How far is Potomac, MD from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance from Potomac, MD to Baltimore, MD is about 45 miles (72.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 37.1 miles (59.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 58m 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 00h 59m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Potomac and Baltimore.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Potomac and Baltimore.
-
1
Start on the route
25 m · 8 sec
-
2
Turn right onto Falls Road
1.1 km · 1 min · Falls Road
-
3
Turn right onto Democracy Boulevard
4.4 mi · 8 min · Democracy Boulevard
-
4
Turn right onto Old Georgetown Road
1.2 km · 2 min · Old Georgetown Road
-
5
Turn left onto I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
1069 ft · 28 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Capital Beltway
9.2 mi · 12 min · Capital Beltway
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 95 North: Baltimore
1579 ft · 39 sec
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
1.1 mi · 2 min
-
9
Merge slight left
24.5 mi · 29 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Russell Street North
1 km · 2 min
-
11
Continue on Russell Street
1 mi · 2 min · Russell Street
-
12
Continue on South Paca Street
1449 ft · 39 sec · South Paca Street
-
13
Turn right onto West Baltimore Street
3092 ft · 2 min · West Baltimore Street
-
14
Turn left
86 m · 26 sec
-
15
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Fayette Street
65 m · 6 sec · East Fayette Street
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Fayette Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Potomac and Baltimore.
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 North
Merge slight left
24.5 mi · 00h 29m
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Potomac and Cloudy near Baltimore.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Potomac to Baltimore?
The road trip is about 45 miles (72.5 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
West Laurel is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.9 miles from Potomac and 23.2 miles from Baltimore.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 37.1 miles (59.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.9 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 4:32 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.50 one way or $12.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Potomac and Cloudy near Baltimore.
Stop Ideas Near West Laurel
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Rockville City Hall
D C Government
City of Bowie
Town Hall Liquor And Bar
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to West Laurel.
New Carrollton station
BWI Rail Station
Rockville station
Washington Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Potomac and Baltimore. Straight-line distance: 37.08 mi (59.67 km).
#1 Potomac
Census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States
| Population | 44,965 |
| Coordinates | 39.0181700, -77.2085900 |
| Altitude | 110 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Baltimore
The thirty-first most populous city in the United States and the center of the Baltimore metropolitan area.
| Population | 586,131 |
| Coordinates | 39.2903800, -76.6121900 |
| Altitude | 10 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Fayette Street (-76.612187, 39.290408)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 73 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $6.50 | $12.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $7.31 | $14.62 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $7.88 | $15.75 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $9.51 | $19.02 |
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.