This 101.3-mile drive from Waldorf, MD to Hagerstown, MD is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes. You'll primarily navigate I-270 and I-70, with a segment on the Capital Beltway, making for a largely interstate experience. With a fuel cost estimated at $17, this trip is quite budget-friendly. The drive offers a mixed terrain and can easily be completed in a single day, so you won't need to worry about overnight stays. It's a straightforward journey within the Northeast region, connecting two points in Maryland.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
50.6 miles from Waldorf, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 270
28 mi
35m
I 70
21 mi
22m
Capital Beltway
19.1 mi
22m
Indian Head Highway
9.5 mi
13m
Capital Beltway (Thru)
8 mi
10m
Berry Road
3.9 mi
6m
I 270 Spur
3.1 mi
4m
Dual Highway
3.1 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 270
— 28 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waldorf, MD and Hagerstown, MD.
1
Start on Lancaster Circle
0.3 mi·1 min·Lancaster Circle
2
Turn right onto Smallwood Drive West
0.1 mi·20 sec·Smallwood Drive West
3
Turn right onto McDaniel Road
1.9 mi·3 min·McDaniel Road
4
Turn right onto Middletown Road
0.3 mi·30 sec·Middletown Road
5
Turn left onto MD 228
3.9 mi·6 min·Berry Road
6
Continue on MD 210
9.5 mi·13 min·Indian Head Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 95, I 495: Richmond, BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 95 South, I 495 South, I 295 North: Washington, RichmondUse the slight left lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South, I 495 South: RichmondUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 95; I 495
8.0 mi·10 min·Capital Beltway (Thru)
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
0.7 mi·47 sec·Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on I 495
2.4 mi·2 min·Capital Beltway
Exit 170AToward I 495 North: Tysons CornerUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
16 mi·19 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 270 Spur
3.1 mi·4 min·I 270 Spur
Exit 38Toward I 270: Rockville, Frederick
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 270
7.0 mi·9 min·I 270
Toward I 270 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 11; 12Toward MD 117, MD 124 North: Clopper Road, West Diamond Avenue, Montgomery Village Avenue, Quince Orchard Road, Watkins Mill RoadUse the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto I 270
21 mi·26 min·I 270
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·30 sec
Exit 32Toward I 70: Hagerstown, BaltimoreUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 70 West: HagerstownUse the slight left lane.
20
Merge onto I 70
21 mi·22 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 32BToward US 40 West: HagerstownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn straight onto US 40
3.1 mi·5 min·Dual Highway
23
Continue on US 40
0.3 mi·40 sec·East Franklin Street
24
Turn left onto North Potomac Street
0.1 mi·18 sec·North Potomac Street
25
Turn left onto US 40
118 ft·4 sec·East Washington Street
Use the left lane.
26
Arrive at destination
US 40
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 12 minutes, this trip from Waldorf to Hagerstown offers excellent flexibility. You can depart at your convenience, though leaving earlier in the day can help you avoid heavier traffic, especially on the Capital Beltway. With no planned stops in the data, you can easily break up the 101.3 miles as needed, perhaps for a quick rest or fuel. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is $17, so topping up before you leave Waldorf is a sensible approach to ensure a smooth journey.
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 50.6 miles from Waldorf, MD, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28 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 22 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 50.6 miles or 1h 9m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hagerstown, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Waldorf, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Waldorf, MD
This is one driving day of about 101.3 miles and 2h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Waldorf, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 270 for about 28 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 16 and 75.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
16 mi into trip|~25m in
Take the exit toward I 95, I 495: Richmond, Baltimore
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.
Toward I 95, I 495: Richmond, Baltimore
9
16.2 mi into trip|~25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, I 495 South, I 295 North: Washington, Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95 South, I 495 South, I 295 North: Wa...
8
16.4 mi into trip|~25m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South, I 495 South: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, I 495 South: Richmond
8
54.3 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Take the exit toward MD 117, MD 124 North: Clopper Road, West Diamond Avenue, Montgomery Village Avenue, Quince Orchard Road, Watkins Mill Road
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 11; 12
Toward MD 117, MD 124 North: Clopper Road, West...
8
75.5 mi into trip|~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 70: Hagerstown, Baltimore
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 32
Toward I 70: Hagerstown, Baltimore
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.79 one way
$33.59 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg35 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$18.39
$36.79
premium
$4.93
$19.65
$39.29
diesel
$5.61
$22.37
$44.73
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
30.4
0
$10.64
$4.86
Efficient EV
25.3
0
$8.86
$4.05
EV Truck/SUV
40.5
0
$14.18
$6.48
Gas CO2
35 kg
EV CO2
12 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.
Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Waldorf, MD
Late night
in Waldorf on Sunday
Local time
12:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hagerstown, MD
Late night
in Hagerstown on Sunday
Local time
12:14 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 12m 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...
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...
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...
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!
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 62.9
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...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
$20
near mile 87.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive with a significant highway share, around 51%, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on faster-paced roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 28 miles on I-270, allowing for a sustained period of cruising. This route is characterized as a mixed drive, suggesting a blend of interstate travel and potentially some transitions between different road types as you progress. It's not an entirely monotonous interstate grind, but the highway component is prominent.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28 mi on I 270.
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 16 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 101.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 16 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Between Waldorf, MD and Hagerstown, MD, road signs point toward Baltimore, Richmond and Frederick.
Baltimore
16 mi in|~25m
Richmond
16.2 mi in|~25m
Frederick
44.2 mi in|~1h|via I 270 Spur
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 12m. Total distance: 101.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (51%). 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 28 miles on I 270. 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 Hagerstown, MD before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 16 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park 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 Hagerstown, MD before heading back.
