How far is Highland, MD from Columbia, MD?
The driving distance from Highland, MD to Columbia, MD is about 16.1 miles (25.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 7.6 miles (12.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 40m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 20m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Unincorporated community in Howard County, Maryland, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Highland and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Highland and Columbia.
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1
Start on Scaggsville Road
21 m · 5 sec · Scaggsville Road
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2
Turn right onto Clarksville Pike
8.2 mi · 13 min · Clarksville Pike
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3
Turn left onto Columbia Road
1.3 mi · 3 min · Columbia Road
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Columbia Road
18 m · 1 sec · Columbia Road
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5
Exit the roundabout onto Columbia Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Columbia Road
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6
Continue on Columbia Road
128 m · 15 sec · Columbia Road
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7
Turn right onto Saint Johns Lane
542 ft · 15 sec · Saint Johns Lane
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8
Take the ramp slight right toward US 29 South: Washington
1488 ft · 36 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Columbia Pike
1.4 km · 58 sec · Columbia Pike
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10
Take the exit slight right toward MD 108 West: Clarksville, Dorsey's Search, Harper's Choice
2076 ft · 51 sec
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Highland and Columbia.
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.
Clarksville Pike
Turn right onto Clarksville Pike
8.22 mi · 00h 13m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Rain Showers leaving Highland and Chance Rain Showers near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Highland to Columbia?
The road trip is about 16.1 miles (25.9 km) and usually takes 00h 20m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Ellicott City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 6.1 miles from Highland and 10 miles from Columbia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 7.6 miles (12.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:50 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.42 one way or $4.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Highland and Chance Rain Showers near Columbia.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Highland and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 7.61 mi (12.25 km).
#1 Highland
Highland is a place in Maryland, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 39.1790000, -76.9574800 |
| Altitude | 158 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Columbia
Columbia is a place in Maryland, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 39.2403800, -76.8394200 |
| Altitude | 124 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-76.839402, 39.240355)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 26 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.24 | $2.42 | $4.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.84 | $2.76 | $5.52 |
| Premium | $5.15 | $2.93 | $5.87 |
| Diesel | $6.36 | $3.63 | $7.25 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026