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Trip from Elkton, MD to Gaithersburg, MD

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 3m

Distance

95.4 mi

154 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
1h 54m ★
6 AM
2h 3m
8 AM
2h 21m
10 AM
2h 9m
12 PM
2h 7m
3 PM
2h 10m
5 PM
2h 20m
8 PM
1h 58m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Elkton, MD, MD

Elkton, MD

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Gaithersburg, MD, MD

Gaithersburg, MD

Kristopher Hines

Trip Overview

This 99.4-mile journey from Elkton, MD to Gaithersburg, MD is best suited for a single day, taking approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes. You'll be navigating primarily local roads, with no highway driving involved. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $16, making it an economical option. The route offers a turn-heavy local drive experience, so expect frequent adjustments rather than long, straight stretches. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is ideal for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Both your origin and destination are within the Northeast region.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

47.7 miles from Elkton, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway 31.2 mi 36m
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
West Pulaski Highway 5.1 mi 8m
North East Road 1.7 mi 2m
South Frederick Avenue 1.6 mi 3m
Longest stretch: John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway — 31.2 mi, about 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elkton, MD and Gaithersburg, MD.

1

Start on MD 213

102 ft · 7 sec · North Bridge Street
2

Turn right onto West Main Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · West Main Street
3

Turn left onto Landing Lane

0.1 mi · 27 sec · Landing Lane
4

Turn right onto US 40

5.1 mi · 8 min · West Pulaski Highway
5

Continue on US 40

0.8 mi · 55 sec · Pulaski Highway
6

Turn right onto MD 272

1.7 mi · 2 min · North East Road
Use the left lane.
7

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward I 95 South: Baltimore Use the slight right lane.
8

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 51 sec · this road
Toward I 95 South: Baltimore
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
10

Merge onto I 95

31 mi · 36 min · John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes

6.5 mi · 7 min · Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes

1.2 mi · 1 min · Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
13

Merge onto I 895

3.8 mi · 5 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway
14

Continue on I 895

1.4 mi · 2 min · Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
15

Continue on I 895

2.2 mi · 3 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on I 895

0.5 mi · 39 sec · Harbor Tunnel Throughway
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 895

0.5 mi · 41 sec · Harbor Tunnel Throughway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Continue on I 895

6.0 mi · 7 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19

Merge onto I 95

14 mi · 15 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 31B Toward MD 200 Toll West Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Merge onto MD 200 Toll

9.5 mi · 11 min · Intercounty Connector
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Continue on MD 200 Toll

6.2 mi · 7 min · Intercounty Connector
Exit 8A
23

Continue on I 370

0.5 mi · 41 sec · I 370
24

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Exit 2 Toward MD 355: Rockville, Gaithersburg Use the slight right lane.
25

Turn right onto MD 355

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Frederick Road
26

Continue on MD 355

1.6 mi · 3 min · South Frederick Avenue
27

Turn left

85 ft · 6 sec
28

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this drive is only 99.4 miles and takes under two hours, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Elkton in the morning or mid-afternoon will likely help you avoid heavier local traffic. With no designated stops and a short duration, you can easily complete this trip in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $16. A practical tip for this turn-heavy route is to utilize a GPS navigation system that provides clear turn-by-turn directions and alerts for upcoming intersections to ensure a smooth arrival in Gaithersburg.

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 47.7 miles from Elkton, MD, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.2 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 21 miles or 29m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 47.7 miles or 1h 1m 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 39m

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 Elkton, 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 Elkton, MD

This is one driving day of about 95.4 miles and 2h 3m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Elkton, 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 31.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Essex, MD

48 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.

Popular next leg

Essex, MD to Gaithersburg, MD

49.7 mi · 1h 7m

Pacing Suggestions

Aberdeen, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Essex, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 47.7 miles from Elkton, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

North East Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

North East, Maryland

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.8

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+14106567749

Visit website

J&J Pho Vietnamese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elkton, Maryland

0.4 mi

Taco Master Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elkton, Maryland

0.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Gardenia’s Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.4

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+13013557144

Visit website

North East Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.8

North East, Maryland

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+14106567749

Visit website

J&J Pho Vietnamese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Elkton, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+14106201888

Visit website

Taco Master Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Elkton, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14432075619

Visit website

Pier 1 Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.8

North East, Maryland

Hours: 12–8 pm

+14102876599

Visit website

Royal Taj Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 68.2

Columbia, Maryland

Hours: 11:30 am–9:15 pm

+14103811111

Visit website

Seoul Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 34.1

Edgewood, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–5:30 pm

+14106719399

Visit website

G & A RESTAURANT INC

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 40.9

White Marsh, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+14434483218

Visit website

Royal Spice Nepalese & Indian Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 61.4

Linthicum Heights, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+14105895166

Visit website

Gardenia’s Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.4

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+13013557144

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 54.5

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 47.7

Rosedale, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 40.9

Nottingham, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 75

Laurel, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 75

Laurel, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 54.5

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 40.9

Nottingham, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 40.9

Nottingham, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 54.5

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+14102460669

Visit website

Baltimore Museum of Industry

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 54.5

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+14107274808

Visit website

Riverside Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 54.5

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+14103967931

American Visionary Art Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 54.5

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+14102441900

Visit website

Wonderfly Arena - Arbutus

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 61.4

Arbutus, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+14102042224

Visit website

Creative Alliance

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 47.7

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 12–5 pm

+14102761651

Visit website

Urban Pirates

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 54.5

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+14103278378

Visit website

Mr. Trash Wheel

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 54.5

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 40.5 and 93.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
40.5 mi into trip | ~52m in | Express Toll Lanes

Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane.
6
47 mi into trip | ~1h in | Express Toll Lanes

Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane.
6
56 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in | I 895 / Harbor Tunnel Throughway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 895 / Harbor Tunnel Throughway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
76.1 mi into trip | ~1h 37m 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
93.3 mi into trip | ~1h 58m 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

$15.82 one way

$31.63 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $17.32 $34.64
premium $4.93 $18.50 $37.00
diesel $5.61 $21.06 $42.13

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

$16

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 33.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.6 0 $10.02 $4.58
Efficient EV 23.9 0 $8.35 $3.82
EV Truck/SUV 38.2 0 $13.36 $6.11

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 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 Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Elkton, MD

Night in Elkton on Saturday

Local time

10:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gaithersburg, MD

Night in Gaithersburg on Saturday

Local time

10:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

73°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

2h 3m 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

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 95.4
Caution: DC Water Sewer Overflow
Caution: Hiking in Gold Mine Tract
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

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 95.4
View on nps.gov
Monocacy National Battlefield

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 95.4
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route. With a 0% highway share, you'll be staying on surface streets for the entire 99.4 miles. The drive progresses through a series of local roads, including West Main Street and Landing Lane, before transitioning to West Pulaski Highway. There isn't a 'longest stretch' mentioned, suggesting a consistent pattern of turns and intersections throughout the journey. This means you'll need to stay attentive as you navigate through towns and communities, rather than settling into a high-speed cruise.

Only 15% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.2 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 around 40.5 miles in near Express Toll Lanes.

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 16 significant decision points across 95.4 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 40.5 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 56 miles (I 895 / Harbor Tunnel Throughway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 3m. Total distance: 95.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 31.2 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.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 40.5 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 56 miles (I 895 / Harbor Tunnel Throughway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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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