Germantown, MD → Cleveland, OH
284 mi · 5h 40m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
Germantown
78°
Juniata Township
76°
New Sewickley Township
74°
Cleveland
70°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 284 mi · 5h 41m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
76°F, wind 11 mph
Rest Stops
13
Restrooms, Truck svc, Picnic
Cameras
8 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● South Mountain Welcome Center 🚻
- ● South Mountain Welcome Center 🚻
- ● Pilot Travel Center
Weather May Slow Traffic
Active weather advisory — expect slower travel
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Selected Route
Via I-270 North → I-70 → ... → SR-43 → SR-87
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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Frederick Rd (MD 355) at Germantown Rd (MD 118)
Wash. DC, MD
I-70 @ MARYLAND STATE LINE
PA · WB
I-70 E/B MM 170 @ MD / PA Border Fulton Co.
PA ·
I-70 @ WARFORDSBURG
PA · WB
I-70 W/B @ Exit 156 Town Hill Fulton Co.
PA ·
I-70 @ TOWN HILL
PA · WB
I-70 @ CRYSTAL SPRING
PA · WB
I-70 @ MM 147.6 (I-76 UNDERPASS)
PA · NB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
31 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 31
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Aug 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Aug 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Aug 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Germantown, MD to Cleveland, OH covers 284 miles in roughly 5h 40m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 8 live traffic cameras, 31 rest areas and 1 active weather alert along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Aug 13
93° / 78°
No precip
Tomorrow
Aug 14
86° / 74°
No precip
Sat
Aug 15
90° / 73°
No precip
Sun
Aug 16
86° / 75°
No precip
Mon
Aug 17
87° / 76°
No precip
Tue
Aug 18
84° / 71°
No precip
Wed
Aug 19
86° / 74°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌧️ Moderate rain at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Use Caution⚠️ Hazardous conditions expected - Violent rain showers
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
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Current Conditions
Germantown, MD
78°F
Wind: 11 mph
Cleveland, OH
70°F
Wind: 6 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Germantown, MD to Cleveland, OH
The 284-mile drive from Germantown, Maryland to Cleveland, Ohio takes approximately 5h 40m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route crosses state lines from Maryland into Ohio, connecting Germantown and Cleveland. A drive of 284 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive Germantown to Cleveland
For medium-distance drives like this 284-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 284-mile drive from Germantown to Cleveland takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Germantown to Cleveland?
The drive is approximately 284 miles and takes about 5h 40m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Wednesday, Aug 19 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Germantown to Cleveland today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Germantown to Cleveland route?
Yes, there are 31 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 8 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses MD 118, I-70. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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