How far is Bethesda, MD from Annapolis, MD?
Fastest route
This is the fastest route from Bethesda, Maryland, USA to Annapolis, Maryland, USA, covering a distance of 38.5 miles and taking approximately 51 minutes via I-495 E and US-50 E.
Directions
- Start by getting on I-495 E in Chevy Chase from MD-410 E and State Hwy 185 N/Connecticut Ave.
- Head south on Wisconsin Ave toward MD-410 W.
- Turn left onto Montgomery Ave.
- Continue straight onto MD-410 E.
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto State Hwy 185 N/Connecticut Ave.
- Use the right lane to merge onto I-495 E via the ramp to Baltimore/Silver Spring.
- Follow I-495 E and US-50 E to MD-70 S/Rowe Blvd in Parole. Take exit 24 from US-50 E.
- Use the right 2 lanes to merge onto US-50 E.
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 24 to merge onto MD-70 S/Rowe Blvd toward Annapolis.
- Continue on MD-70 S/Rowe Blvd. Drive to Church Cir in Annapolis.
- Merge onto MD-70 S/Rowe Blvd.
- Use any lane to turn slightly right toward Northwest St.
- Continue straight onto Northwest St.
- Use any lane to turn right onto Church Cir.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan your journey ahead of time to ensure a smooth travel experience.
- ⛽ Check the fuel level in your vehicle before starting the trip.
- 🚦 Observe traffic signals and follow the designated lanes.
- 🛣️ Keep an eye on road signs to avoid missing any turns or exits.
- 📱 Use a navigation app or GPS device to stay on track.
- 🕑 Consider the time of day and potential traffic conditions when planning your departure.
- 🗺️ Familiarize yourself with the route to feel more confident during the journey.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 48m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bethesda and Annapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bethesda and Annapolis.
-
1
Start on the route
14 m · 5 sec
-
2
Turn right onto Bethesda Avenue
156 m · 25 sec · Bethesda Avenue
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3
Turn left onto Arlington Road
1403 ft · 56 sec · Arlington Road
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4
Turn right onto Edgemoor Lane
1451 ft · 51 sec · Edgemoor Lane
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5
Turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue
1 km · 1 min · Wisconsin Avenue
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6
Continue on Rockville Pike
628 ft · 20 sec · Rockville Pike
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7
Turn right onto Jones Bridge Road
1.1 mi · 2 min · Jones Bridge Road
-
8
Turn left onto Connecticut Avenue
1615 ft · 39 sec · Connecticut Avenue
-
9
Take the ramp slight right toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
1292 ft · 32 sec
-
10
Merge slight left onto Capital Beltway
14.4 mi · 18 min · Capital Beltway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 50 East: Annapolis
1 mi · 2 min
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12
Merge slight left onto John Hanson Highway
18.7 mi · 22 min · John Hanson Highway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward MD 70: Rowe Boulevard, Bestgate Road, Annapolis, Maryland Fire-Rescue Memorial, Historic Annapolis State Capital
1291 ft · 32 sec
-
14
Keep slight right to continue on MD 70 : Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis South
1323 ft · 32 sec
-
15
Turn straight onto Roscoe Rowe Boulevard
1.1 mi · 2 min · Roscoe Rowe Boulevard
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16
Keep slight right to continue on Roscoe Rowe Boulevard
667 ft · 13 sec · Roscoe Rowe Boulevard
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17
Turn left onto Northwest Street
792 ft · 23 sec · Northwest Street
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18
Enter the roundabout and take exit 5 toward Church Circle
544 ft · 17 sec · School Street
-
19
Exit the rotary onto School Street
42 m · 6 sec · School Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · School Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bethesda and Annapolis.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
John Hanson Highway
Merge slight left onto John Hanson Highway
18.7 mi · 00h 22m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Widespread Frost leaving Bethesda and Areas Of Frost then Sunny near Annapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bethesda to Annapolis?
The road trip is about 39.1 miles (63 km) and usually takes 00h 48m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Glenarden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.6 miles from Bethesda and 19.5 miles from Annapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 32.7 miles (52.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:52 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.64 one way or $11.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost around Bethesda and Areas Of Frost then Sunny near Annapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Glenarden
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
United States Capitol
D C Government
THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus
Town Hall Liquor And Bar
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Glenarden.
New Carrollton station
Washington Union Station
Union Station
Rockville station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bethesda and Annapolis. Straight-line distance: 32.68 mi (52.59 km).
#1 Bethesda
A census-designated place (CDP) in Montgomery County, Maryland.
| Population | 62,448 |
| Coordinates | 38.9806700, -77.1002600 |
| Altitude | 97 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Annapolis
City in and county seat of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States, and Maryland federated state capital city
| Population | 39,524 |
| Coordinates | 38.9785900, -76.4918400 |
| Altitude | 12 |
| Country | United States |
End: School Street (-76.491792, 38.978586)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 63 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $5.64 | $11.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $6.35 | $12.69 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $6.84 | $13.67 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $8.25 | $16.50 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Maryland · Apr 21, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.