD
Full guide →Founded 1823
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 49m. Total distance: 87.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (67%). 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 8 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 Williamsport, 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 Williamsport, MD before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NREL for EV charging, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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