Maryland is located in the eastern United States and serves as a transportation hub connecting Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
Major highways (freeways) such as I-95, I-70, and I-495 (Capital Beltway) pass through, playing a key role in connecting Washington D.C. and New York.

Major Freeways

I-95 (Interstate 95) – Major East Coast Arterial Road

  • One of the most important freeways running through the eastern United States
  • Connects Washington D.C. ~ Baltimore ~ Wilmington (Delaware) ~ Philadelphia ~ New York within Maryland
  • A key road connecting D.C. and Baltimore along with the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295)

I-70 (Interstate 70) – Major Route to the West

  • Starts in Baltimore and heads west through Frederick and Hagerstown towards West Virginia and Ohio
  • Connects with I-270 for access to the Washington D.C. suburban area
  • An important road when traveling west

I-495 (Capital Beltway) – Washington D.C. Ring Road

  • A circular freeway surrounding Washington D.C.
  • Connects Virginia and Maryland, and is one of the congested areas near Washington D.C.
  • The Maryland section particularly passes through Silver Spring, Bethesda, and Rockville, connecting with I-270

I-270 (Interstate 270) – Commuter Road to Washington D.C.

  • Branches off from I-495 heading north to connect to Frederick
  • Heavily trafficked during rush hours for vehicles commuting to Washington D.C.
  • Passes through major Maryland cities such as Silver Spring, Rockville, and Gaithersburg

I-695 (Baltimore Beltway)

  • A circular freeway surrounding Baltimore
  • Helps to disperse traffic entering downtown Baltimore
  • Connects with major roads such as I-95, I-83, and I-70

Major Toll Roads

I-895 (Harbor Tunnel Thruway)

  • A tunnel section passing under the Baltimore harbor
  • A popular alternative route for vehicles looking to avoid congestion on I-95

MD-200 (Intercounty Connector, ICC)

  • A toll highway connecting I-270 (Gaithersburg) and I-95 (Laurel)
  • Constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the northern suburban area of Washington D.C. (Montgomery County)

Congested Areas

  • I-495 (Capital Beltway) – Near Washington D.C.
  • I-270 – During rush hours to Washington D.C.
  • I-95 – Between Baltimore and Washington D.C.

Maryland is a key transportation hub in the east with major freeways such as I-95, I-495, and I-270.
Particularly, the section connecting Washington D.C. and Baltimore experiences heavy traffic, and severe congestion can occur during rush hours, so considering alternative routes is advisable.