Evansville to Solomons: Ultimate Road Trip Guide via I-64 and US-301

This route from Evansville, Indiana to Solomons, Maryland spans roughly 750 miles and typically takes 11–12 hours of pure driving time via I-64 E to I-95 N/US-301. The journey crosses the Ohio River, traverses the Appalachian foothills, and ends on the Chesapeake Bay. A little-known fact: US-301 in Maryland was originally part of the Potomac River ferry network, and modern bridges have only replaced those ferries within the last 60 years.

The drive offers three distinct landscape phases. First, the Ohio River valley near Evansville: flat farmland and industrial river towns. Second, the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, with dense forests and winding roads. Third, the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, where maritime culture dominates. Along the way, you can experience Bluegrass horse farms in Kentucky, coal mining heritage in West Virginia, and colonial history in Maryland. how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities provides insights on turning these landscapes into memorable stops.

• Natural Landscapes: New River Gorge National Park near Fayetteville, WV (detour 20 min). Calvert Cliffs State Park in Lusby, MD (fossil hunting).
• Local Commerce: Antique shopping in Lexington, KY; handmade quilts at Tamarack in Beckley, WV; fresh seafood at St. Mary's City, MD.
• UNESCO Sites: None directly on route, but a slight detour to Monticello in Charlottesville, VA (2 hrs south of DC) is possible.

Road quality is generally excellent except for sections of I-64 in West Virginia where pavement can be rough. Watch for deer, especially at dawn/dusk. Family-friendly stops include the Newport Aquarium on the Ohio River (Cincinnati, off I-75) and the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore (off I-95). For pet breaks, rest areas along I-64 in Kentucky have designated pet exercise areas. Fatigue management: plan stops every 2.5 hours. The perfect halfway point is Charleston, WV, where you can stretch legs at the Capitol Market or walk the Kanawha Riverfront.

• Worst road condition: I-64 east of Huntington, WV – narrow shoulders and steep grades.
• Best rest stop: West Virginia Welcome Center on I-77 north of Princeton.
• Pet-friendly motel chain: La Quinta Inn & Suites, pet fee-free at all locations.

The primary highway is I-64 from Evansville east through Louisville, then across Kentucky and into West Virginia. Around Lexington, you transition to I-75 briefly before picking up I-64 again into Charleston. After Charleston, take I-79 N to I-68 E, then I-70 E to the DC Beltway (I-495). From there, follow MD-4 S to Solomons. Toll costs are negligible except on the Maryland portion (approx. $4–6). Gas prices vary: generally cheaper in Kentucky and West Virginia, higher after Washington, DC. Plan fill-ups around Lexington, KY; Charleston, WV; and Hagerstown, MD. Rest stops are plentiful along I-64/I-68, with the most modern facilities at the West Virginia Welcome Center near Huntington.

• Best fuel stop: Bucee's in Richmond, KY (exit 95 on I-75) – clean restrooms and wide selection.
• Average fuel cost per gallon: $3.30 (KY/WV) to $3.80 (MD).
• Keep a minimum half-tank when crossing West Virginia mountains to avoid climbing on low fuel.