Cumberland, MD to Laurel, MD is 138 miles and takes about 2h 38m via Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maryland, moving from the Northeast region towards the Northeast. It's a straightforward drive that’s easy to complete in a single day, making it ideal for a quick transfer or a day trip. You'll encounter a mix of highway and surface roads, so be prepared for varying driving conditions. The estimated fuel cost is quite manageable, adding to the trip's convenience.
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
69 miles from Cumberland, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
71 mi
1h 16m
National Freeway
37 mi
40m
Sykesville Road
8.1 mi
11m
Patuxent Freeway
7.2 mi
9m
I 70
4 mi
4m
I 70, US 40 (Dwight D Eisenhower Highway)
3.3 mi
3m
I 95
2.4 mi
2m
MD 216
2.2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 71 mi, about 1h 16m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 19 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,404 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,952
Quietest
2 AM
~219 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Cumberland, MD and Laurel, MD.
1
Start on North Centre Street
66 ft·8 sec·North Centre Street
2
Turn left onto Bedford Street
413 ft·21 sec·Bedford Street
3
Turn left onto North Mechanic Street
0.3 mi·1 min·North Mechanic Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
5
Merge onto I 68; US 40; US 220
37 mi·40 min·National Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 70; US 40
4.7 mi·5 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
7
Continue on I 70; US 40
3.3 mi·3 min·I 70, US 40 (Dwight D Eisenhower Highway)
8
Continue on I 70
66 mi·1 hr 11 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 70; US 40
4.0 mi·4 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·41 sec
Exit 80Toward MD 32: Sykesville, ClarksvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·25 sec
12
Merge onto MD 32
8.1 mi·11 min·Sykesville Road
13
Continue on MD 32
7.2 mi·9 min·Patuxent Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 13BToward I 95 South: WashingtonUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 95
2.4 mi·2 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 35AToward MD 216 East: LaurelUse the right lane.
17
Turn straight onto MD 216
2.2 mi·3 min·MD 216
18
At end of road, turn left onto MD 198
0.5 mi·49 sec·Gorman Avenue
19
Turn left onto US 1
388 ft·9 sec·2nd Street
20
Turn slight left
190 ft·7 sec
Use the left lane.
21
Turn slight left onto MD 198
109 ft·3 sec·Talbott Avenue
22
Turn left
86 ft·2 sec
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 38m duration, this is a perfect one-day trip, allowing for a flexible departure time. Leaving mid-morning could help you avoid the worst of any potential rush hour traffic in the destination area. With only one recommended stop, you can easily break up the drive as needed, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated $23 cost is based on current averages, but it's always wise to top off before starting. The transition from highway to surface roads around the 71-mile mark on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway is a good point to consider a brief rest if you feel you need it.
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 69 miles from Cumberland, MD, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71 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 30 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69 miles or 1h 16m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Laurel, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cumberland, 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 Cumberland, MD
This is one driving day of about 138 miles and 2h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Cumberland, 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 Dwight D Eisenhower Highway for about 71 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 134.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.6 mi into trip|~1m in|I 68; US 40; US 220 / National Freeway
Merge onto I 68; US 40; US 220 / National Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
115.9 mi into trip|~2h 6m in
Take the exit toward MD 32: Sykesville, Clarksville
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 80
Toward MD 32: Sykesville, Clarksville
7
131.7 mi into trip|~2h 28m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 13B
Toward I 95 South: Washington
5
132.3 mi into trip|~2h 30m in|I 95
Merge onto I 95
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
134.8 mi into trip|~2h 32m in
Take the exit toward MD 216 East: Laurel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 35A
Toward MD 216 East: Laurel
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.41 one way
$48.81 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg48 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$26.73
$53.46
premium
$5.24
$28.49
$56.98
diesel
$5.35
$29.07
$58.13
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
41.4
0
$14.49
$6.62
Efficient EV
34.5
0
$12.08
$5.52
EV Truck/SUV
55.2
0
$19.32
$8.83
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Forecast as of Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Cumberland, MD
Afternoon
in Cumberland on Wednesday
Local time
2:58 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Mostly Clear
N 1 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Laurel, MD
Afternoon
in Laurel on Wednesday
Local time
2:58 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Chance Rain Showers
W 2 mph1% chanceLive 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
4 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 38m 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
~39 min detour
$20
near mile 85.6
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
~46 min detour
Free
near mile 90.4
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...
21 mi from route
~54 min detour
$20
near mile 123.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 41% highway, meaning you’ll spend a good portion of your time on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. The longest continuous stretch on this highway is 71 miles. After the highway portion, you'll transition to surface roads, likely experiencing more local traffic and varying speed limits. Expect a noticeable shift in driving pace as you move from faster highway speeds to more varied surface road conditions.
41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71 mi on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 0.6 miles in near I 68; US 40; US 220 / National Freeway.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 138 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 0.6 miles (I 68; US 40; US 220 / National Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 115.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,428 ft167 ft
Total Climb
1,496 ft
Total Descent
1,953 ft
Highest Point
1,428 ft
~9.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,261 ft
Notable High Points
1,428 ft at ~9.9 miles+575 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Cumberland, MD to Laurel, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Clarksville along the way.
Laurel is a city of 30,000 people (2020) in Prince George's County, Maryland. Largely residential, the city maintains a historic district centered on its Main Street, highlighting its industrial past.
Top landmarks
•Avondale Mill — United States historic place
•Laurel station — historic passenger rail station on the MARC Camden Line in Laurel, Maryland
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 38m. Total distance: 138 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (41%). 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 71 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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 Laurel, 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. There are 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (I 68; US 40; US 220 / National Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 115.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Laurel, MD before heading back.
