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Trip from Ocean City, MD to Frederick, MD

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

Drive Time

3h 52m

Distance

169.2 mi

272 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 40m ★
6 AM
3h 53m
8 AM
4h 18m
10 AM
4h 2m
12 PM
3h 59m
3 PM
4h 3m
5 PM
4h 17m
8 PM
3h 45m

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 Ocean City, MD, MD

Ocean City, MD

Prathyusha Mettupalle

city in Frederick County, Maryland, United States

Frederick, MD

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 183-mile journey from Ocean City, MD to Frederick, MD will take approximately 3 hours and 9 minutes of driving time. It's a straightforward, single-day trip, making it an easy option for a quick getaway or a transition between destinations. You'll be navigating primarily along local roads, with no stretches of highway to speak of, so expect a more engaged driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $30, and with only one recommended stop, you can keep things moving. This route is entirely within Maryland, connecting the coastal Northeast to the western part of the state.

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

84.6 miles from Ocean City, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 2m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 70 32.6 mi 35m
Ocean Gateway 26.1 mi 36m
Dupont Boulevard 20 mi 28m
Seashore Highway 18.4 mi 26m
Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway 17.5 mi 23m
Shore Highway 17.4 mi 24m
Governor Ritchie Highway 8 mi 12m
Queen Anne Highway 6.2 mi 8m
Longest stretch: I 70 — 32.6 mi, about 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ocean City, MD and Frederick, MD.

1

Start on MD 528

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Philadelphia Avenue
2

Continue on US 50

5.9 mi · 9 min · US 50
Use the straight lane.
3

Take the exit

154 ft · 4 sec
4

Turn straight onto MD 452

1.6 mi · 2 min · Friendship Road
5

Turn right onto MD 575

1.9 mi · 2 min · Worcester Highway
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 33 sec
7

Merge onto US 113

4.3 mi · 5 min · Worcester Highway
8

Continue on US 113

20 mi · 28 min · Dupont Boulevard
9

Turn left onto DE 18; DE 404

11 mi · 17 min · Seashore Highway
10

Turn right onto US 13; DE 404

0.5 mi · 42 sec · Sussex Highway
11

Take the exit

166 ft · 5 sec
12

Continue on Rifle Range Road

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Rifle Range Road
13

Turn right onto US 13 Business; DE 404 Business

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
14

Turn left onto DE 404 Business

0.4 mi · 45 sec · Market Street
15

Turn right onto DE 404 Business

7.5 mi · 9 min · Seashore Highway
16

Continue on MD 404

17 mi · 24 min · Shore Highway
17

Continue on MD 404

6.2 mi · 8 min · Queen Anne Highway
18

Take the exit

527 ft · 14 sec
19

Merge onto US 50

26 mi · 36 min · Ocean Gateway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Exit 27B Toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Park Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Merge onto MD 2

8.0 mi · 12 min · Governor Ritchie Highway
22

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore
23

Merge onto MD 10

1.1 mi · 1 min · Arundel Expressway
24

Keep slight left at fork onto MD 100

18 mi · 23 min · Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
Toward MD 100 West Use the slight left lane.
25

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 29 sec
Toward US 29 North Use the slight right lane.
26

Merge onto US 29

3.0 mi · 3 min · Columbia Pike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 25B Toward I 70 West: Frederick Use the right lane.
28

Merge onto I 70

10 mi · 10 min · I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Continue on I 70; US 40

12 mi · 12 min · I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Continue on I 70; US 40

11 mi · 11 min · I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Exit 54 Toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown Frederick Use the slight right lane.
32

Keep slight right at fork

419 ft · 10 sec
Toward Downtown Frederick, East Street Use the slight right lane.
33

Turn straight onto MD 85

426 ft · 9 sec · Buckeystown Pike
34

Continue on East Street

0.1 mi · 15 sec · East Street
35

Enter roundabout onto East Street

119 ft · 2 sec · East Street
36

Continue on East Street

0.3 mi · 33 sec · East Street
37

Turn left onto MD 144

0.1 mi · 24 sec · East South Street
38

Turn right onto South Carroll Street

0.2 mi · 45 sec · South Carroll Street
39

Turn left onto MD 144

0.2 mi · 25 sec · East Patrick Street
40

Arrive at destination

MD 144

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour, 9-minute duration, this drive is comfortably achievable in a single day. You can depart from Ocean City in the morning and arrive in Frederick by midday, leaving plenty of time for activities at your destination. With a fuel cost estimate of $30, it's an economical trip. Since it's a 'turn-heavy local drive' with no long highway stretches, plan for more frequent, shorter breaks rather than one extended rest stop if needed. Keep an eye on your GPS for the transitions between Friendship Road, Worcester Highway, and Dupont Boulevard to ensure you stay on track.

