How far is Somerset, MD from Columbia, MD?
The driving distance from Somerset, MD to Columbia, MD is about 16.9 miles (27.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 12.7 miles (20.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 42m 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 21m.
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.
City in Howard County, Maryland, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Somerset and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Somerset and Columbia.
-
1
Start on Heather Stone Way
136 m · 30 sec · Heather Stone Way
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2
Turn right onto Crain Highway South
48 m · 10 sec · Crain Highway South
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3
Turn sharp left onto Quarterfield Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Quarterfield Road
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4
Turn left onto I 97 North: Baltimore
1411 ft · 36 sec
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5
Merge slight left
687 ft · 9 sec
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6
Take the exit slight right toward MD 100: Ellicott City, Gibson Island
1350 ft · 33 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on MD 100 West: Ellicott City
1.3 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
12.9 mi · 18 min · Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on US 29 South: Washington
3071 ft · 48 sec
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10
Merge slight right onto Columbia Pike
2504 ft · 31 sec · Columbia Pike
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11
Take the exit slight right toward MD 108 West: Clarksville, Dorsey's Search, Harper's Choice
2076 ft · 51 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Somerset 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.
Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
Merge slight left onto Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway
12.9 mi · 00h 18m
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 Somerset and Rain Showers near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Somerset to Columbia?
The road trip is about 16.9 miles (27.2 km) and usually takes 00h 21m 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?
West Elkridge is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.5 miles from Somerset and 8.5 miles from Columbia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 12.7 miles (20.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.2 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 7:48 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.41 one way or $4.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Somerset and Rain Showers near Columbia.
Stop Ideas Near West Elkridge
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Bowie
Baltimore City Hall
Relay Town Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to West Elkridge.
BWI Rail Station
Pennsylvania Station
New Carrollton station
Rockville station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Somerset and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 12.74 mi (20.5 km).
#1 Somerset
Town in Maryland, United States
| Population | 1,259 |
| Coordinates | 39.1534400, -76.6296900 |
| Altitude | 22 |
| 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: 27 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 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 | $4.09 | $2.41 | $4.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $2.71 | $5.43 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $2.92 | $5.85 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $3.53 | $7.06 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.