South Bel Air, MD to Brookmont, MD is 73.3 miles and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes via I 95, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maryland, traversing the Northeast region on both sides of the Chesapeake Bay. It's a relatively short drive, mostly on surface roads, making it a manageable option for a single day. The total fuel cost is estimated at $12, and the route is designed for a direct, efficient trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
36.6 miles from South Bel Air, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
17.7 mi
20m
Capital Beltway
12.8 mi
16m
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
12 mi
15m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
8.1 mi
9m
Express Toll Lanes
7.7 mi
9m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
3.9 mi
5m
Cabin John Parkway
1.7 mi
2m
MacArthur Boulevard
1.6 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 17.7 mi, about 20m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 32 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~6,135 veh/hr typical
· worst 8,069
Quietest
2 AM
~682 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 100 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 Brookmont, 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 left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
1.2 mi·1 min·Express Toll Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 895
3.8 mi·5 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
12
Continue on I 895
1.4 mi·2 min·Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
13
Continue on I 895
2.2 mi·3 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 895
0.5 mi·39 sec·Harbor Tunnel Throughway
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 895
0.5 mi·41 sec·Harbor Tunnel Throughway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 895
6.0 mi·7 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 95
18 mi·20 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 27Toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda, College ParkUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda
20
Merge onto I 495
8.5 mi·10 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495
4.3 mi·5 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto Cabin John Parkway
1.7 mi·2 min·Cabin John Parkway
Exit 40Toward Cabin John Parkway, Glen EchoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on Clara Barton Parkway
0.7 mi·1 min·Clara Barton Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
157 ft·13 sec
Toward MacArthur BoulevardUse the left lane.
25
Merge onto Clara Barton Parkway
232 ft·3 sec·Clara Barton Parkway
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·25 sec
Toward MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo
27
At end of road, turn right onto MacArthur Boulevard
1.6 mi·4 min·MacArthur Boulevard
Use the right lane.
28
Turn right onto Maryland Avenue
0.1 mi·35 sec·Maryland Avenue
29
At end of road, turn left onto Ridge Drive
0.2 mi·44 sec·Ridge Drive
30
Turn left onto 63rd Street
380 ft·16 sec·63rd Street
31
Arrive at destination
63rd Street
Trip Plan
Given the 1 hour 40 minute duration, this trip is easily completed in a single day, offering flexibility for when you depart. To make the most of it, consider leaving early in the morning to avoid peak traffic, especially around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas. With a fuel cost of around $12, you won't need to worry much about refueling stops, though it's always wise to top off before heading out. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition from the main highways to surface roads, as this is where the driving pace will change significantly.
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 36.6 miles from South Bel Air, MD, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 17.7 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 36.6 miles or 50m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brookmont, 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 73.3 miles and 1h 40m.
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 95 for about 17.7 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.8 and 71.3 — 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
6
14.6 mi into trip|~21m in|Express Toll Lanes
Keep slight left at fork onto Express Toll Lanes
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
8
54.3 mi into trip|~1h 10m in
Take the exit toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda, College Park
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 27
Toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda, Col...
9
68.6 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|Cabin John Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto Cabin John Parkway toward Cabin John Parkway, Glen Echo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 40
Toward Cabin John Parkway, Glen Echo
7
71.3 mi into trip|~1h 34m in|MacArthur Boulevard
At end of road, turn right onto MacArthur Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.80 one way
$25.60 round trip
$4.44/gal25.4 MPG avg26 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.86
$14.02
$28.03
premium
$5.20
$14.99
$29.99
diesel
$6.28
$18.11
$36.22
Estimated Tolls: $0.84
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
(12 mi)$0.84
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22
0
$7.70
$3.52
Efficient EV
18.3
0
$6.41
$2.93
EV Truck/SUV
29.3
0
$10.26
$4.69
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 Oct 21, 2026
Origin
South Bel Air, MD
Late night
in South Bel Air on Saturday
Local time
2:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Clear
N 9 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Coastal Flood Watch
The Coastal Flood Watch has been replaced. Please see the latest information from NWS Wakefield VA on this developing si...
Coastal Flood Watch
The Coastal Flood Watch has been replaced. Please see the latest information from NWS Wakefield VA on this developing si...
Destination
Brookmont, MD
Late night
in Brookmont on Saturday
Local time
2:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Clear
N 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Coastal Flood Watch
The Coastal Flood Watch has been replaced. Please see the latest information from NWS Wakefield VA on this developing si...
Coastal Flood Watch
The Coastal Flood Watch has been replaced. Please see the latest information from NWS Wakefield VA on this developing si...
49°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
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 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.
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
$20
near mile 68.2
Park Closure: Closures: Detours; Towpath; Points of Interest
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!
22 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 68.2
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...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 65.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a 28% highway share, with the longest continuous stretch on I 95 covering 17.7 miles. You'll spend the majority of your time on surface roads, as indicated by the route's profile. Expect to transition from highway cruising on I 95 and the Capital Beltway to more stop-and-go driving as you navigate through local streets.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 17.7 mi on I 95.
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 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 73.3 miles you will encounter 23 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 14.6 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 54.3 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
359 ft-15 ft
Total Climb
417 ft
Total Descent
650 ft
Highest Point
359 ft
Elevation Range
373 ft
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 Brookmont, MD, road signs point toward Bethesda, College Park and Glen Echo.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 40m. Total distance: 73.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 17.7 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.84 in tolls one way, starting with Harbor Tunnel Thruway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 5 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 Brookmont, 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 14.6 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 54.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Monocacy National Battlefield. 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 Brookmont, MD before heading back.
