Annapolis to Bethesda: 23 Miles, 30–40 Minutes (Traffic Permitting)

The drive from Maryland's capital to its affluent DC suburb is straightforward—mostly highway, often congested.

Quick Stats

• Distance: 23 miles (37 km)
• Typical time: 30–40 minutes
• Rush hour: 50–75 minutes (7–9 AM, 4–6:30 PM)
• Best route: US-50 W / I-95 N / MD-410 E

Turn-by-Turn

1. Start: Annapolis (Church Circle / State House area)
2. Take US-50 W (John Hanson Hwy) toward Washington — 10 mi
3. Merge onto I-95 N / I-495 N (Capital Beltway) via Exit 13B — 8 mi
4. Take Exit 33 for MD-410 E (East-West Hwy) toward Bethesda — 2 mi
5. Follow MD-410 E into downtown Bethesda (Wisconsin Ave / Old Georgetown Rd)

Alternatives

• MD-2 S → MD-4 N → I-95 N: Avoids US-50; similar time; more lights
• MD-32 W → I-97 N → I-695 W → I-95 N: Longer (30 mi); bypasses Beltway congestion sometimes

Traffic Intelligence

• Waze / Google Maps: Real-time rerouting essential
• CHART (MDOT): chart.maryland.gov — cameras, incidents, travel times
• Beltway HOT lanes (I-495 Express): EZ-Pass required; saves 10–20 min if main lanes jammed

Transit Option

MTA Commuter Bus 922 (Annapolis → Bethesda Metro): ~1 hr, $5. Runs peak hours only. Connects to Red Line.

Parking in Bethesda

Garages: Bethesda Row, Woodmont Corner, Auburn-Del Ray ($2–3/hr, $15–20/day). Street: limited, enforced. Metro Red Line (Bethesda station) often easier.

Simple drive — unless the Beltway disagrees.