Hagerstown, MD to Temple Hills, MD is 78.5 miles and takes about 1h 55m via I 270, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maryland, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. The drive primarily uses surface roads, making it a more local-feeling trip than a pure interstate cruise. Given the relatively short distance and duration, it's a manageable one-day drive that doesn't require extensive planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39.2 miles from Hagerstown, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Eisenhower Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
29m
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
21.1 mi
22m
I 270
6.6 mi
9m
Clara Barton Parkway
3.3 mi
6m
Dual Highway
3.3 mi
6m
Canal Road Northwest
3.1 mi
6m
I 270 Spur
2 mi
2m
Cabin John Parkway
1.7 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Eisenhower Memorial Highway
— 22.9 mi, about 29m
Traffic on I-270
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~6,085 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~400 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 96 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 Hagerstown, MD and Temple Hills, MD.
1
Start on US 40
0.4 mi·1 min·East Washington Street
2
Continue on US 40
3.3 mi·6 min·Dual Highway
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 70 East: Frederick
4
Merge onto I 70
21 mi·22 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
5
Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 53
0.4 mi·51 sec·I 70 Exit 53
Exit 53Toward I 270 South: WashingtonUse the slight right lane.
6
Continue on I 270
23 mi·29 min·Eisenhower Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 270
6.6 mi·9 min·I 270
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 270 Spur
2.0 mi·2 min·I 270 Spur
Toward I 270 Spur: Washington, Northern VirginiaUse the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Merge onto I 495
1.4 mi·1 min·Capital Beltway
10
Keep slight right at fork onto Cabin John Parkway
1.7 mi·2 min·Cabin John Parkway
Exit 40Toward Cabin John Parkway, Glen EchoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on Clara Barton Parkway
3.3 mi·6 min·Clara Barton Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on Canal Road Northwest
3.1 mi·6 min·Canal Road Northwest
13
Keep slight right at fork onto Whitehurst Freeway
0.7 mi·1 min·Whitehurst Freeway
Toward US 29 NorthUse the straight / right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
0.5 mi·35 sec·I 66
Toward I 66 West: E StreetUse the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit onto I 66
393 ft·9 sec·I 66
Toward E StreetUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward E Street
17
Continue on E Street Expressway
0.3 mi·23 sec·E Street Expressway
18
Continue on E Street Northwest
0.3 mi·34 sec·E Street Northwest
Use the straight / left lanes.
19
At end of road, turn right onto 17th Street Northwest
0.2 mi·22 sec·17th Street Northwest
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on 17th Street Southwest
0.3 mi·40 sec·17th Street Southwest
21
Turn straight onto Independence Avenue Southwest
293 ft·9 sec·Independence Avenue Southwest
22
Continue on Independence Avenue Southwest
0.3 mi·45 sec·Independence Avenue Southwest
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto Maine Avenue Southwest
0.3 mi·28 sec·Maine Avenue Southwest
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto Maine Avenue Southwest
0.1 mi·30 sec·Maine Avenue Southwest
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·52 sec
Toward I 395 North
26
Merge onto I 395
0.2 mi·23 sec·Southwest Freeway
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695
1.2 mi·1 min·Southeast Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 1СToward 11th Street Southeast, Southeast BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn right onto 11th Street Southeast
0.3 mi·45 sec·11th Street Southeast
Use the right lane.
30
Continue on Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast
0.5 mi·59 sec·Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast
31
Turn left onto Marion Barry Avenue Southeast
1.2 mi·2 min·Marion Barry Avenue Southeast
Use the left lane.
32
Turn right onto Naylor Road Southeast
0.7 mi·1 min·Naylor Road Southeast
Use the right lane.
33
At end of road, turn left onto Southern Avenue Southeast
204 ft·6 sec·Southern Avenue Southeast
Use the left lane.
34
Continue on MD 637
0.3 mi·52 sec·Naylor Road
35
Enter roundabout onto MD 637
104 ft·2 sec·Naylor Road
36
Continue on MD 637
386 ft·11 sec·Naylor Road
37
Enter roundabout onto MD 637
112 ft·2 sec·Naylor Road
38
Continue on MD 637
0.2 mi·30 sec·Naylor Road
39
Merge onto MD 5
0.3 mi·47 sec·Branch Avenue
Use the right lane.
