Spanning 169.1 miles across Maryland, this trip from Delmar to Hagerstown is a manageable journey that takes approximately 3 hours and 41 minutes. Since it functions well as a single-day excursion, you won't need to worry about booking overnight accommodations. You should budget about $28 for fuel to cover the distance, which traverses the Northeast region from start to finish. By utilizing a combination of Ocean Gateway, Sussex Highway, and I-70, you get a direct path that connects the Eastern Shore toward the mountains. It is a straightforward transit that works perfectly for those looking to cross the state efficiently without overcomplicating their travel itinerary.
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
84.5 miles from Delmar, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
55 mi
59m
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
— 55 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Delmar, MD and Hagerstown, 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 27BToward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna ParkUse 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 WestUse the slight left lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward US 29 NorthUse 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 25BToward I 70 West: FrederickUse 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
33 mi·35 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 32BToward US 40 West: HagerstownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto US 40
3.1 mi·5 min·Dual Highway
25
Continue on US 40
0.3 mi·40 sec·East Franklin Street
26
Turn left onto North Potomac Street
0.1 mi·18 sec·North Potomac Street
27
Turn left onto US 40
118 ft·4 sec·East Washington Street
Use the left lane.
28
Arrive at destination
US 40
Trip Plan
Because this route is well-suited for a single day of travel, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the nearly four-hour duration and keep your focus sharp behind the wheel. Since I-70 accounts for your longest stretch of 55 miles, try to time your transit to avoid peak traffic hours on that specific corridor. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Delmar, as the $28 estimate is a baseline that can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency. Prioritizing a mid-trip break will ensure you arrive in Hagerstown feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.
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 84.5 miles from Delmar, MD, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55 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 37 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.5 miles or 1h 59m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 5m
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 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 169.1 miles and 3h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 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 55 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 79.2 and 165.1 — 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
7
109.8 mi into trip|~2h 34m in
Take the exit toward I 70 West: Frederick
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 25B
Toward I 70 West: Frederick
7
165.1 mi into trip|~3h 34m in
Take the exit toward US 40 West: Hagerstown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 32B
Toward US 40 West: Hagerstown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.03 one way
$56.07 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$30.70
$61.41
premium
$4.93
$32.79
$65.59
diesel
$5.61
$37.34
$74.67
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.7
0
$17.76
$8.12
Efficient EV
42.3
0
$14.80
$6.76
EV Truck/SUV
67.6
0
$23.67
$10.82
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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 16, 2026
Origin
Delmar, MD
Night
in Delmar on Saturday
Local time
9:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hagerstown, MD
Night
in Hagerstown on Saturday
Local time
9:17 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 41m 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
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 139.9
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
$20
near mile 157.4
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
$20
near mile 151.6
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
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 145.7
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
$20
near mile 128.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition from local highways to the interstate system. With a highway share of 33%, the route balances smaller stretches with faster transit, keeping the drive engaging rather than monotonous. Your longest uninterrupted segment occurs on I-70, where you will spend 55 miles focusing on the road ahead. The character of the drive shifts noticeably as you move away from the Eastern Shore and merge onto the major arteries leading toward Hagerstown. You will find that the rhythm of the drive changes, offering a blend of slower, local navigation and steady, higher-speed highway cruising.
33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55 mi on I 70.
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 79.2 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 169.1 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.
On the drive from Delmar, MD to Hagerstown, 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 41m. Total distance: 169.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55 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 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 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 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Hagerstown, MD, but most travelers stay overnight.
