South Bel Air, MD to District Heights, MD is 66.3 miles and takes about 1h 35m via Baltimore-Washington Parkway, Capital Beltway, and John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, 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 ends. It's a straightforward drive that balances highway cruising with some surface street travel, making it a manageable one-day excursion. You'll likely find this route efficient for getting from point A to point B without a significant time commitment.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
33.2 miles from South Bel Air, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Baltimore-Washington Parkway
21.7 mi
29m
Capital Beltway
8.6 mi
11m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
8.1 mi
9m
Express Toll Lanes
7.7 mi
9m
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
7.3 mi
10m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
3.9 mi
5m
Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
1.4 mi
2m
Ritchie Road
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Baltimore-Washington Parkway
— 21.7 mi, about 29m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 18 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~6,517 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~635 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 District Heights, 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
1.3 mi·1 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi·59 sec
Exit 4Toward MD 295 South: Essex, BWI Marshall AirportUse the straight / right lanes.
18
Merge onto MD 295
22 mi·29 min·Baltimore-Washington Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South, I 495 South: Richmond, Andrews Air Force BaseUse the right lane.
20
Merge onto I 95; I 495
8.6 mi·11 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 13Toward MD 221A: Capitol Heights, Upper MarlboroUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·15 sec
Toward East Upper Marlboro, Ritchie - Marlboro Road
23
Enter roundabout onto Ritchie Marlboro Road
18 ft·0 sec·Ritchie Marlboro Road
24
Continue on Ritchie Marlboro Road
0.2 mi·15 sec·Ritchie Marlboro Road
25
Continue on Walker Mill Road
0.4 mi·41 sec·Walker Mill Road
26
Turn sharp left onto Ritchie Road
1.2 mi·2 min·Ritchie Road
Use the left lane.
27
Turn right onto Kipling Parkway
0.6 mi·1 min·Kipling Parkway
28
Turn right onto Kipling Parkway
0.3 mi·42 sec·Kipling Parkway
29
Turn right onto Mason Street
0.1 mi·25 sec·Mason Street
30
Turn left onto Gateway Boulevard
0.2 mi·30 sec·Gateway Boulevard
31
Arrive at destination
Gateway Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 1h 35m duration for this 66.3-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility for departure time. Leaving in the morning should allow you to complete the drive well within daylight hours. With no specified stops, you can decide on the fly if you need a break, though the longest stretch is just over 21 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel, budgeting around $12, and be aware of potential traffic congestion as you approach the Capital Beltway, especially during peak commute times.
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 33.2 miles from South Bel Air, MD, or about 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.7 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 15 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 33.2 miles or 46m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near District Heights, 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 66.3 miles and 1h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 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 Baltimore-Washington Parkway for about 21.7 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.8 and 62.9 — 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
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
31.9 mi into trip|~44m in
Take the exit toward MD 295 South: Essex, BWI Marshall Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 4
Toward MD 295 South: Essex, BWI Marshall Airpor...
7
54 mi into trip|~1h 15m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, I 495 South: Richmond, Andrews Air Force Base
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 95 South, I 495 South: Richmond, Andre...
8
62.9 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward MD 221A: Capitol Heights, Upper Marlboro
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 13
Toward MD 221A: Capitol Heights, Upper Marlboro
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.73 one way
$23.45 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg23 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$12.84
$25.68
premium
$5.24
$13.69
$27.38
diesel
$5.35
$13.96
$27.93
Estimated Tolls: $0.51
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
(7.3 mi)$0.51
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
$12
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 23.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
19.9
0
$6.96
$3.18
Efficient EV
16.6
0
$5.80
$2.65
EV Truck/SUV
26.5
0
$9.28
$4.24
Gas CO2
23 kg
EV CO2
8 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 Jun 3, 2026
Origin
South Bel Air, MD
Evening
in South Bel Air on Wednesday
Local time
5:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
N 7 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
District Heights, MD
Evening
in District Heights on Wednesday
Local time
5:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Sunny
N 8 mph1% chanceLive forecast
62°F
Brooklyn Park, MD
33 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
1 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 35m 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...
20 mi from route
~50 min detour
$20
near mile 54.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 34% of this 66.3-mile drive is on highways. You'll experience a longest stretch of 21.7 miles on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway before transitioning to other road types. Expect a mix of highway speeds and potentially more frequent stops or slower speeds on surface sections. Keep an eye out for merging traffic as you transition between the different road segments.
34% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 21.7 mi on Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
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 66.3 miles you will encounter 22 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 31.9 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 ft42 ft
Total Climb
320 ft
Total Descent
408 ft
Highest Point
359 ft
Elevation Range
317 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 District Heights, MD, road signs point toward Bwi Marshall Airport, Andrews Air Force Base and Upper Marlboro.
Bwi Marshall Airport
31.9 mi in|~44m
Andrews Air Force Base
54 mi in|~1h 15m
Upper Marlboro
62.9 mi in|~1h 27m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 35m. Total distance: 66.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (34%). 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 21.7 miles on Baltimore-Washington Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.51 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 2 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 District Heights, 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 31.9 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. 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 District Heights, MD before heading back.