40
Keep slight left at fork onto MD 5
260 ft·9 sec·Branch Avenue
41
Turn left onto MD 414
73 ft·3 sec·Bonita Street
42
Turn right onto MD 414
0.4 mi·1 min·Old Silver Hill Road
43
Continue on MD 414
1.4 mi·2 min·Saint Barnabas Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
44
Turn left onto Temple Hill Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Temple Hill Road
Use the left lane.
45
Continue on Temple Hill Road
124 ft·2 sec·Temple Hill Road
46
Arrive at destination
Temple Hill Road
Trip Plan
Given the 1h 55m duration, leaving in the morning or early afternoon is ideal for a same-day trip. With only 78.5 miles, you have flexibility to stop if needed, though the drive is short enough that extensive breaks aren't necessary. The fuel cost is estimated at $14, so ensure your tank is topped off before you depart. Pay attention to local traffic signals and speed limits as you transition from any highway sections to the predominantly surface road portions of the route.
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 39.2 miles from Hagerstown, MD, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.9 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 17 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.2 miles or 49m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Temple Hills, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hagerstown, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Hagerstown, MD
This is one driving day of about 78.5 miles and 1h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Hagerstown, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Eisenhower Memorial Highway for about 22.9 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 25.1 and 71.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
25.1 mi into trip|~30m in|I 70 Exit 53
Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 53 toward I 270 South: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 53
Toward I 270 South: Washington
8
55 mi into trip|~1h 9m in|I 270 Spur
Keep slight right at fork onto I 270 Spur toward I 270 Spur: Washington, Northern Virginia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 270 Spur: Washington, Northern Virgini...
9
58.4 mi into trip|~1h 14m in|Cabin John Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto Cabin John Parkway toward Cabin John Parkway, Glen Echo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 40
Toward Cabin John Parkway, Glen Echo
8
68.7 mi into trip|~1h 33m in|17th Street Northwest
At end of road, turn right onto 17th Street Northwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
71.8 mi into trip|~1h 39m in
Take the exit toward 11th Street Southeast, Southeast Boulevard
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 1С
Toward 11th Street Southeast, Southeast Bouleva...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.85 one way
$25.69 round trip
$4.16/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.76
$14.71
$29.42
premium
$5.07
$15.67
$31.33
diesel
$6.34
$19.58
$39.16
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.5 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.6
0
$8.24
$3.77
Efficient EV
19.6
0
$6.87
$3.14
EV Truck/SUV
31.4
0
$10.99
$5.02
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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 Oct 15, 2026
Origin
Hagerstown, MD
Afternoon
in Hagerstown on Saturday
Local time
12:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Chance Rain Showers
S 6 to 10 mph50% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Temple Hills, MD
Afternoon
in Temple Hills on Saturday
Local time
12:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Chance Rain Showers
SE 6 mph49% 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
2 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 55m 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...
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...
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...
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!
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 37.9
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 13.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a route that is mostly surface roads, with a highway share of about 22%. The longest stretch on a highway, the Eisenhower Memorial Highway, covers 22.9 miles. You'll transition from highway driving to surface roads, likely noticing denser exits and local traffic patterns as you approach your destination. This means you'll spend more time navigating through towns and intersections than on open highway.
Only 22% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 22.9 mi on Eisenhower 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 25.1 miles in near I 70 Exit 53.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.5 miles you will encounter 31 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: at 25.1 miles (I 70 Exit 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 55 miles (I 270 Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.4 miles (Cabin John Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,103 ft14 ft
Total Climb
1,036 ft
Total Descent
1,544 ft
Highest Point
1,103 ft
~11.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,089 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hagerstown, MD and Temple Hills, MD, road signs point toward Northern Virginia, Glen Echo and 11Th Street Southeast.
Hagerstown, nicknamed The Hub City, is a charming city on the edge of the Appalachian Mountains and near the Potomac River in northwestern Maryland, United States.
Top landmarks
•Washington County Museum of Fine Arts — art museum in Hagerstown, Maryland, United States
•Hager House — historic house in Maryland, United States
•Hagerstown City Park — historic public urban park in Hagerstown, Maryland, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 55m. Total distance: 78.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 22.9 miles on Eisenhower Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 4 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 Temple Hills, 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: at 25.1 miles (I 70 Exit 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 55 miles (I 270 Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.4 miles (Cabin John Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Antietam National Battlefield (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 Temple Hills, MD before heading back.
