The Ultimate Drive: From Annapolis, Maryland to Bethesda, Maryland
Are you planning a road trip from Annapolis, Maryland to Bethesda, Maryland? If so, there are a few things you should consider. First, the distance of the route you choose, and secondly, how long it will take to get there. Luckily, we've got you covered, and in this post, we'll go over the fastest and slowest routes for the drive, the distance of each route, and how long it will take you to get to your destination based on traffic patterns.
Fastest and Slowest Routes
The fastest route from Annapolis to Bethesda is via the US-50 West, which takes about 35 minutes in clear traffic. On the other hand, the slowest route is via MD-2 North, which can take up to an hour and 13 minutes. However, depending on traffic situations, you might want to opt for the slower route, which might, in some cases, be faster than the fast one.
Distance of Routes
The distance from Annapolis to Bethesda via the US-50 West route is about 30 miles, while via the Maryland route MD-2, the distance is around 40 miles. So, if you choose to take the US-50 West route, you'd be covering a shorter distance, which could help in reducing the time it takes to get to your destination.
Traffic Patterns
As with every city road trip, traffic is a significant factor in determining your travel time. Rush hour traffic and weekend travelers can tank a trip across the Chesapeake Bay region. Peak traffic times for those coming from and heading to Annapolis are typically between 7-9 AM and in the late afternoon between 4-6 PM. During these hours, you should plan for some extra travel time for your trip.
In contrast, if you're looking to avoid the rush hours, you should leave early in the morning or late at night when the traffic is minimal. That should give you a clearer path with less congestion, and it could be faster.
Here's a breakdown of the driving time via both routes, taking into account rush hour traffic and low traffic times;
US-50 West Route
- Rush Hour: 35 – 50 Minutes
- Low Traffic Time: 20 – 30 Minutes
Maryland Route MD-2
- Rush Hour: 68 – 73 Minutes
- Low Traffic Time: 45 – 50 Minutes
In conclusion, driving from Annapolis to Bethesda, Maryland is a lengthy commute. By now, you should have an idea of the best routes to take, and how long it might take you based on traffic patterns. So, whether you opt for the fastest route with more speed limit stretches or the longest route along the Maryland state highways, our tips above are great starting points to plan your trip. Now, grab a friend, set your GPS, and enjoy the journey!