How far is Potomac Heights, MD from Columbia, MD?
The driving distance from Potomac Heights, MD to Columbia, MD is about 65.3 miles (105.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.5 miles (74.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 29m 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 14m.
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.
City in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Potomac Heights and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Potomac Heights and Columbia.
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1
Start on Greenwood Avenue
101 m · 15 sec · Greenwood Avenue
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2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Cedar Lane
41 m · 4 sec · Cedar Lane
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3
Exit the roundabout onto Cedar Lane
2134 ft · 59 sec · Cedar Lane
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto Indian Head Highway
15.6 mi · 23 min · Indian Head Highway
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5
Turn right onto Palmer Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · Palmer Road
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6
Continue on Tucker Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Tucker Road
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7
Continue on Allentown Road
5.6 mi · 10 min · Allentown Road
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8
Take the ramp slight left toward I 95 North, I 495 North: Baltimore, College Park
1130 ft · 28 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Capital Beltway
16.1 mi · 22 min · Capital Beltway
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I-95 North: Baltimore
16.3 mi · 19 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward MD 100 West: Ellicott City
1649 ft · 47 sec
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12
Merge slight left
5.2 mi · 7 min
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13
Keep slight left to continue on US 29 South: Washington
3071 ft · 48 sec
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14
Merge slight right onto Columbia Pike
2504 ft · 31 sec · Columbia Pike
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15
Take the exit slight right toward MD 108 West: Clarksville, Dorsey's Search, Harper's Choice
2076 ft · 51 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Potomac Heights and Columbia.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I-95 North
Keep slight right to continue on I-95 North: Baltimore
16.3 mi · 00h 19m
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 Cloudy leaving Potomac Heights and Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Potomac Heights to Columbia?
The road trip is about 65.3 miles (105.1 km) and usually takes 01h 14m 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?
Glenarden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 32 miles from Potomac Heights and 33.3 miles from Columbia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.5 miles (74.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.8 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 4:00 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.40 one way or $18.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 20.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Potomac Heights and Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Columbia.
Stop Ideas Near Glenarden
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 Glenarden.
New Carrollton station
Washington Union Station
Union Station
Rockville station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Potomac Heights and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 46.55 mi (74.91 km).
#1 Potomac Heights
Census designated place
| Population | 1,117 |
| Coordinates | 38.6087300, -77.1405300 |
| Altitude | 23 |
| 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: 105 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $9.40 | $18.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $10.58 | $21.16 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $11.39 | $22.79 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $13.75 | $27.51 |
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.