Directions to Leonardtown

Located in St. Mary's County, Maryland, Leonardtown is a charming destination that’s easily accessible from various locations in the Mid-Atlantic region. Whether you're traveling by car, air, train, or even by water, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to reach Leonardtown, Maryland, with ease.

By Car

Leonardtown is conveniently located within driving distance from major cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Richmond, making it an easy and scenic road trip destination.

From Washington, D.C.: Leonardtown is about 60 miles south of the nation’s capital. Take MD-5 South (Branch Avenue) directly to Leonardtown. The drive typically takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
From Baltimore: The town is approximately 80 miles south of Baltimore. The fastest route is via I-97 South to MD-3 South, then continuing onto MD-5 South. The drive generally takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Richmond, VA: Leonardtown is roughly 95 miles north of Richmond. Take I-95 North to US-301 North and then MD-234 East to MD-5 South. This drive usually takes about 2 hours.

Parking in Leonardtown is plentiful, with several public parking lots located near the downtown area, making it easy to explore the town on foot.

By Air

If you’re flying into the region, there are several airports that provide easy access to Leonardtown.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Located about 65 miles from Leonardtown, this is the closest major airport. From DCA, you can rent a car or use a rideshare service to reach Leonardtown in about 1.5 hours.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Approximately 85 miles away, BWI is another convenient option. The drive from BWI to Leonardtown takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Situated about 90 miles from Leonardtown, IAD is a bit farther but still accessible. The drive typically takes around 2 hours.

For those flying private planes, St. Mary’s County Regional Airport (2W6) is located just 20 minutes from Leonardtown and offers general aviation services.

By Train

While Leonardtown does not have its own train station, nearby stations provide convenient options for rail travelers.

Amtrak Service: The closest Amtrak stations are in Washington, D.C., and New Carrollton, MD. From either station, you can rent a car or take a bus to Leonardtown. The drive from New Carrollton takes about 1.5 hours.
MARC Train: Maryland’s MARC Train service runs from Washington, D.C., to the nearby town of La Plata, MD. From La Plata, it’s a 30-minute drive to Leonardtown. You can rent a car or arrange for a taxi or rideshare service for the final leg of the journey.

By Bus

Several bus services operate in Southern Maryland, providing an affordable and eco-friendly way to reach Leonardtown.

St. Mary’s Transit System (STS): STS operates local bus routes throughout St. Mary’s County, including a route that stops in Leonardtown. For those coming from other parts of Southern Maryland, STS provides connections that make reaching Leonardtown simple and convenient.
Greyhound and Megabus: These long-distance bus services have stops in Washington, D.C., and Waldorf, MD. From Waldorf, you can take a local bus or taxi to Leonardtown, which is about 45 minutes away.

By Water

For those arriving by boat, Leonardtown offers access via the beautiful Breton Bay.

Leonardtown Wharf: The town’s public wharf provides docking facilities for small to medium-sized vessels. Boaters can dock here and easily explore the downtown area on foot. The wharf is located at the end of Wharf Road and offers amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas.
Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay: Boaters navigating the Patuxent River or the Chesapeake Bay can reach Breton Bay and dock at Leonardtown Wharf. It’s a picturesque and serene way to arrive, with opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of Southern Maryland’s waterways.