Leonardtown to Frederick is 106.5 miles and takes about 2h 28m via I 270 and Capital Beltway, with a fuel budget near $18 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip will take you from the Northeast region of Maryland to another point within the Northeast, staying entirely within the state. You'll find yourself on mostly surface roads for much of the drive, with a significant portion on the highway. It's a straightforward route suitable for a single day, offering a practical way to travel between these two Maryland locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
53.2 miles from Leonardtown, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 270
30.9 mi
39m
Capital Beltway
27.9 mi
36m
Point Lookout Road
11.7 mi
18m
Leonardtown Road
10.6 mi
14m
Branch Avenue
9 mi
11m
Three Notch Road
6.9 mi
9m
Mattawoman Beantown Road
3.3 mi
5m
Crain Highway
2.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 270
— 30.9 mi, about 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Leonardtown, MD and Frederick, MD.
1
Start on MD 5 Business
45 ft·6 sec·Fenwick Street
2
Turn left onto MD 5 Business
0.4 mi·49 sec·Washington Street
3
Turn left onto MD 5
12 mi·18 min·Point Lookout Road
4
Take the ramp onto MD 5
414 ft·11 sec·MD 5
5
Merge onto MD 235
6.9 mi·9 min·Three Notch Road
6
Continue on MD 5
11 mi·14 min·Leonardtown Road
Use the straight lane.
7
Turn right onto MD 5
3.3 mi·5 min·Mattawoman Beantown Road
8
Merge onto US 301; MD 5
2.5 mi·3 min·Crain Highway
Use the left lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto MD 5
9.0 mi·11 min·Branch Avenue
Toward MD 5 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Toward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, College ParkUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 95; I 495
18 mi·24 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495
9.5 mi·12 min·Capital Beltway
Toward I 495 West: Beltway, Silver SpringUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 270
3.6 mi·4 min·I 270
Exit 35Toward I 270 North: FrederickUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 270
27 mi·34 min·I 270
Toward I 270 NorthUse the slight right lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·48 sec
Exit 31Toward MD 85: Frederick, BuckeystownUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn right onto MD 85
1.3 mi·2 min·Buckeystown Pike
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on MD 85
0.3 mi·30 sec·Buckeystown Pike
18
Continue on East Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·East Street
19
Enter roundabout onto East Street
119 ft·2 sec·East Street
20
Continue on East Street
0.3 mi·33 sec·East Street
21
Turn left onto MD 144
0.1 mi·24 sec·East South Street
22
Turn right onto South Carroll Street
0.2 mi·45 sec·South Carroll Street
23
Turn left onto MD 144
0.2 mi·25 sec·East Patrick Street
24
Arrive at destination
MD 144
Trip Plan
Given this route's manageable duration of under 2.5 hours, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving early in the morning can help you avoid heavier traffic, particularly on the Capital Beltway. There are no specific recommended stops provided, but with a drive this length, you can easily complete it without needing to break it up. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; the estimated cost is $18, but it's always wise to top off before you start, especially since the longest stretch on I 270 is over 30 miles. Plan to check local traffic conditions before you head out.
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 53.2 miles from Leonardtown, MD, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.9 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 23 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.2 miles or 1h 16m 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 1m
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 Leonardtown, 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 Leonardtown, MD
This is one driving day of about 106.5 miles and 2h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Leonardtown, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 270 for about 30.9 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 35.5 and 103.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
35.5 mi into trip|~53m in|MD 5 / Branch Avenue
Keep slight left at fork onto MD 5 / Branch Avenue toward MD 5 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward MD 5 North: Washington
7
44.4 mi into trip|~1h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, College Park
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, Coll...
8
63.2 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|I 495 / Capital Beltway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495 / Capital Beltway toward I 495 West: Beltway, Silver Spring
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 495 West: Beltway, Silver Spring
8
72.7 mi into trip|~1h 42m in|I 270
Keep slight right at fork onto I 270 toward I 270 North: Frederick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 35
Toward I 270 North: Frederick
8
103.6 mi into trip|~2h 21m in
Take the exit toward MD 85: Frederick, Buckeystown
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 31
Toward MD 85: Frederick, Buckeystown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.66 one way
$35.31 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg37 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$19.34
$38.68
premium
$4.93
$20.65
$41.31
diesel
$5.61
$23.51
$47.03
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
32
0
$11.18
$5.11
Efficient EV
26.6
0
$9.32
$4.26
EV Truck/SUV
42.6
0
$14.91
$6.82
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% 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 20, 2026
Origin
Leonardtown, MD
Late night
in Leonardtown on Tuesday
Local time
5:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Frederick, MD
Late night
in Frederick on Tuesday
Local time
5:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°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
12 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
2h 28m 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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 102.8
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...
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
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 91.8
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 106.5
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...
18 mi from route
~46 min detour
$20
near mile 102.8
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was a deeply spiritual woman who lived her ideals and dedicated her life to freedom. She is the Underground Railroad’s best known conductor and before the Civil War repeatedly risked he...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily on surface roads, with about 29% of the total mileage on highways. You'll encounter a stretch of 30.9 miles on I 270, which is the longest continuous highway segment. Expect the highway driving to transition to surface roads as you get closer to your destination, requiring more attention to local traffic and intersections. The initial highway portion will likely involve merging with other traffic as you navigate the Capital Beltway.
Only 29% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.9 mi on I 270.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 35.5 miles in near MD 5 / Branch Avenue.
Driving Effort9/10
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 106.5 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 35.5 miles (MD 5 / Branch Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 44.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.2 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Leonardtown, MD and Frederick, MD, road signs point toward College Park and Silver Spring.
Frederick is a charming city of approximately 80,000 people (2020) in Maryland. It is a major antique center with many shops, eateries, galleries and antique dealers.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 28m. Total distance: 106.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30.9 miles on I 270. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 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. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 35.5 miles (MD 5 / Branch Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 44.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.2 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): 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 Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (6 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 Frederick, MD before heading back.
