Lonaconing, MD to South Bel Air, MD is 182.6 miles and takes about 3h 38m via Dwight D Eisenhower Highway and I 70, with a fuel budget near $30 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 utilizes major highways, offering a straightforward path for a single-day journey. With a recommended one-day drive, you can expect a relatively efficient trip, making it a convenient option for getting from point A to point B without needing an overnight stay. Consider this route if you're looking for a no-fuss drive with minimal planning required.
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
91.3 miles from Lonaconing, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
71 mi
1h 16m
National Freeway
45.7 mi
51m
I 70
15.6 mi
16m
I 95
11.1 mi
15m
Express Toll Lanes
8.3 mi
9m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
7.3 mi
8m
Baltimore Beltway
4.7 mi
6m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
4.3 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 71 mi, about 1h 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lonaconing, MD and South Bel Air, MD.
1
Start on Ayers Alley
94 ft·8 sec·Ayers Alley
2
Turn right onto MD 36
0.6 mi·1 min·Main Street
3
Continue on MD 36
1.7 mi·3 min·Lower Georges Creek Road Southwest
4
Continue on MD 36
0.3 mi·40 sec·New Georges Creek Road Southwest
5
Turn right onto Paradise Street Southwest
0.6 mi·1 min·Paradise Street Southwest
6
Turn straight onto MD 36
3.3 mi·5 min·New Georges Creek Road Southwest
7
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
8
Merge onto I 68; US 40
46 mi·51 min·National Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 70; US 40
4.7 mi·5 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
10
Continue on I 70; US 40
3.3 mi·3 min·I 70, US 40 (Dwight D Eisenhower Highway)
11
Continue on I 70
66 mi·1 hr 11 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 70; US 40
6.5 mi·6 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
9.1 mi·9 min·I 70
Toward BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 91B-AToward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen BurnieUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 91AToward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen BurnieUse the slight right lane.
16
Merge onto I 695
4.7 mi·6 min·Baltimore Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 11A; 11BToward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 11AToward I 95 North: BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 95
4.7 mi·6 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
6.4 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
8.3 mi·9 min·Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork
297 ft·3 sec
23
Merge onto I 95
7.3 mi·8 min·John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 77AToward MD 24: Bel Air, EdgewoodUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward MD 24 North: Bel AirUse the slight left lane.
26
Turn left onto MD 24
4.3 mi·6 min·Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the left lane.
27
Turn right onto West Ring Factory Road
0.6 mi·1 min·West Ring Factory Road
Use the right lane.
28
Turn left onto MD 924
0.6 mi·1 min·Emmorton Road
29
Continue on MD 924
496 ft·17 sec·South Main Street
30
Turn right onto East MacPhail Road
0.3 mi·44 sec·East MacPhail Road
31
Turn left onto South Shamrock Road
0.3 mi·1 min·South Shamrock Road
32
Arrive at destination
South Shamrock Road
Trip Plan
Given this route can be completed in under 4 hours, it’s ideal for a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. You might consider leaving mid-morning to avoid peak rush hour traffic, especially as you get closer to South Bel Air. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimate of $30, planning for gas and a quick break should be sufficient. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the 71-mile stretch on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, ensuring you have enough to reach a service area or your destination comfortably.
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 91.3 miles from Lonaconing, MD, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71 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 40 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.3 miles or 1h 47m 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 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Bel Air, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lonaconing, 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 Lonaconing, MD
This is one driving day of about 182.6 miles and 3h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Lonaconing, 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 71 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 142.6 and 175.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
142.6 mi into trip|~2h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen Burnie
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 91B-A
Toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Tows...
9
142.8 mi into trip|~2h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 91A
Toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie
8
148.1 mi into trip|~2h 50m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washington
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 11A; 11B
Toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washi...
8
148.3 mi into trip|~2h 50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Baltimore
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 11A
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore
8
175.9 mi into trip|~3h 26m in
Take the exit toward MD 24: Bel Air, Edgewood
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 77A
Toward MD 24: Bel Air, Edgewood
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.27 one way
$60.55 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg64 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$33.16
$66.31
premium
$4.93
$35.41
$70.83
diesel
$5.61
$40.32
$80.63
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
54.8
0
$19.17
$8.76
Efficient EV
45.7
0
$15.98
$7.30
EV Truck/SUV
73
0
$25.56
$11.69
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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
Lonaconing, MD
Night
in Lonaconing on Saturday
Local time
9:19 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
South Bel Air, MD
Night
in South Bel Air on Saturday
Local time
9:19 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°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
3h 38m 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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 107.1
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...
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
~38 min detour
$20
near mile 94.5
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!
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
Free
near mile 100.8
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$20
near mile 119.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a mixed driving experience, with 41% of the journey on highways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, including the longest uninterrupted stretch of 71 miles. The route transitions from more rural sections to busier interstate travel as you approach your destination. Expect periods of faster highway driving interspersed with sections on other main roads, providing a varied feel behind the wheel. The profile suggests a dynamic journey rather than a monotonous trek.
41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71 mi on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway.
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 142.6 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 21 significant decision points across 182.6 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 142.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 148.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Lonaconing, MD and South Bel Air, MD, road signs point toward Baltimore, Towson, Glen Burnie and Washington.
Baltimore
133.5 mi in|~2h 32m|via I 70
Towson
142.6 mi in|~2h 42m
Glen Burnie
142.6 mi in|~2h 42m
Washington
148.1 mi in|~2h 50m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 38m. Total distance: 182.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 71 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. 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 South Bel Air, 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 142.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 148.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at South Bel Air, MD, but most travelers stay overnight.
