Origin
Delmar, MD
Night in Delmar on Saturday
Local time
9:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Delmar, MD to Frederick, MD
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 12m
Distance
144 mi
232 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 1m
★
6 AM
3h 13m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 22m
5 PM
3h 35m
8 PM
3h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Delmar, MD
Jonathan Borba
Frederick, MD
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Delmar to Frederick covers 144 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 12 minutes of drive time. Since the route stays entirely within Maryland, you can comfortably complete this journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget roughly $24 for fuel, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. You will navigate a mix of road types, including Sussex Highway, Ocean Gateway, and a portion of I-70. It is a straightforward trip that moves you from the Eastern Shore region toward the mountainous geography of Western Maryland, making it a functional connection rather than a long-haul expedition.
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
72 miles from Delmar, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 70 | 32.6 mi | 35m |
| Ocean Gateway | 26.1 mi | 36m |
| Sussex Highway | 19.3 mi | 26m |
| Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway | 17.5 mi | 23m |
| Shore Highway | 17.4 mi | 24m |
| Governor Ritchie Highway | 8 mi | 12m |
| Seashore Highway | 7.5 mi | 9m |
| Queen Anne Highway | 6.2 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 32.6 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Delmar, MD and Frederick, MD.
1
Start on MD 54; DE 54
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East State Street
2
Turn left onto US 13
19 mi
·
26 min
·
Sussex Highway
3
Take the exit
166 ft
·
5 sec
4
Continue on Rifle Range Road
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Rifle Range Road
5
Turn right onto US 13 Business; DE 404 Business
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
6
Turn left onto DE 404 Business
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
Market Street
7
Turn right onto DE 404 Business
7.5 mi
·
9 min
·
Seashore Highway
8
Continue on MD 404
17 mi
·
24 min
·
Shore Highway
9
Continue on MD 404
6.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Queen Anne Highway
10
Take the exit
527 ft
·
14 sec
11
Merge onto US 50
26 mi
·
36 min
·
Ocean Gateway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Exit 27B
Toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Park
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto MD 2
8.0 mi
·
12 min
·
Governor Ritchie Highway
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore
15
Merge onto MD 10
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Arundel Expressway
16
Keep slight left at fork onto MD 100
18 mi
·
23 min
·
Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
Toward MD 100 West
Use the slight left lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
Toward US 29 North
Use the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto US 29
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Columbia Pike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 25B
Toward I 70 West: Frederick
Use the right lane.
20
Merge onto I 70
10 mi
·
10 min
·
I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 70; US 40
12 mi
·
12 min
·
I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 70; US 40
11 mi
·
11 min
·
I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Exit 54
Toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown Frederick
Use the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork
419 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Downtown Frederick, East Street
Use the slight right lane.
25
Turn straight onto MD 85
426 ft
·
9 sec
·
Buckeystown Pike
26
Continue on East Street
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
East Street
27
Enter roundabout onto East Street
119 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Street
28
Continue on East Street
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
East Street
29
Turn left onto MD 144
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
East South Street
30
Turn right onto South Carroll Street
0.2 mi
·
45 sec
·
South Carroll Street
31
Turn left onto MD 144
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
East Patrick Street
32
Arrive at destination
MD 144
Trip Plan
Planning for one stop is a smart way to break up the 3-hour and 12-minute transit time. Because the route relies heavily on local roads rather than continuous interstate driving, you should account for potential traffic fluctuations when choosing your departure time. Aim to leave during off-peak hours to avoid congestion on the more technical stretches. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before hitting the I-70 portion, as the longest 32.6-mile stretch provides fewer opportunities to exit for service. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on how you feel behind the wheel.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 72 miles from Delmar, MD, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.6 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 32 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 72 miles or 1h 40m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Frederick, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Delmar, 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 Delmar, MD
This is one driving day of about 144 miles and 3h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Delmar, 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 70 for about 32.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
72 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 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 72 miles from Delmar, 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 225 decision points cluster between mile 79.2 and 142.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
79.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Park
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 27B
Toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Par...
7
88.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m in
|
MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway toward MD 100 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward MD 100 West
7
106.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 29 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 29 North
8
142.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 9m in
Take the exit toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown Frederick
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 54
Toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown Frederick
9
142.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Downtown Frederick, East Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Downtown Frederick, East Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.87 one way
$47.75 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $26.15 | $52.29 |
| premium | $4.93 | $27.93 | $55.85 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.79 | $63.59 |
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: 50.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 43.2 | 0 | $15.12 | $6.91 |
| Efficient EV | 36 | 0 | $12.60 | $5.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57.6 | 0 | $20.16 | $9.22 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Destination
Frederick, MD
Night in Frederick on Saturday
Local time
9:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
67°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
8 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
3h 12m 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
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 144
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...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
$20
near mile 144
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...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
$20
near mile 144
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!
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 144
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$20
near mile 129.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a varied experience behind the wheel, as this route is characterized by a turn-heavy local profile that keeps you engaged. Only about 23% of the journey takes place on high-speed highways, meaning you will spend the majority of your time on smaller roads. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-70, lasting for 32.6 miles. This transition from local thoroughfares to interstate travel requires constant attention to changing speed limits and traffic patterns. You will find that the road's personality shifts significantly as you move away from the local corridors and onto the busier interstate sections.
Only 23% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 32.6 mi on I 70.
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 79.2 miles in.
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 22 significant decision points across 144 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 79.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.9 miles (MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
On the drive from Delmar, MD to Frederick, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.
Severna Park
79.2 mi in
|
~1h 51m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 12m. Total distance: 144 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 32.6 miles on I 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Frederick, 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 79.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.9 miles (MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Frederick, MD, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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