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 84.6 miles from Ocean City, MD, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.6 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 37 miles or 55m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 84.6 miles or 2h 2m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 18m

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 Ocean City, 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 Ocean City, MD

This is one driving day of about 169.2 miles and 3h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Ocean City, 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 I 70 for about 32.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Maryland, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ridgely, MD

85 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

Ridgely, MD to Frederick, MD

101.6 mi · 2h 15m

Pacing Suggestions

Milton, DE

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ridgely, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.6 miles from Ocean City, 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

Cafe Nola

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Frederick, Maryland

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 169.2

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13016946652

Visit website

Talbot St.Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ocean City, Maryland

0.4 mi

Malia's Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ocean City, Maryland

0.9 mi

Cafe Nola

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 169.2

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13016946652

Visit website

Talbot St.Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Ocean City, Maryland

Hours: Closed

+14102891700

Visit website

Malia's Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Ocean City, Maryland

Hours: Closed

+14436642420

Sahara Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Ocean City, Maryland

Hours: Closed

+14103907649

Visit website

bai-tee Bakery • Cafe • Kitchen • Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Ocean City, Maryland

Hours: Closed

+14435896970

Visit website

Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.2

Millsboro, Delaware

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+13022975805

Visit website

Old Mill Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 133

Ellicott City, Maryland

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+14104652253

Visit website

Breakfast Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Ocean City, Maryland

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+14102131804

Craft Bakery & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 60.4

Denton, Maryland

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+14109347519

Visit website

Kisa Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.2

Dagsboro, Delaware

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+13023215351

Visit website

Milk & Honey Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.2

Dagsboro, Delaware

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+13023219581

Visit website

The Pines Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.1

Berlin, Maryland

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Assateague Island Surf Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour

Berlin, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+14109732632

Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Berlin, Maryland

Hours: 6:30–11 am

Blink Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 24.2

Millsboro, Delaware

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Ocean City, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 120.9

Hanover, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 133

Ellicott City, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

SWTCH Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 120.9

Hanover, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 36.3

Georgetown, Delaware

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 120.9

Hanover, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 120.9

Hanover, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Bonita Beach Hotel

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour

Ocean City, Maryland

+18006410011

Visit website

Baker Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 169.2

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13016001492

Visit website

Frederick, MD

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 169.2

Frederick, Maryland

I Made This! Pottery Studio

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 169.2

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+13016244030

Visit website

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 169.2

Frederick, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13016688922

Visit website

Tuckahoe State Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 72.5

Queen Anne, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+14108201668

Visit website

Atrium Cafe & Bar

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Ocean City, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+14107231646

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 24

5 decision points cluster between mile 104.5 and 168.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
104.5 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in

Take the exit toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Park

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 27B Toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Par...
7
114.2 mi into trip | ~2h 45m in | MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway toward MD 100 West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward MD 100 West
7
131.7 mi into trip | ~3h 9m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 29 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 29 North
8
167.9 mi into trip | ~3h 49m in

Take the exit toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown Frederick

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 54 Toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown Frederick
9
168.1 mi into trip | ~3h 50m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Downtown Frederick, East Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward Downtown Frederick, East Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.05 one way

$56.10 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $30.72 $61.44
premium $4.93 $32.81 $65.63
diesel $5.61 $37.36 $74.71

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.8 0 $17.77 $8.12
Efficient EV 42.3 0 $14.80 $6.77
EV Truck/SUV 67.7 0 $23.69 $10.83

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (66% 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

Ocean City, MD

Night in Ocean City on Saturday

Local time

9:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Frederick, MD

Night in Frederick on Saturday

Local time

9:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Ridgely, MD

85 mi in

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

1 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 52m 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?

Prepare for a 'turn-heavy local drive' as you traverse the 183 miles between Ocean City and Frederick. With a 0% highway share, this route keeps you on surface streets and local thoroughfares for its entirety. While there isn't a 'longest stretch' to note due to the nature of the drive, you'll be frequently interacting with intersections and changing speeds. The primary roads you'll follow include Friendship Road and Worcester Highway, eventually transitioning to Dupont Boulevard. This type of driving offers a more intimate connection with the landscape and towns you pass through.

Only 23% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 32.6 mi on I 70.

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 104.5 miles in.

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 24 significant decision points across 169.2 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 104.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.2 miles (MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 131.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Ocean City, MD to Frederick, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.

Severna Park

104.5 mi in | ~2h 30m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 52m. Total distance: 169.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 32.6 miles on I 70. 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 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. 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 104.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.2 miles (MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 131.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Frederick, MD, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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