How far is North Bethesda, MD from La Plata, MD?
The driving distance from North Bethesda, MD to La Plata, MD is about 53.2 miles (85.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.4 miles (58.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 38m 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 19m.
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.
Place in Maryland, USA
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 North Bethesda and La Plata.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Bethesda and La Plata.
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1
Start on Tudor Lane
45 m · 9 sec · Tudor Lane
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto Tudor Lane
103 m · 21 sec · Tudor Lane
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3
Turn left onto Commonwealth Drive
106 m · 17 sec · Commonwealth Drive
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4
Turn right onto Nicholson Lane
1767 ft · 59 sec · Nicholson Lane
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5
Turn right onto Rockville Pike
1.8 mi · 4 min · Rockville Pike
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6
Take the ramp slight left toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
1690 ft · 36 sec
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7
Merge slight right onto Capital Beltway
25.5 mi · 34 min · Capital Beltway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward MD 337: Andrews Air Force Base Main Gate, Morningside
1256 ft · 34 sec
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9
Turn right onto Forestville Road
130 m · 12 sec · Forestville Road
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10
Turn slight right onto MD 337 South
2.2 mi · 5 min
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11
Turn left onto MD 5 South: Waldorf
2410 ft · 40 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Branch Avenue
8.1 mi · 10 min · Branch Avenue
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13
Merge slight right onto Crain Highway
13.6 mi · 22 min · Crain Highway
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14
Turn left onto Charles Street
2232 ft · 1 min · Charles Street
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15
Turn left onto Kent Avenue
17 m · 4 sec · Kent Avenue
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16
Turn right
3 m · 1 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between North Bethesda 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
25.5 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 North Bethesda 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 North Bethesda to La Plata?
The road trip is about 53.2 miles (85.6 km) and usually takes 01h 19m 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?
Forestville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.6 miles from North Bethesda and 26.6 miles from La Plata.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.4 miles (58.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.8 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 3:52 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.68 one way or $15.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around North Bethesda and Mostly Sunny near La Plata.
Stop Ideas Near Forestville
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 Forestville.
New Carrollton station
Washington Union Station
Union Station
Lorton station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between North Bethesda and La Plata. Straight-line distance: 36.43 mi (58.63 km).
#1 North Bethesda
A census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland.
| Population | 43,828 |
| Coordinates | 39.0445500, -77.1188700 |
| Altitude | 120 |
| 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: 86 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $7.68 | $15.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $8.65 | $17.29 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $9.31 | $18.63 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $11.24 | $22.48 |
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.