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Trip from La Vale, MD to Wheaton, 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 34m

Distance

127.3 mi

205 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 24m ★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 55m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 54m
8 PM
2h 29m

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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populated place in Allegany County, Maryland

La Vale, MD

Wikimedia Commons

census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States

Wheaton, MD

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 132.1-mile journey from La Vale, MD to Wheaton, MD is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. You'll primarily navigate National Highway, North Mechanic Street, and National Freeway, with no significant interstate driving. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $22, making it an economical option. This route feels like a turn-heavy local drive, so be prepared for frequent adjustments rather than long, straight stretches. It's a straightforward trip within the Northeast region, perfect for a quick visit or transit.

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

63.6 miles from La Vale, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 14m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway 48.3 mi 51m
National Freeway 37 mi 40m
Eisenhower Memorial Highway 22.9 mi 29m
I 270 5.1 mi 6m
I 70, US 40 (Dwight D Eisenhower Highway) 3.3 mi 3m
National Highway 2.7 mi 5m
Veirs Mill Road 1.9 mi 4m
Randolph Road 1.7 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Dwight D Eisenhower Highway — 48.3 mi, about 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between La Vale, MD and Wheaton, MD.

1

Start on Bridge Street

75 ft · 6 sec · Bridge Street
2

Turn right onto US 40 Alternate

2.7 mi · 5 min · National Highway
3

Continue on North Mechanic Street

1.1 mi · 3 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

44 mi · 46 min · Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
9

Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 53

0.4 mi · 51 sec · I 70 Exit 53
Exit 53 Toward I 270 South: Washington Use the slight right lane.
10

Continue on I 270

23 mi · 29 min · Eisenhower Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 270

5.1 mi · 6 min · I 270
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Exit 4A Toward Montrose Road East Use the right lane.
13

Turn straight onto Montrose Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Montrose Road
14

Continue on Josiah Henson Parkway

1.3 mi · 2 min · Josiah Henson Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
15

Continue on Randolph Road

1.7 mi · 3 min · Randolph Road
16

Turn right onto MD 586

1.9 mi · 4 min · Veirs Mill Road
Use the right lane.
17

Arrive at destination

MD 586

Trip Plan

Given the 2h 15m duration and 132.1-mile distance, this trip is easily manageable in one day. Leaving La Vale, MD in the morning, before peak traffic, will offer a smoother start. With no significant highway stretches, the $22 fuel cost is manageable, and you won't need extensive fuel stops. Plan for brief breaks as needed, perhaps around the halfway point, to stay refreshed. A specific tip for this route: keep your navigation handy, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll be making frequent adjustments.

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 63.6 miles from La Vale, MD, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 48.3 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 28 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.6 miles or 1h 14m 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

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wheaton, MD than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving La Vale, 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 La Vale, MD

This is one driving day of about 127.3 miles and 2h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from La Vale, 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 48.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Maryland, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hagerstown, MD

64 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

Hagerstown, MD to Wheaton, MD

59.7 mi · 1h 20m

Pacing Suggestions

Hancock, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hagerstown, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.6 miles from La Vale, 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

Taipei Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Rockville, Maryland

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 118.2

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13018385998

Visit website

Cafe Nola

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Frederick, Maryland

2.6 mi

Taipei Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 118.2

Rockville, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13018385998

Visit website

Cafe Nola

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 90.9

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13016946652

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

La Vale, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 9.1

Flintstone, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Cumberland, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Cumberland, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePro Charging Station (Free)

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 9.1

La Vale, MD

EV Connect Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 54.5

Big Pool, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Cumberland, Maryland

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 36.4

Hancock, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Crown Hotel

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 72.7

Hagerstown, Maryland

+13017334363

National Museum of Health and Medicine

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 127.3

Silver Spring, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–5:30 pm

+13013193300

Visit website

Baker Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 90.9

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13016001492

Visit website

Frederick, MD

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 90.9

Frederick, Maryland

I Made This! Pottery Studio

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 90.9

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+13016244030

Visit website

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 90.9

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13016688922

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 4 and 125.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
4 mi into trip | ~9m 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.
7
92.6 mi into trip | ~1h 45m 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
6
115.9 mi into trip | ~2h 15m in | I 270

Keep slight right at fork onto I 270

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
121 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in

Take the exit toward Montrose Road East

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 4A Toward Montrose Road East
5
125.4 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in | MD 586 / Veirs Mill Road

Turn right onto MD 586 / Veirs Mill Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.10 one way

$42.21 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $23.11 $46.23
premium $4.93 $24.69 $49.38
diesel $5.61 $28.11 $56.21

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.2 0 $13.37 $6.11
Efficient EV 31.8 0 $11.14 $5.09
EV Truck/SUV 50.9 0 $17.82 $8.15

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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

La Vale, MD

Late night in La Vale on Sunday

Local time

12:14 AM

EDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wheaton, MD

Late night in Wheaton on Sunday

Local time

12:14 AM

EDT

Current temp

74°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

2 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

2h 34m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a decidedly local feel on this route, characterized by numerous turns and a lack of high-speed highway cruising, as indicated by the 0% highway share. While there isn't a designated 'longest stretch,' the profile suggests a continuous engagement with the road, requiring your attention throughout the 2h 15m drive. This isn't a monotonous interstate experience; instead, envision a drive that winds through communities and requires active navigation. The road's personality is one of constant, albeit minor, changes in direction.

37% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 48.3 mi on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 4 miles in near I 68; US 40; US 220 / National Freeway.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 34m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 4 miles (I 68; US 40; US 220 / National Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 92.6 miles (I 70 Exit 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 115.9 miles (I 270): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in La Vale, MD

Full guide →

LaVale is a city in Allegany County, Maryland.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 34m. Total distance: 127.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (37%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 48.3 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 4 miles (I 68; US 40; US 220 / National Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 92.6 miles (I 70 Exit 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 115.9 miles (I 270): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Wheaton, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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