How far is South Kensington, MD from Columbia, MD?
The driving distance from South Kensington, MD to Columbia, MD is about 32 miles (51.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 20 miles (32.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 16m 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 38m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Rain Showers
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between South Kensington and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Kensington and Columbia.
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1
Start on the route
45 m · 16 sec
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2
Turn left onto Franklin Street
152 m · 16 sec · Franklin Street
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3
Turn right onto Connecticut Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · Connecticut Avenue
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward I 495 East: Baltimore
1203 ft · 30 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Capital Beltway
6.7 mi · 9 min · Capital Beltway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 95 North: Baltimore
1579 ft · 39 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
1.1 mi · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
15.5 mi · 18 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward MD 100 West: Ellicott City
1649 ft · 47 sec
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10
Merge slight left
5.2 mi · 7 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on US 29 South: Washington
3071 ft · 48 sec
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12
Merge slight right onto Columbia Pike
2504 ft · 31 sec · Columbia Pike
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13
Take the exit slight right toward MD 108 West: Clarksville, Dorsey's Search, Harper's Choice
2076 ft · 51 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between South Kensington 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.
I 95 North
Merge slight left
15.5 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 South Kensington 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 South Kensington to Columbia?
The road trip is about 32 miles (51.5 km) and usually takes 00h 38m 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 Laurel is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16 miles from South Kensington and 16 miles from Columbia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 20 miles (32.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 12 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 7:14 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.62 one way or $9.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around South Kensington and Rain Showers near Columbia.
Stop Ideas Near West Laurel
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Rockville City Hall
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 South Kensington and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 20 mi (32.19 km).
#1 South Kensington
Unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States of America
| Population | 8,462 |
| Coordinates | 39.0190000, -77.0799800 |
| Altitude | 86 |
| 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: 52 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $4.62 | $9.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $5.20 | $10.39 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $5.60 | $11.20 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $6.76 | $13.51 |
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 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.