How far is Columbia, MD from Indian Head, MD?
The driving distance from Columbia, MD to Indian Head, MD is about 63.2 miles (101.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 47.5 miles (76.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 59m 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 29m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Indian Head.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Indian Head.
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1
Start on MD 108 West: Clarksville, Dorsey's Search, Harper's Choice
123 m · 10 sec
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2
Turn straight onto Clarksville Pike
1031 ft · 19 sec · Clarksville Pike
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3
Continue on Clarksville Pike
565 ft · 26 sec · Clarksville Pike
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward US 29 South: Columbia, Town Center
2112 ft · 51 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Columbia Pike
4.2 mi · 6 min · Columbia Pike
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6
Take the exit slight right toward MD 32 East: Fort Meade
1957 ft · 1 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Shaker Drive, Eden Brook Drive
551 ft · 14 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Patuxent Freeway
2.4 mi · 3 min · Patuxent Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 95 South: Washington
3124 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left
34.2 mi · 44 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on Capital Beltway (Local)
2894 ft · 45 sec · Capital Beltway (Local)
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12
Take the exit slight right toward MD 210: Indian Head, Forest Heights
125 m · 10 sec
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13
Continue on MD 210: Indian Head, Forest Heights
612 ft · 15 sec
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14
Keep slight left to continue on MD 210 South: Indian Head
136 m · 15 sec
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15
Turn left onto Indian Head Highway
10.3 mi · 15 min · Indian Head Highway
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16
Continue on Indian Head Highway
9.4 mi · 15 min · Indian Head Highway
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17
Continue on Indian Head Highway
116 m · 17 sec · Indian Head Highway
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Indian Head Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Indian Head.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 95 South
Merge slight left
34.2 mi · 00h 44m
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 Columbia and Sunny near Indian Head.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Indian Head?
The road trip is about 63.2 miles (101.7 km) and usually takes 01h 29m 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 31.6 miles from Columbia and 31.6 miles from Indian Head.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 47.5 miles (76.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.7 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 3:30 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.11 one way or $18.22 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Columbia and Sunny near Indian Head.
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 Columbia and Indian Head. Straight-line distance: 47.52 mi (76.47 km).
#1 Columbia
Columbia is a place in Maryland, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 39.2403800, -76.8394200 |
| Altitude | 124 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Indian Head
Town in Charles County, Maryland, United States
| Population | 3,787 |
| Coordinates | 38.6001200, -77.1622000 |
| Altitude | 29 |
| Country | United States |
End: Indian Head (-77.1622, 38.60012)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 102 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $9.11 | $18.22 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $10.26 | $20.51 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $11.05 | $22.09 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $13.34 | $26.67 |
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
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.