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Trip from California, MD to Hagerstown, MD

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 56m

Distance

133 mi

214 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 45m ★
6 AM
2h 56m
8 AM
3h 19m
10 AM
3h 4m
12 PM
3h 2m
3 PM
3h 5m
5 PM
3h 18m
8 PM
2h 50m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

census-designated place in St. Mary's County, Maryland, United States

California, MD

Wikimedia Commons

city in Maryland, United States

Hagerstown, MD

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 133 miles, the trip from California, MD, to Hagerstown, MD, typically takes about 2 hours and 56 minutes. You will traverse a mix of local roads and major interstates, making this a straightforward journey that fits perfectly into a single day of travel. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, the route is affordable and efficient for those heading from the Southern Maryland area toward the northern part of the state. Since the entire drive stays within the Northeast region of Maryland, you won't encounter drastic climate or terrain shifts. It functions best as a direct, no-fuss day trip, allowing you plenty of time at your destination without needing an overnight stay. Expect a practical drive that balances regional transit with reliable highway connectivity.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

66.5 miles from California, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 270 31.8 mi 40m
Capital Beltway 27.9 mi 36m
Three Notch Road 21.7 mi 30m
I 70 21 mi 22m
Leonardtown Road 10.6 mi 14m
Branch Avenue 9 mi 11m
Mattawoman Beantown Road 3.3 mi 5m
Dual Highway 3.1 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 270 — 31.8 mi, about 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between California, MD and Hagerstown, MD.

1

Start on Shady Mile Drive

0.2 mi · 48 sec · Shady Mile Drive
2

Turn right onto MD 235

22 mi · 30 min · Three Notch Road
Use the straight lane.
3

Continue on MD 5

11 mi · 14 min · Leonardtown Road
Use the straight lane.
4

Turn right onto MD 5

3.3 mi · 5 min · Mattawoman Beantown Road
5

Merge onto US 301; MD 5

2.5 mi · 3 min · Crain Highway
Use the left lane.
6

Keep slight left at fork onto MD 5

9.0 mi · 11 min · Branch Avenue
Toward MD 5 North: Washington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec
Toward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, College Park Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 95; I 495

18 mi · 24 min · Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

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.
10

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.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 270

28 mi · 35 min · I 270
Toward I 270 North Use the slight right lane.
12

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 30 sec
Exit 32 Toward I 70: Hagerstown, Baltimore Use the slight right lane.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 70 West: Hagerstown Use the slight left lane.
14

Merge onto I 70

21 mi · 22 min · I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 32B Toward US 40 West: Hagerstown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Turn straight onto US 40

3.1 mi · 5 min · Dual Highway
17

Continue on US 40

0.3 mi · 40 sec · East Franklin Street
18

Turn left onto North Potomac Street

0.1 mi · 18 sec · North Potomac Street
19

Turn left onto US 40

118 ft · 4 sec · East Washington Street
Use the left lane.
20

Arrive at destination

US 40

Trip Plan

To make the most of this nearly three-hour drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak congestion on the Capital Beltway and I-270. Since the route only requires one planned stop to cover the 133-mile distance comfortably, use that time to refuel and stretch your legs before hitting the final leg of the trip. Budgeting approximately $21 for gas will keep your finances on track for the day. Because the drive is short enough to handle in one go, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule based on traffic reports rather than fatigue. A helpful tip for this specific path is to prioritize your stop strategically around the I-270 corridor, as it provides the most consistent access to services before the final stretch into Hagerstown.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66.5 miles from California, MD, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.8 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 29 miles or 41m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 66.5 miles or 1h 32m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 27m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hagerstown, MD than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving California, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from California, MD

This is one driving day of about 133 miles and 2h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from California, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 270 for about 31.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

census-designated place in Maryland, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Forestville, MD

67 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

La Plata, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kemp Mill, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 66.5 miles from California, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Gola Ethiopian Restaurant & Market

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Silver Spring, Maryland

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 66.5

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12025978178

Visit website

The Pier Restaurant (Solomons Island, MD)

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Solomons, Maryland

3 mi

Gola Ethiopian Restaurant & Market

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 66.5

Silver Spring, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12025978178

Visit website

RWV Fireside Restaurant

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 66.5

Silver Spring, Maryland

The Lighthouse Restaurant and Dockbar

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Solomons, Maryland

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+14102312256

Visit website

The Pier Restaurant (Solomons Island, MD)

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30

Solomons, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14104498406

Visit website

La Vela Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Solomons, Maryland

Hours: 12–9 pm

+14103264817

Visit website

Captain Leonard's Seafood Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 9.5

