Origin
Charlestown, MD
Morning in Charlestown on Tuesday
Local time
6:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Charlestown, MD to Gaithersburg, MD
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 53m
Distance
86.8 mi
140 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 45m
★
6 AM
1h 53m
8 AM
2h 10m
10 AM
1h 59m
12 PM
1h 58m
3 PM
2h 0m
5 PM
2h 9m
8 PM
1h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Charlestown, MD
Wikimedia Commons
Gaithersburg, MD
Kristopher Hines
Trip Overview
Charlestown, MD to Gaithersburg, MD is 86.8 miles and takes about 1h 53m via John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Northeast region, specifically Maryland, offering a relatively short journey. Expect a mix of highway and local roads, so it's not a pure interstate cruise but rather a more involved trip. Given its manageable length and duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing ample time for any necessary stops or unexpected delays.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.4 miles from Charlestown, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 58m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway | 25.3 mi | 29m |
| Intercounty Connector | 15.7 mi | 19m |
| I 95 | 13.6 mi | 15m |
| Harbor Tunnel Thruway | 12 mi | 15m |
| Express Toll Lanes | 7.7 mi | 9m |
| Jackson Station Road | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| South Frederick Avenue | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| Baltimore Harbor Tunnel | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
— 25.3 mi, about 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charlestown, MD and Gaithersburg, MD.
1
Start on this road
258 ft
·
22 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto Market Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Market Street
3
Continue on MD 267
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Cecil Street
4
Turn right onto MD 267
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Baltimore Street
5
At end of road, turn left onto MD 7
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
West Old Philadelphia Road
6
At end of road, turn left onto US 40
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Pulaski Highway
7
Turn right onto Jackson Station Road
60 ft
·
3 sec
·
Jackson Station Road
8
Continue on Jackson Station Road
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Jackson Station Road
9
At end of road, turn right onto MD 824
510 ft
·
13 sec
·
Blythedale Road
10
Keep slight left at fork onto MD 824
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Blythedale Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
11
Turn left onto MD 222
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
Perrylawn Drive
Use the straight / left lanes.
12
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 95 South: Baltimore
Use the left lane.
13
Merge onto I 95
25 mi
·
29 min
·
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
6.5 mi
·
7 min
·
Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 895
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
17
Continue on I 895
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
18
Continue on I 895
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 895
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
Harbor Tunnel Throughway
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 895
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
Harbor Tunnel Throughway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 895
6.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 95
14 mi
·
15 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 31B
Toward MD 200 Toll West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto MD 200 Toll
9.5 mi
·
11 min
·
Intercounty Connector
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on MD 200 Toll
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Intercounty Connector
Exit 8A
26
Continue on I 370
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
I 370
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 2
Toward MD 355: Rockville, Gaithersburg
Use the slight right lane.
28
Turn right onto MD 355
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Frederick Road
29
Continue on MD 355
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Frederick Avenue
30
Turn left
85 ft
·
6 sec
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 1h 53m drive, departing in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and avoid potential rush hour congestion closer to Gaithersburg. Since it's a single-day trip of 86.8 miles, you have the flexibility to take breaks as needed without feeling rushed. With a fuel cost estimated around $14, planning your refueling stops is straightforward. Keep an eye out for the transitions between highway and local roads; maintaining your navigation actively will be key to a smooth journey, especially during the 'turn-heavy' portions.
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 43.4 miles from Charlestown, MD, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.3 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 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.4 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gaithersburg, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Charlestown, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Charlestown, MD
This is one driving day of about 86.8 miles and 1h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Charlestown, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway for about 25.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
43 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 43.4 miles from Charlestown, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 84.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Market Street
At end of road, turn right onto Market Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
5.5 mi into trip
|
~11m in
|
MD 824 / Blythedale Road
Keep slight left at fork onto MD 824 / Blythedale Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
5.9 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
MD 222 / Perrylawn Drive
Turn left onto MD 222 / Perrylawn Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
67.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward MD 200 Toll West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 31B
Toward MD 200 Toll West
8
84.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward MD 355: Rockville, Gaithersburg
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 2
Toward MD 355: Rockville, Gaithersburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.39 one way
$28.78 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
30 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $15.76 | $31.52 |
| premium | $4.93 | $16.83 | $33.67 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $19.16 | $38.33 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.84
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
(12 mi)
$0.84
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
$14
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 26 | 0 | $9.11 | $4.17 |
| Efficient EV | 21.7 | 0 | $7.59 | $3.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 34.7 | 0 | $12.15 | $5.56 |
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.
Destination
Gaithersburg, MD
Morning in Gaithersburg on Tuesday
Local time
6:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°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
18 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
1h 53m 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.
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
$20
near mile 86.8
Caution: DC Water Sewer Overflow
Caution: Hiking in Gold Mine Tract
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!
17 mi from route
~43 min detour
Free
near mile 86.8
View on nps.gov
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...
18 mi from route
~46 min detour
Free
near mile 86.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized by its frequent turns, leaning towards a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. While 16% of the journey is on highways like I 95 and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, the overall feel is less about continuous high-speed travel and more about navigating through various road types. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 25.3 miles on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that shifts from faster highway sections to more winding, local road segments as you progress towards Gaithersburg.
Only 16% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 25.3 mi on John F. Kennedy Memorial 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 early in the drive near Market Street.
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 86.8 miles you will encounter 19 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: near the start (Market Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 5.5 miles (MD 824 / Blythedale Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.9 miles (MD 222 / Perrylawn Drive): Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Arriving in Gaithersburg, MD
Full guide →Gaithersburg is a city of 70,000 people (2020) in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is a suburb of Washington, D.C.
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 53m. Total distance: 86.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 25.3 miles on John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.84 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.
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 Gaithersburg, 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: near the start (Market Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 5.5 miles (MD 824 / Blythedale Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.9 miles (MD 222 / Perrylawn Drive): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Monocacy National Battlefield. 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 Gaithersburg, 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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