South Bel Air, MD to North Potomac, MD is 74.2 miles and takes about 1h 40m via Intercounty Connector and I-95, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Maryland, connecting two points in the Northeast region. With a relatively short drive time and a modest fuel cost, it's a straightforward trip that mostly uses surface roads, making it ideal for a single-day excursion. Plan for a smooth commute that avoids lengthy stretches of highway driving.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
37.1 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
Intercounty Connector
15.7 mi
19m
I 95
13.6 mi
15m
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
I 370
3.3 mi
5m
Dufief Mill Road
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Intercounty Connector
— 15.7 mi, about 19m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~6,324 veh/hr typical
· worst 8,056
Quietest
2 AM
~710 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 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 North Potomac, 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
14 mi·15 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 31BToward MD 200 Toll WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto MD 200 Toll
9.5 mi·11 min·Intercounty Connector
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on MD 200 Toll
6.2 mi·7 min·Intercounty Connector
Exit 8A
21
Continue on I 370
3.3 mi·5 min·I 370
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Turn right onto MD 119
0.3 mi·27 sec·Great Seneca Highway
23
Turn left onto Muddy Branch Road
0.9 mi·1 min·Muddy Branch Road
24
Continue on Dufief Mill Road
2.0 mi·3 min·Dufief Mill Road
25
Continue on Travilah Road
0.3 mi·39 sec·Travilah Road
26
Continue on Turkey Foot Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Turkey Foot Road
27
Turn left onto Query Mill Road
115 ft·3 sec·Query Mill Road
28
Arrive at destination
Query Mill Road
Trip Plan
Given the 1h 40m duration, this is a perfect same-day trip. Aim to depart mid-morning to avoid the worst of rush hour traffic in both regions. Since there are no mandated stops and the drive is under two hours, you have the flexibility to take breaks as needed, perhaps stopping for a quick stretch or coffee. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $13, and plan your refueling accordingly before you get too low, especially as you move between highway and surface road sections.
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 37.1 miles from South Bel Air, MD, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 15.7 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 37.1 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North Potomac, 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 74.2 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 Intercounty Connector for about 15.7 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.8 and 50.2 — 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.
6
21 mi into trip|~29m 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.
6
30.1 mi into trip|~42m in|I 895 / Harbor Tunnel Throughway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 895 / Harbor Tunnel Throughway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
50.2 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Take the exit toward MD 200 Toll West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 31B
Toward MD 200 Toll West
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.12 one way
$26.24 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg26 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$14.37
$28.75
premium
$5.24
$15.32
$30.64
diesel
$5.35
$15.63
$31.26
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: 26 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22.3
0
$7.79
$3.56
Efficient EV
18.6
0
$6.49
$2.97
EV Truck/SUV
29.7
0
$10.39
$4.75
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 Jun 2, 2026
Origin
South Bel Air, MD
Afternoon
in South Bel Air on Wednesday
Local time
4:39 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Sunny
N 6 mph12% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 2 at 1:20PM EDT until June 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
North Potomac, MD
Afternoon
in North Potomac on Wednesday
Local time
4:39 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Sunny
N 7 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 2 at 1:20PM EDT until June 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
62°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
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...
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!
15 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 74.2
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...
20 mi from route
~49 min detour
Free
near mile 69.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily surface roads, with only 23% of the drive on highways. You'll experience a significant portion of the 74.2 miles on local streets. The longest continuous stretch on a main road is 15.7 miles along the Intercounty Connector. Expect frequent intersections and varying speed limits as you transition from highway segments to town-level cruising.
Only 23% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 15.7 mi on Intercounty Connector.
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 74.2 miles you will encounter 16 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 21 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
418 ft0 ft
Total Climb
536 ft
Total Descent
640 ft
Highest Point
418 ft
~68.9 mi in
Elevation Range
418 ft
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 40m. Total distance: 74.2 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 15.7 miles on Intercounty Connector. 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 North Potomac, 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 21 miles (Express Toll Lanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 North Potomac, MD before heading back.
