How far is California, MD from Gaithersburg, MD?
The driving distance from California, MD to Gaithersburg, MD is about 89.9 miles (144.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 69.2 miles (111.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 31m 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 01h 45m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between California and Gaithersburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between California and Gaithersburg.
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1
Start on Shady Mile Drive
995 ft · 48 sec · Shady Mile Drive
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2
Turn right onto Three Notch Road
21.7 mi · 31 min · Three Notch Road
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3
Continue on Leonardtown Road
10.6 mi · 15 min · Leonardtown Road
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4
Turn right onto Mattawoman Beantown Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Mattawoman Beantown Road
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5
Merge slight left onto Crain Highway
2.5 mi · 4 min · Crain Highway
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6
Keep slight left to continue on Branch Avenue
9 mi · 12 min · Branch Avenue
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, College Park
2193 ft · 53 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Capital Beltway
18.3 mi · 25 min · Capital Beltway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Capital Beltway
9.5 mi · 12 min · Capital Beltway
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 270 North: Frederick
3.6 mi · 5 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on I 270 North
7.3 mi · 10 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward MD 117, MD 124 South: Clopper Road, West Diamond Avenue, Quince Orchard Road
1387 ft · 42 sec
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13
Turn left onto West Diamond Avenue
2537 ft · 51 sec · West Diamond Avenue
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14
Turn left onto Meem Avenue
616 ft · 29 sec · Meem Avenue
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15
Turn right onto Chestnut Street
1033 ft · 35 sec · Chestnut Street
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16
Turn right onto North Frederick Avenue
77 m · 7 sec · North Frederick Avenue
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17
Turn right
26 m · 6 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between California and Gaithersburg.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Three Notch Road
Turn right onto Three Notch Road
21.7 mi · 00h 31m
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 Sunny near Gaithersburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from California to Gaithersburg?
The road trip is about 89.9 miles (144.6 km) and usually takes 01h 45m 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?
Camp Springs is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.7 miles from California and 46.1 miles from Gaithersburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 69.2 miles (111.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.7 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 2:58 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.95 one way or $25.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around California and Sunny near Gaithersburg.
Stop Ideas Near Camp Springs
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
District of Columbia Court
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Camp Springs.
Washington Union Station
Union Station
New Carrollton station
Lorton station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between California and Gaithersburg. Straight-line distance: 69.23 mi (111.41 km).
#1 California
California is a place in Maryland, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 38.3004000, -76.5074500 |
| Altitude | 30 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Gaithersburg
The second most populous city in Montgomery County, Maryland.
| Population | 67,741 |
| Coordinates | 39.1434400, -77.2013700 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-77.201269, 39.143361)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 145 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $12.95 | $25.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $14.58 | $29.16 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $15.70 | $31.41 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $18.96 | $37.91 |
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.