Baltimore, United States → Washington, United States · ✈ 34 min · 🚗 55 min
30 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: nearby
The distance from Baltimore to Washington is 56 km (35 miles). The fastest way to travel is by car. A direct flight takes approximately 34 min.
The straight-line distance from Baltimore, United States to Washington, United States is approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles or 30 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Washington is located nearby of Baltimore. Baltimore is in North America, in the Northeast region of United States, while Washington is in North America, in Northeast, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 56 km | ~34 min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~73 km | ~55 min | Convenient and flexible |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~67 km | ~34 min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: car is typically the best way to travel from Baltimore to Washington. At this distance, driving gives you the most flexibility and avoids airport overhead.
Based on an estimated road distance of 73 km, fuel costs for driving from Baltimore to Washington are approximately $6–$11 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Baltimore sits at 39.2904°N, 76.6122°W, while Washington is located at 38.9072°N, 77.0369°W. The initial compass bearing from Baltimore to Washington is 221° (SW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Baltimore heading roughly SW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 0.38° and the longitude difference is 0.42°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Baltimore and Washington is approximately 39.0990°N, 76.8251°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 28 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Baltimore and Washington share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Baltimore is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 585,708. Located in the Northeast region, it is an important hub in North America. Despite its smaller size, Baltimore plays an important regional role in United States and attracts visitors year-round.
Washington is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 689,545. Situated in the Northeast region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Washington is a popular destination in the Northeast region of United States, known for its unique character and attractions.
→ See all distances from Washington
56 km is roughly the distance of a short regional flight or a 3-4 hour drive. For comparison, it's about the distance from London to Paris (344 km). At this range, ground transport often competes with flying when you factor in airport time.
At 56 km, Baltimore and Washington are close enough for a daily commute. Many people travel this distance by car or train every day.
At just 56 km within United States, the Baltimore–Washington corridor is well-suited for a day trip or weekend getaway. Consider driving for flexibility, or check regional rail connections for a hassle-free journey.
The straight-line distance from Baltimore to Washington is approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles, 30 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 34 min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 55 min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Washington is approximately Same timezone compared to Baltimore.
The estimated road distance is approximately 73 km, which is about 30% longer than the 56 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.