South Bel Air, MD to Bartonsville, MD is 74.4 miles and takes about 1h 34m via I 70, I 95, and John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region and the state of Maryland, making it a straightforward, single-day excursion. You'll spend a good portion of your drive on major highways, so expect a consistent pace. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two points without a significant time commitment.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
37.2 miles from South Bel Air, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 51m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
32.5 mi
34m
I 95
10.9 mi
14m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
8.1 mi
9m
Express Toll Lanes
7.6 mi
9m
Baltimore Beltway
4.6 mi
6m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
3.9 mi
5m
Old National Pike
1.9 mi
2m
Emmorton Road
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 32.5 mi, about 34m
Traffic on I-695
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 18 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~3,922 veh/hr typical
· worst 7,433
Quietest
2 AM
~346 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 50 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 South Bel Air, MD and Bartonsville, MD.
1
Start on South Shamrock Road
0.3 mi·1 min·South Shamrock Road
2
At end of road, turn right onto East MacPhail Road
0.3 mi·44 sec·East MacPhail Road
3
Turn left onto MD 924
496 ft·14 sec·South Main Street
4
Continue on MD 924
0.6 mi·1 min·Emmorton Road
5
Turn right onto West Ring Factory Road
0.6 mi·1 min·West Ring Factory Road
6
Turn left onto MD 24
3.9 mi·5 min·Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the left lane.
7
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 95
8.1 mi·9 min·John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
6.5 mi·7 min·Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
1.2 mi·1 min·Express Toll Lanes
11
Merge onto I 95
3.9 mi·5 min·I 95
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95
7.0 mi·9 min·I 95
Use the slight right lane.
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 49BToward I 695 West: TowsonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 695
4.6 mi·6 min·Baltimore Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 16A-BToward I 70: Frederick, Local TrafficUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 16AToward I 70 West: FrederickUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 70
14 mi·15 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 70; US 40
12 mi·12 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 70; US 40
6.6 mi·7 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 59Toward MD 144Use the right lane.
21
Turn right onto Meadow Road
452 ft·14 sec·Meadow Road
22
Turn right onto MD 144
1.9 mi·2 min·Old National Pike
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto Bartonsville Road
0.4 mi·59 sec·Bartonsville Road
24
Turn right onto Hines Road
99 ft·4 sec·Hines Road
25
Arrive at destination
Hines Road
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour and 34 minutes, this trip is easily completed in a single day. Leaving in the morning or early afternoon should provide ample daylight to reach Bartonsville without issue. With a fuel cost estimated at $12, plan to top off your tank before you depart to ensure you have enough to cover the 74.4 miles. While there are no designated stops in the data, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 32.5-mile stretch on I 70, as services can sometimes be spaced out on interstates.
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 37.2 miles from South Bel Air, MD, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.5 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 16 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 37.2 miles or 51m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bartonsville, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving South Bel Air, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from South Bel Air, MD
This is one driving day of about 74.4 miles and 1h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from South Bel Air, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 70 for about 32.5 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.8 and 71.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.8 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Baltimore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South: Baltimore
7
33.1 mi into trip|~45m in
Take the exit toward I 695 West: Towson
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 49B
Toward I 695 West: Towson
8
38.3 mi into trip|~53m in
Take the exit toward I 70: Frederick, Local Traffic
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 16A-B
Toward I 70: Frederick, Local Traffic
8
38.5 mi into trip|~53m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 West: Frederick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 16A
Toward I 70 West: Frederick
7
71.8 mi into trip|~1h 30m in
Take the exit toward MD 144
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 59
Toward MD 144
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.86 one way
$23.73 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg26 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$13.13
$26.26
premium
$4.81
$14.08
$28.17
diesel
$4.80
$14.05
$28.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22.3
0
$7.81
$3.57
Efficient EV
18.6
0
$6.51
$2.98
EV Truck/SUV
29.8
0
$10.42
$4.76
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% 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 Jul 6, 2026
Origin
South Bel Air, MD
Late night
in South Bel Air on Sunday
Local time
2:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
E 7 mph69% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 6 at 2:23PM EDT until July 7 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 6 at 2:23PM EDT until July 7 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Destination
Bartonsville, MD
Late night
in Bartonsville on Sunday
Local time
2:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
E 5 mph50% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 6 at 2:23PM EDT until July 7 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 6 at 2:23PM EDT until July 7 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
87°F
Lansdowne, MD
37 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
2 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
1h 34m 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...
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 74.4
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
$20
near mile 74.4
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
$20
near mile 74.4
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features a mixed profile, with 58% of the journey taking place on major highways like I 70 and I 95. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 32.5 miles on I 70, offering a period of uninterrupted travel. The route begins by utilizing the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway before transitioning to other interstates. Expect a drive that balances faster highway speeds with the potential for varied road conditions as you approach your destination.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 32.5 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 5.8 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 74.4 miles you will encounter 20 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 5.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 38.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
737 ft-2 ft
Total Climb
854 ft
Total Descent
800 ft
Highest Point
737 ft
~58.5 mi in
Elevation Range
739 ft
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 South Bel Air, MD to Bartonsville, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Local Traffic along the way.
Local Traffic
38.3 mi in|~53m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 34m. Total distance: 74.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (58%). 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 32.5 miles on I 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 3 rest areas or service plazas 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 Bartonsville, MD before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 38.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Antietam National Battlefield (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 Bartonsville, MD before heading back.
