How far is California, MD from Frederick, MD?
The driving distance from California, MD to Frederick, MD is about 110 miles (177.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 91 miles (146.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 18m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
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 02h 09m.
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.
Census designated place in Prince George’s County, Maryland, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between California and Frederick.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between California and Frederick.
-
1
Start on Shady Mile Drive
995 ft · 48 sec · Shady Mile Drive
-
2
Turn right onto Three Notch Road
21.7 mi · 31 min · Three Notch Road
-
3
Continue on Leonardtown Road
10.6 mi · 15 min · Leonardtown Road
-
4
Turn right onto Mattawoman Beantown Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Mattawoman Beantown Road
-
5
Merge slight left onto Crain Highway
2.5 mi · 4 min · Crain Highway
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on Branch Avenue
9 mi · 12 min · Branch Avenue
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, College Park
2193 ft · 53 sec
-
8
Merge slight left onto Capital Beltway
18.3 mi · 25 min · Capital Beltway
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on Capital Beltway
9.5 mi · 12 min · Capital Beltway
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on I 270 North: Frederick
3.6 mi · 5 min
-
11
Keep slight right to continue on I 270 North
27.3 mi · 35 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward MD 85: Frederick, Buckeystown
1678 ft · 49 sec
-
13
Turn right onto Buckeystown Pike
1.3 mi · 3 min · Buckeystown Pike
-
14
Continue on Buckeystown Pike
1354 ft · 31 sec · Buckeystown Pike
-
15
Continue on East Street
773 ft · 15 sec · East Street
-
16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward East Street
36 m · 2 sec · East Street
-
17
Exit the roundabout onto East Street
1640 ft · 33 sec · East Street
-
18
Turn left onto East South Street
610 ft · 24 sec · East South Street
-
19
Turn right onto South Carroll Street
1280 ft · 45 sec · South Carroll Street
-
20
Turn left onto East Patrick Street
812 ft · 25 sec · East Patrick Street
-
21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Patrick Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between California and Frederick.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I 270 North
Keep slight right to continue on I 270 North
27.3 mi · 00h 35m
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.
Sunny leaving California and Partly Cloudy near Frederick.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from California to Frederick?
The road trip is about 110 miles (177.1 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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?
Lake Arbor is a useful midpoint, sitting about 54.6 miles from California and 55.4 miles from Frederick.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 91 miles (146.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 19 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 2:12 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.85 one way or $31.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around California and Partly Cloudy near Frederick.
Stop Ideas Near Lake Arbor
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 Lake Arbor.
New Carrollton station
Washington Union Station
Union Station
BWI Rail Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between California and Frederick. Straight-line distance: 91.01 mi (146.47 km).
#1 California
California is a place in Maryland, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 38.3004000, -76.5074500 |
| Altitude | 30 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Frederick
The second most populous city in Frederick County, Maryland.
| Population | 73,308 |
| Coordinates | 39.4142700, -77.4105400 |
| Altitude | 87 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Patrick Street (-77.410551, 39.414165)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 177 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $15.85 | $31.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $17.84 | $35.69 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $19.22 | $38.44 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $23.20 | $46.40 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.