How far is South Gate, MD from Columbia, MD?
The driving distance from South Gate, MD to Columbia, MD is about 18.1 miles (29.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 13.8 miles (22.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 45m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST.
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 22m.
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.
Patchy Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between South Gate and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Gate and Columbia.
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1
Start on Nolfield Drive
1448 ft · 2 min · Nolfield Drive
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto Phirne Road
1.1 km · 3 min · Phirne Road
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3
Turn left onto Crain Highway South
2688 ft · 1 min · Crain Highway South
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4
Take the ramp straight toward I 97 North: Baltimore
1853 ft · 28 sec
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5
Merge slight left
1.6 km · 1 min
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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 South Gate 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.
Sunny leaving South Gate and Patchy Frost then Sunny near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from South Gate to Columbia?
The road trip is about 18.1 miles (29.2 km) and usually takes 00h 22m 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 9.1 miles from South Gate and 9.1 miles from Columbia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 13.8 miles (22.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.3 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 EST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:44 PM EST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.51 one way or $5.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around South Gate and Patchy Frost then Sunny 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
Kenhill Center
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 South Gate and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 13.79 mi (22.19 km).
#1 South Gate
South Gate is a place in Maryland, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 39.1290000, -76.6258000 |
| Altitude | 16 |
| 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: 29 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.92 | $2.51 | $5.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.55 | $2.91 | $5.82 |
| Premium | $4.87 | $3.12 | $6.23 |
| Diesel | $6.28 | $4.02 | $8.04 |
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 · Nov 09, 2026