Salisbury, MD to Brunswick, MD is 164.2 miles and takes about 3h 40m via Ocean Gateway and I 70, with a fuel budget near $28 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maryland, moving from the Eastern Shore inland towards the western part of the state. Most of the drive is on surface roads, so expect a more relaxed pace than a pure interstate trip. It’s a straightforward, single-day excursion perfect for a quick transition across 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
82.1 miles from Salisbury, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
34.5 mi
37m
Ocean Gateway
26.1 mi
36m
Sussex Highway
19.3 mi
26m
Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
17.5 mi
23m
Shore Highway
17.4 mi
24m
Governor Ritchie Highway
8 mi
12m
Jefferson National Pike
8 mi
9m
Seashore Highway
7.5 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 34.5 mi, about 37m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,260 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,751
Quietest
2 AM
~203 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 93 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salisbury, MD and Brunswick, MD.
1
Start on this road
76 ft·11 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto West Vine Street
0.1 mi·28 sec·West Vine Street
3
Turn left onto US 13 BUS
4.0 mi·7 min·South Salisbury Boulevard
4
Keep slight right at fork onto US 13
3.1 mi·3 min·North Salisbury Boulevard
5
Continue on US 13
19 mi·26 min·Sussex Highway
6
Take the exit
166 ft·5 sec
7
Continue on Rifle Range Road
0.1 mi·18 sec·Rifle Range Road
8
Turn right onto US 13 Business; DE 404 Business
1.0 mi·1 min·South Main Street
9
Turn left onto DE 404 Business
0.4 mi·45 sec·Market Street
10
Turn right onto DE 404 Business
7.5 mi·9 min·Seashore Highway
11
Continue on MD 404
17 mi·24 min·Shore Highway
12
Continue on MD 404
6.2 mi·8 min·Queen Anne Highway
13
Take the exit
527 ft·14 sec
14
Merge onto US 50
26 mi·36 min·Ocean Gateway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 27BToward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna ParkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto MD 2
8.0 mi·12 min·Governor Ritchie Highway
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore
18
Merge onto MD 10
1.1 mi·1 min·Arundel Expressway
19
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.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward US 29 NorthUse the slight right lane.
21
Merge onto US 29
3.0 mi·3 min·Columbia Pike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 25BToward I 70 West: FrederickUse the right lane.
23
Merge onto I 70
10 mi·10 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 70; US 40
12 mi·12 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 70; US 40
13 mi·13 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 5A
0.3 mi·26 sec·I 70 Exit 5A
Exit 52Toward US 340 West, US 15 South: Charles Town, LeesburgUse the right lane.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward US 15 South, US 340 West: Charles Town, LeesburgUse the slight left lane.
28
Merge onto US 15; US 340
3.9 mi·4 min·Jefferson National Pike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 340
4.2 mi·4 min·Jefferson National Pike
Toward US 340 West: Charles TownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward MD 180: PetersvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
176 ft·5 sec
32
Turn left onto MD 180
1.7 mi·3 min·Jefferson Pike
33
Turn left onto MD 79
2.3 mi·4 min·Petersville Road
34
Enter roundabout onto MD 17
182 ft·6 sec·Petersville Road
35
Continue on MD 17
0.4 mi·51 sec·Petersville Road
36
Enter roundabout onto Petersville Road
192 ft·3 sec·Petersville Road
37
Continue on Petersville Road
90 ft·10 sec·Petersville Road
38
Continue on Petersville Road
72 ft·2 sec·Petersville Road
39
Arrive at destination
Petersville Road
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 40m drive time, leaving Salisbury in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight. You’ll have one recommended stop, so plan for a brief break about halfway through. With a fuel cost estimated at $28, ensure your tank is full before departing Salisbury, as the longest stretch without a major town or exit is 34.5 miles on I 70. This single-day trip offers flexibility; you can depart later if needed, but keep an eye on the time as you'll be on surface roads for much of the 164.2 miles.
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 82.1 miles from Salisbury, MD, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 34.5 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 36 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 82.1 miles or 1h 55m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brunswick, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Salisbury, 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 Salisbury, MD
This is one driving day of about 164.2 miles and 3h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Salisbury, 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 34.5 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 85.4 and 151.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
85.4 mi into trip|~2h 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
95.1 mi into trip|~2h 15m 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
112.6 mi into trip|~2h 39m 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
150.8 mi into trip|~3h 21m in|I 70 Exit 5A
Take the exit onto I 70 Exit 5A toward US 340 West, US 15 South: Charles Town, Leesburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 52
Toward US 340 West, US 15 South: Charles Town,...
8
151.1 mi into trip|~3h 21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 15 South, US 340 West: Charles Town, Leesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 15 South, US 340 West: Charles Town,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.44 one way
$54.87 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg58 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.67
$30.20
$60.39
premium
$5.01
$32.40
$64.80
diesel
$5.60
$36.20
$72.39
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 57.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
49.3
0
$17.24
$7.88
Efficient EV
41.1
0
$14.37
$6.57
EV Truck/SUV
65.7
0
$22.99
$10.51
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 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 Aug 21, 2026
Origin
Salisbury, MD
Late night
in Salisbury on Wednesday
Local time
2:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 6 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Brunswick, MD
Late night
in Brunswick on Wednesday
Local time
2:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 3 mph2% chanceLive 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
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 40m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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 147.2
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
$20
near mile 164.2
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
$20
near mile 164.2
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!
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 164.2
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 135.9
Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime for...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly surface roads, with only 22% of the drive on highways. You'll spend most of your time on Ocean Gateway and Sussex Highway before merging onto I 70 for the longest stretch of 34.5 miles. Expect a significant amount of time on roads with more frequent intersections and potentially slower speeds as you transition away from the interstate.
Only 22% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 34.5 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 85.4 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 30 significant decision points across 164.2 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 85.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.1 miles (MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
572 ft9 ft
Total Climb
616 ft
Total Descent
361 ft
Highest Point
572 ft
~129 mi in
Elevation Range
563 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Salisbury, MD and Brunswick, MD, road signs point toward Severna Park and Leesburg.
Brunswick is a very small town in Frederick County, Maryland, on the Potomac River. It is an excellent place for hikers and bicyclists to access the C&O Canal towpath.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 40m. Total distance: 164.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 34.5 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 Brunswick, 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 85.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.1 miles (MD 100 / Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Antietam National Battlefield (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Brunswick, MD, but most travelers stay overnight.
