How far is Gaithersburg, MD from La Plata, MD?
The driving distance from Gaithersburg, MD to La Plata, MD is about 62.7 miles (100.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.1 miles (71 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 02m 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 31m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gaithersburg and La Plata.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gaithersburg and La Plata.
-
1
Start on the route
26 m · 12 sec
-
2
Turn left onto North Frederick Avenue
77 m · 12 sec · North Frederick Avenue
-
3
Turn left onto Chestnut Street
1664 ft · 50 sec · Chestnut Street
-
4
Turn right onto West Diamond Avenue
2663 ft · 1 min · West Diamond Avenue
-
5
Take the ramp left toward I 270 South: Washington
1531 ft · 39 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Eisenhower Memorial Highway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Eisenhower Memorial Highway
-
7
Keep slight left
6.6 mi · 9 min
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on I 270 South: Silver Spring, College Park
2.8 mi · 4 min
-
9
Merge slight right onto Capital Beltway
25.7 mi · 34 min · Capital Beltway
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward MD 337: Andrews Air Force Base Main Gate, Morningside
1256 ft · 34 sec
-
11
Turn right onto Forestville Road
130 m · 12 sec · Forestville Road
-
12
Turn slight right onto MD 337 South
2.2 mi · 5 min
-
13
Turn left onto MD 5 South: Waldorf
2410 ft · 40 sec
-
14
Merge slight left onto Branch Avenue
8.1 mi · 10 min · Branch Avenue
-
15
Merge slight right onto Crain Highway
13.6 mi · 22 min · Crain Highway
-
16
Turn left onto Charles Street
2232 ft · 1 min · Charles Street
-
17
Turn left onto Kent Avenue
17 m · 4 sec · Kent Avenue
-
18
Turn right
3 m · 1 sec
-
19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gaithersburg and La Plata.
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.
Capital Beltway
Merge slight right onto Capital Beltway
25.7 mi · 00h 34m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Gaithersburg and Mostly Sunny near La Plata.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gaithersburg to La Plata?
The road trip is about 62.7 miles (100.9 km) and usually takes 01h 31m 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 31.4 miles from Gaithersburg and 31.3 miles from La Plata.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.1 miles (71 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.6 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 3:28 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.03 one way or $18.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Gaithersburg and Mostly Sunny near La Plata.
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 Gaithersburg and La Plata. Straight-line distance: 44.14 mi (71.04 km).
#1 Gaithersburg
The second most populous city in Montgomery County, Maryland.
| Population | 67,741 |
| Coordinates | 39.1434400, -77.2013700 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
#2 La Plata
Town in Maryland, United States
| Population | 9,800 |
| Coordinates | 38.5292900, -76.9752500 |
| Altitude | 57 |
| Country | United States |
End: La Plata (-76.97525, 38.52929)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 101 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $9.03 | $18.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $10.16 | $20.33 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $10.95 | $21.90 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $13.22 | $26.43 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.