Origin
South Bel Air, MD
Late night in South Bel Air on Sunday
Local time
12:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from South Bel Air, MD to Boonsboro, MD
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 59m
Distance
92.7 mi
149 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 51m
★
6 AM
1h 59m
8 AM
2h 16m
10 AM
2h 5m
12 PM
2h 3m
3 PM
2h 6m
5 PM
2h 15m
8 PM
1h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Bel Air, MD
Da Khatri
Boonsboro, MD
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
South Bel Air, MD to Boonsboro, MD is 92.7 miles and takes about 1 hour 59 minutes via I-70 and I-95, with a fuel budget near $15 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maryland, moving from the Northeast region towards the Northeast. The drive offers a mixed experience, primarily utilizing major highways but also incorporating other roads. Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this route is ideal for a same-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
46.3 miles from South Bel Air, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 2m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 70 | 41.6 mi | 44m |
| I 95 | 10.9 mi | 14m |
| Old National Pike | 8.9 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 |
| East Main Street | 1.8 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 41.6 mi, about 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Bel Air, MD and Boonsboro, 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: Baltimore
Use 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 49B
Toward I 695 West: Towson
Use 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-B
Toward I 70: Frederick, Local Traffic
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 16A
Toward I 70 West: Frederick
Use 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
16 mi
·
17 min
·
I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 49
Toward US 40 Alternate: Braddock Heights, Middletown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Turn straight onto US 40 ALT
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Old National Pike
22
Continue on US 40 ALT
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
East Main Street
23
Continue on US 40 ALT
6.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Old National Pike
24
Enter roundabout onto US 40 ALT
114 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Main Street
25
Continue on US 40 ALT
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
26
Turn left onto MD 34
120 ft
·
2 sec
·
Potomac Street
27
Arrive at destination
MD 34
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just under two hours, this trip from South Bel Air to Boonsboro offers considerable flexibility. You can easily complete this in a single day, so consider leaving mid-morning to avoid peak traffic or early afternoon for a relaxed arrival. The estimated fuel cost is around $15, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you depart, especially before the longest stretch on I-70. While no specific stops are data-indicated, plan for a brief rest or snack break as needed to stay comfortable during your drive.
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 46.3 miles from South Bel Air, MD, or about 1h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.6 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 20 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 46.3 miles or 1h 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 1h 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Boonsboro, 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 92.7 miles and 1h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 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 41.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
46 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 46.3 miles from South Bel Air, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 5.8 and 80.9 — 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
8
80.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward US 40 Alternate: Braddock Heights, Middletown
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 49
Toward US 40 Alternate: Braddock Heights, Middl...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.37 one way
$30.74 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
32 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $16.83 | $33.66 |
| premium | $4.93 | $17.98 | $35.96 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $20.47 | $40.93 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 27.8 | 0 | $9.73 | $4.45 |
| Efficient EV | 23.2 | 0 | $8.11 | $3.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 37.1 | 0 | $12.98 | $5.93 |
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Destination
Boonsboro, MD
Late night in Boonsboro on Sunday
Local time
12:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°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
3 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 59m 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
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 76.7
View on nps.gov
Antietam National Battlefield
National Battlefield
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
$20
near mile 92.7
View on nps.gov
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
$20
near mile 89.5
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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!
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 79.9
View on nps.gov
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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 60.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is characterized by its mixed terrain, with 57% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 41.6 miles on I-70, offering a chance for steady progress. The route also incorporates Old National Pike, suggesting a shift from the faster interstate pace to something more local. Expect a blend of efficient highway travel and potentially more varied road conditions as you transition between these main arteries.
57% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.6 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 5.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 92.7 miles you will encounter 18 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between South Bel Air, MD and Boonsboro, MD, road signs point toward Local Traffic and Middletown.
Local Traffic
38.3 mi in
|
~53m
Middletown
80.9 mi in
|
~1h 40m
About the Cities
Arriving in Boonsboro, MD
Full guide →Boonsboro is a small town in Washington County, Western Maryland. Boonsboro is primarily an agricultural center, but it's also just a nice historic town for a leisurely lunch or dinner, and perhaps a stop at one of the museums, while exploring the area.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 92.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (57%). 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 41.6 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 Boonsboro, 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, 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 Boonsboro, MD before heading back.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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