Mechanicsville, Maryland

Hours: 12–7:30 pm

+13018843701

Visit website

Kodori Restaurant Japanese & Korean

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 38

Waldorf, Maryland

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+13013749955

Visit website

Gardenia’s Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 85.5

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+13013557144

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

California, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

7-Eleven Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 66.5

Beltsville, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447112474

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 19

CHARLOTT HALL, MD

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Lexington Park, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

California, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Lexington Park, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 66.5

Greenbelt, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

EV Connect Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

California, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Crown Hotel

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 133

Hagerstown, Maryland

+13017334363

National Museum of Health and Medicine

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 76

Silver Spring, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–5:30 pm

+13013193300

Visit website

College Park Aviation Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 66.5

College Park, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13018646029

Visit website

We Rock the Spectrum - Gaithersburg

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 85.5

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hours: 9:30 am–6 pm

+13013558486

Visit website

Louise F Cosca Regional Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 38

Clinton, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+13018681397

Visit website

Baker Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 104.5

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13016001492

Visit website

I Made This! Pottery Studio

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 104.5

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+13016244030

Visit website

Frederick, MD

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 104.5

Frederick, Maryland

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 104.5

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13016688922

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 38.3 and 107.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
38.3 mi into trip | ~55m in | MD 5 / Branch Avenue

Keep slight left at fork onto MD 5 / Branch Avenue toward MD 5 North: Washington

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward MD 5 North: Washington
7
47.2 mi into trip | ~1h 6m in

Take the exit toward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, College Park

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, Coll...
8
66 mi into trip | ~1h 32m 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
75.5 mi into trip | ~1h 44m 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
107.3 mi into trip | ~2h 25m 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

$22.05 one way

$44.10 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $24.15 $48.30
premium $4.93 $25.79 $51.59
diesel $5.61 $29.36 $58.73

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 46.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 39.9 0 $13.96 $6.38
Efficient EV 33.3 0 $11.64 $5.32
EV Truck/SUV 53.2 0 $18.62 $8.51

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (66% 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

California, MD

Night in California on Saturday

Local time

9:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hagerstown, MD

Night in Hagerstown on Saturday

Local time

9:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

75°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

2 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

2h 56m 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

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...

1 mi from route ~1 min detour Free near mile 105.5
View on nps.gov
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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 ~15 min detour $20 near mile 78
View on nps.gov
Antietam National Battlefield

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 ~23 min detour $20 near mile 123.9
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

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 96.3
View on nps.gov
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

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 ~38 min detour $20 near mile 119.3
View on nps.gov
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman was a deeply spiritual woman who lived her ideals and dedicated her life to freedom. She is the Underground Railroad’s best known conductor and before the Civil War repeatedly risked he...

23 mi from route ~57 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This 133-mile route offers a mixed driving profile that transitions through various road types. You will start by navigating local routes like Three Notch Road before merging onto the Capital Beltway and I-270. With highways accounting for 40% of the journey, you should prepare for a blend of suburban traffic and open interstate cruising. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-270, where you will cover 31.8 miles of continuous highway driving. As you progress from the quieter roads near California toward the heavier traffic patterns surrounding the Beltway, the pace of the trip shifts noticeably. Staying alert during these transitions is key to maintaining a smooth experience behind the wheel.

40% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.8 mi on I 270.

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 38.3 miles in near MD 5 / Branch Avenue.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 133 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 38.3 miles (MD 5 / Branch Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 California, MD and Hagerstown, MD, road signs point toward College Park, Silver Spring and Baltimore.

College Park

47.2 mi in | ~1h 6m

Silver Spring

66 mi in | ~1h 32m | via I 495

Baltimore

107.3 mi in | ~2h 25m

About the Cities

Starting in California, MD

Full guide →

One of the most diverse states in the Union, California has a culture ranging from the easygoing surf spots on the beaches of Southern California to the glamor of Hollywood, and the counterculture and thriving businesses of the Bay Area. The state, which is on the west coast of the U.S., also varies greatly in natural beauty, from redwood forests on the North Coast to the ski resorts of the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains and the harsh desert of Death Valley. The largest state in the U.S. by population and the third largest by area, California boasts world-famous attractions and sights: Disneyland, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Napa Valley wine country, and the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney.

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 2h 56m. Total distance: 133 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (40%). 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 31.8 miles on I 270. 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 Hagerstown, MD before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 38.3 miles (MD 5 / Branch Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Antietam National Battlefield (6 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 Hagerstown, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from California, MD or browse trips ending in Hagerstown, MD.

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