How far is Bowie, MD from Potomac Heights, MD?

The driving distance from Bowie, MD to Potomac Heights, MD is about 39 miles (62.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 02m by car.

  • The straight-line flight distance is about 31.9 miles (51.4 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 04m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
  • A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
38.98 mi
01h 02m
Flight
31.95 mi
51.42 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Bowie.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
31.95 mi
Kilometers
51.42 km
Flight Time
00h 03m

Driving Distance

Road route
38.98 mi
Kilometers
62.74 km
Drive Time
01h 02m

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 01h 02m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Potomac Heights
Thu, Apr 23, 1:40 AM EDT
Return by in Bowie
Thu, Apr 23, 2:42 AM EDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Bowie
2026-04-23T00:37
Arrive Potomac Heights
Thu, Apr 23, 1:40 AM EDT
Route Timing
01h 02m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
9:02 AM to 11:02 AM EDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
4:26 PM EDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Bowie
9:30 PM EDT
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Brandywine
MD

Census designated place

From Bowie
19.5 mi
00h 31m
To Potomac Heights
19.5 mi
00h 31m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
77°F
Thursday

Sunny

Starts
Thu, Apr 23 6:00 AM EDT
Wind
6 mph NW
Destination
75°F
Thursday

Sunny

Starts
Thu, Apr 23 6:00 AM EDT
Wind
5 mph NW

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Bowie and Potomac Heights.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bowie and Potomac Heights.

  1. 1

    Start on the route

    33 m · 8 sec

  2. 2

    Turn right

    79 m · 21 sec

  3. 3

    Turn left onto Evergreen Parkway

    968 ft · 36 sec · Evergreen Parkway

  4. 4

    Turn right onto Collington Road

    1 km · 1 min · Collington Road

  5. 5

    Turn right onto North West Crain Highway

    7.5 mi · 11 min · North West Crain Highway

  6. 6

    Continue on Crain Highway

    12.7 mi · 18 min · Crain Highway

  7. 7

    Take the exit slight right

    75 m · 7 sec

  8. 8

    Turn straight onto Brandywine Road

    1 km · 1 min · Brandywine Road

  9. 9

    Turn left onto Spine Road

    151 m · 18 sec · Spine Road

  10. 10

    At the end of the road, turn left onto Accokeek Road

    1573 ft · 34 sec · Accokeek Road

  11. 11

    Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Accokeek Road

    16 m · 1 sec · Accokeek Road

  12. 12

    Exit the roundabout onto Accokeek Road

    7 mi · 13 min · Accokeek Road

  13. 13

    Turn right onto Accokeek Road

    957 ft · 21 sec · Accokeek Road

  14. 14

    Turn straight onto Livingston Road

    1.3 km · 2 min · Livingston Road

  15. 15

    Turn left onto Indian Head Highway

    2391 ft · 41 sec · Indian Head Highway

  16. 16

    Continue on Indian Head Highway

    7.6 mi · 12 min · Indian Head Highway

  17. 17

    Turn right onto Glymont Road

    1.1 km · 2 min · Glymont Road

  18. 18

    Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Greenwood Avenue

    33 m · 5 sec · Greenwood Avenue

  19. 19

    Exit the roundabout onto Greenwood Avenue

    101 m · 15 sec · Greenwood Avenue

  20. 20

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec · Greenwood Avenue

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Bowie and Potomac Heights.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Highway-focused drive

Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.

Directions
20 steps
15 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
5
0 merges, 5 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
51.3 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
Crain Highway
12.7 mi · 33%
Indian Head Highway
8.09 mi · 21%
Accokeek Road
7.5 mi · 19%
North West Crain Highway
7.46 mi · 19%
Livingston Road
0.83 mi · 2%
Glymont Road
0.69 mi · 2%
Longest Stretch

Crain Highway

Continue on Crain Highway

12.7 mi · 00h 18m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
01h 02m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
02h 04m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+7.1 mi
31.9 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Brandywine
00h 31m from Bowie
Leave By
4:26 PM EDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Sunny leaving Bowie and Sunny near Potomac Heights.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Bowie to Potomac Heights?

The road trip is about 39 miles (62.7 km) and usually takes 01h 02m 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?

Brandywine is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.5 miles from Bowie and 19.5 miles from Potomac Heights.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 31.9 miles (51.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.1 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 4:26 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 Sunny around Bowie and Sunny near Potomac Heights.

Stop Ideas Near Brandywine

Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.

Mid-route Guidance
These suggestions come from reviewed places and nearby services around Brandywine and the surrounding midpoint area.
United States Capitol
Scenic stop 14.8 mi away

United States Capitol

Washington , DC
First St SE, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Rating 4.6/5 4,243 reviews Tourist attraction,Historical place,Historical landmark,Landmark,Federal government office
THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus
Meeting point 11.1 mi away

THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus

Washington , DC
1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
Rating 4.7/5 64 reviews Recreation center,City Hall
Alexandria Finance Department
Nearby stop 12.1 mi away

Alexandria Finance Department

Alexandria , VA
301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Rating 3.5/5 8 reviews City tax office

Transit and Meeting Points

Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Brandywine.

RAIL

Union Station

22 mi away
110 Callahan Drive
RAIL

Washington Union Station

26 mi away
50 Massachusetts Ave NE
RAIL

New Carrollton station

29 mi away
4300 Garden City Drive
RAIL

Lorton station

32 mi away
8006 Lorton Road

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Bowie and Potomac Heights. Straight-line distance: 31.95 mi (51.42 km).

Bowie

#1 Bowie

The most populous city in Prince George's County, Maryland.

Population58,212
Coordinates38.9427800, -76.7302800
Altitude42
CountryUnited States
Potomac Heights

#2 Potomac Heights

Census designated place

Population1,117
Coordinates38.6087300, -77.1405300
Altitude23
CountryUnited States
Start: Bowie (-76.73028, 38.94278)
End: Potomac Heights (-77.14053, 38.60873)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 63 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)01h 17m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)00h 58m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)00h 46m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)00h 38m
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.

One-way fuel
1.38 gal
5.21 L · about $5.64
Round trip
$11.28
2.76 gal · 10.42 L
Estimated CO2
12.3 kg one way
Round trip: 24.5 kg / 54 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound 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 23, 2026

There is no time difference between Bowie and Potomac Heights. The current time is 00:37:56.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.