This 73.6-mile journey from Cavetown, MD, to Baltimore, MD, is easily manageable in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a perfect day trip. You'll primarily travel on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway and I-70, with a portion on Mapleville Road contributing to the local feel. Budget around $12 for fuel for this relatively short drive. Both your origin and destination are within the Northeast region, so you'll stay within familiar territory. The overall experience is a turn-heavy local drive, so don't expect a monotonous highway stretch.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
36.8 miles from Cavetown, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
41 mi
44m
I 70
15.6 mi
16m
Mapleville Road
5.2 mi
8m
Baltimore Beltway
4.7 mi
6m
I 95
2.5 mi
3m
Russell Street
1 mi
2m
West Baltimore Street
0.6 mi
1m
South Paca Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 41 mi, about 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cavetown, MD and Baltimore, MD.
1
Start on Cavetown Church Road
17 ft·4 sec·Cavetown Church Road
2
Turn left onto MD 66
3.6 mi·6 min·Mapleville Road
3
Enter roundabout onto MD 66
155 ft·2 sec·Mapleville Road
4
Continue on MD 66
1.5 mi·2 min·Mapleville Road
5
Turn left
0.2 mi·29 sec
6
Merge onto I 70
41 mi·44 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 70; US 40
6.5 mi·6 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
9.1 mi·9 min·I 70
Toward BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 91B-AToward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen BurnieUse the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 91AToward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen BurnieUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 695
4.7 mi·6 min·Baltimore Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 11A; 11BToward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 11AToward I 95 North: BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 95
2.5 mi·3 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 52Toward Russell Street NorthUse the slight right lane.
16
Continue on MD 295
1.0 mi·2 min·Russell Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on MD 295
0.3 mi·38 sec·South Paca Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn right onto West Baltimore Street
0.6 mi·1 min·West Baltimore Street
Use the straight lane.
19
Turn left
281 ft·25 sec
20
At end of road, turn left onto East Fayette Street
212 ft·6 sec·East Fayette Street
21
Arrive at destination
East Fayette Street
Trip Plan
Given the short 1 hour and 30 minute duration and 73.6-mile distance, this drive offers great flexibility. You can leave whenever it suits you, perhaps aiming to avoid peak commuter traffic into Baltimore. There are no designated stops provided, so you can decide on your own pace. Keep an eye on your fuel, with an estimated cost of $12, and plan for any necessary stops at your discretion. A specific tip for this route: be prepared for the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile as you get closer to your destination, as it requires more attention than a pure interstate cruise.
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 36.8 miles from Cavetown, MD, or about 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41 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 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.8 miles or 43m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Baltimore, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cavetown, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Cavetown, MD
This is one driving day of about 73.6 miles and 1h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Cavetown, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway for about 41 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 52.8 and 67.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
52.8 mi into trip|~1h in|I 70
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70 toward Baltimore
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Baltimore
8
62 mi into trip|~1h 10m in
Take the exit toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen Burnie
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 91B-A
Toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Tows...
9
62.2 mi into trip|~1h 10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 91A
Toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie
8
67.4 mi into trip|~1h 18m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 11A; 11B
Toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washi...
8
67.6 mi into trip|~1h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Baltimore
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 11A
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.20 one way
$24.40 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg26 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$13.36
$26.73
premium
$4.93
$14.27
$28.55
diesel
$5.61
$16.25
$32.50
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22.1
0
$7.73
$3.53
Efficient EV
18.4
0
$6.44
$2.94
EV Truck/SUV
29.4
0
$10.30
$4.71
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% 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
Cavetown, MD
Night
in Cavetown on Saturday
Local time
10:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Baltimore, MD
Night
in Baltimore on Saturday
Local time
10:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Mostly Cloudy then Scattered Rain Showers
W 6 to 14 mph34% chanceLive forecast
73°F
Mount Airy, MD
37 mi in
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
3 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 30m 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...
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...
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 12.7
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 22.8
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$20
near mile 38.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a dynamic driving experience on this route, with only 25% of it on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 41 miles on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. As you transition, the drive shifts from more open highway to a turn-heavy local feel, especially as you approach Baltimore. This mix means you'll be engaging with the road frequently, navigating various types of terrain and turns throughout the 1 hour and 30 minute trip.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41 mi on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway.
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 52.8 miles in near I 70.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 73.6 miles you will encounter 15 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 52.8 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 62 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 62.2 miles: 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 Cavetown, MD and Baltimore, MD, road signs point toward Towson, Glen Burnie and Washington.
Slices of American history are around every corner in Baltimore. Maryland's largest city is a gritty old seaport town that's perhaps most famous as the site of Fort McHenry, where, at the height of the War of 1812, the sight of a tattered but defiant American flag flying over the harbor, despite a furious British bombardment, inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that was later adapted into the U.S. national anthem "Star-Spangled Banner". Nowadays, Baltimore's nonstop nightlife, temperate climate, tradition of hospitality (they don't call this place "Charm City" for nothing), and cultural attractions — not to mention its prime location on the juncture of Chesapeake Bay — made it one of the major tourist destinations of the Mid-Atlantic region.
Top landmarks
•Johns Hopkins Hospital — hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, United States
•Walters Art Museum — art museum in Baltimore, Maryland, US
•Baltimore Museum of Art — art museum in Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 30m. Total distance: 73.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 41 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. 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 Baltimore, 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 52.8 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 62 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 62.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (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 Baltimore, MD before heading back.
