This 100.9-mile drive from Ridgely, MD to Frederick, MD takes approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. It's a straightforward trip entirely within Maryland, making it an ideal one-day excursion. With a fuel cost estimated at $17, this route is quite budget-friendly. You'll primarily navigate local roads, with a 0% highway share, suggesting a more engaged driving experience. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile indicates you'll be making frequent adjustments, so keep your attention sharp. This route is best suited for a single day, allowing ample time to reach your destination and explore Frederick.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
50.8 miles from Ridgely, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
32.6 mi
35m
Ocean Gateway
26.1 mi
36m
Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
17.5 mi
23m
Governor Ritchie Highway
8 mi
12m
Queen Anne Highway
6.2 mi
8m
Columbia Pike
3 mi
3m
Ridgely Road
2.8 mi
4m
Arundel Expressway
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 32.6 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ridgely, MD and Frederick, MD.
1
Start on East Bell Street
18 ft·5 sec·East Bell Street
2
Turn left onto MD 312
0.4 mi·50 sec·Central Avenue
Use the right lane.
3
Turn right onto MD 312; MD 480
0.5 mi·56 sec·6th Street
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on MD 312; MD 480
2.8 mi·4 min·Ridgely Road
5
Take the ramp
348 ft·9 sec
6
Merge onto MD 404
0.7 mi·58 sec·Shore Highway
7
Continue on MD 404
6.2 mi·8 min·Queen Anne Highway
8
Take the exit
527 ft·14 sec
9
Merge onto US 50
26 mi·36 min·Ocean Gateway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 27BToward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna ParkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto MD 2
8.0 mi·12 min·Governor Ritchie Highway
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore
13
Merge onto MD 10
1.1 mi·1 min·Arundel Expressway
14
Keep slight left at fork onto MD 100
18 mi·23 min·Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
Toward MD 100 WestUse the slight left lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward US 29 NorthUse the slight right lane.
16
Merge onto US 29
3.0 mi·3 min·Columbia Pike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 25BToward I 70 West: FrederickUse the right lane.
18
Merge onto I 70
10 mi·10 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 70; US 40
12 mi·12 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 70; US 40
11 mi·11 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 54Toward MD 85: Buckeystown, Downtown FrederickUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
419 ft·10 sec
Toward Downtown Frederick, East StreetUse the slight right lane.
23
Turn straight onto MD 85
426 ft·9 sec·Buckeystown Pike
24
Continue on East Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·East Street
25
Enter roundabout onto East Street
119 ft·2 sec·East Street
26
Continue on East Street
0.3 mi·33 sec·East Street
27
Turn left onto MD 144
0.1 mi·24 sec·East South Street
28
Turn right onto South Carroll Street
0.2 mi·45 sec·South Carroll Street
29
Turn left onto MD 144
0.2 mi·25 sec·East Patrick Street
30
Arrive at destination
MD 144
Trip Plan
Given the 1 hour and 48-minute duration and the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, starting your trip from Ridgely, MD in the morning is advisable to avoid potential afternoon congestion. Since there are no designated stops and the longest stretch isn't specified, plan for flexibility and consider making your own stops for fuel or a break as needed. The estimated fuel cost of $17 is quite low, so you likely won't need to worry about frequent refueling. A practical tip for this route: pay close attention to signage for local road turns, as the 'turn-heavy' nature means you'll be navigating many intersections.
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 50.8 miles from Ridgely, MD, or about 1h 14m 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 22 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 50.8 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 1h 53m
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 Ridgely, 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 Ridgely, MD
This is one driving day of about 101.6 miles and 2h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Ridgely, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 36.9 and 100.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
36.9 mi into trip|~53m 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
46.6 mi into trip|~1h 8m 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
64.1 mi into trip|~1h 32m 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
100.3 mi into trip|~2h 12m 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
100.5 mi into trip|~2h 12m 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
$16.84 one way
$33.69 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg36 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$18.45
$36.90
premium
$4.93
$19.70
$39.41
diesel
$5.61
$22.43
$44.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
30.5
0
$10.67
$4.88
Efficient EV
25.4
0
$8.89
$4.06
EV Truck/SUV
40.6
0
$14.22
$6.50
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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 15, 2026
Origin
Ridgely, MD
Night
in Ridgely on Saturday
Local time
10:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Frederick, MD
Night
in Frederick on Saturday
Local time
10:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
67°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
18 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 15m 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...
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 101.6
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...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
$20
near mile 101.6
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
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 101.6
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 87.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly interactive driving experience on this 100.9-mile journey, as it features a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile with no highway mileage. Your longest uninterrupted stretch will be determined by traffic lights and intersections rather than long, open roads. You'll be utilizing local roads like Central Avenue, 6th Street, and Ridgely Road for a significant portion of the trip. The absence of high-speed highway driving means you'll be more immersed in the local environment, with frequent changes in direction and speed.
33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
30 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
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 36.9 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 20 significant decision points across 101.6 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 36.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.6 miles (MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 64.1 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 Ridgely, MD to Frederick, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.
Severna Park
36.9 mi in|~53m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 15m. Total distance: 101.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (33%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 36.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.6 miles (MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 64.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Frederick, MD before heading back.
