The Best Route for a Drive from Annapolis, Maryland to Ellicott City, Maryland

Are you planning a trip from Annapolis to Ellicott City? The distance between the two places is approximately 35 miles, which means it would take you around 40-50 minutes to reach by car. However, the traffic can be unpredictable and turn your trip into an unpleasant experience. So, let's dive into the fastest and slowest routes and plan accordingly.

The Fastest Route

The fastest and most direct route from Annapolis to Ellicott City is via MD-32 W. This route is about 28.7 miles long and would take approximately 35 minutes in low traffic conditions. However, during peak rush hours, this route could take up to an hour. The MD-32 W route passes through the towns of Severn, Odenton, and Clarksville, so you would need to anticipate the traffic. If you're looking for a quick and hassle-free drive, this is the way to go.

The Most Scenic Route

The Route 50 W to Route 29 N is the most picturesque route from Annapolis to Ellicott City. This route covers about 34.3 miles and takes approximately 45 minutes in normal traffic conditions. The 50 W to 29 N route passes through some famous tourist sites like the Savage Mill and Patapsco Valley State Park. So, you can expect the traffic to slow down, especially during weekends. This route has some stop signs and traffic lights, but you will enjoy the scenic beauty of Maryland.

The Slowest Route

The most time-consuming route from Annapolis to Ellicott City would be via US-301 N and I-95 N. This route is approximately 48.5 miles long and would take you about 1 hour 10 minutes in low traffic conditions. However, during rush hour, this time could double, and you could easily spend over 2 hours on the road. Although this route is the least preferred, it might be the only option if there is excessive traffic on the other roads.

Planning Your Drive

It's always best to plan your route and driving time in advance, especially during peak traffic hours. Ensure you have accurate information about traffic and construction delays on your selected route before setting out. You can also use Google Maps or any other traffic apps to help you navigate through roadblocks or congestion.

In conclusion, the fastest route is via MD-32 W, covering 28.7 miles, the scenic route is via Route 50 W to Route 29 N, covering 34.3 miles, and the slowest route is via US-301 N and I-95 N, covering 48.5 miles. With this information at hand, you can make an informed decision about which route to take and avoid delays. Have a safe trip!