Trip from Boonsboro, MD to Essex, MD

Drive Time

1h 41m

Distance

66.3 mi

107 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$11

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min

4 AM

1h 34m ★

6 AM

1h 42m

8 AM

1h 57m

10 AM

1h 47m

12 PM

1h 46m

3 PM

1h 48m

5 PM

1h 56m

8 PM

1h 37m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Boonsboro, MD

Jonathan Borba

Trip Overview

Spanning 68.5 miles across Maryland, this trip from Boonsboro to Essex is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes. Since the entire route stays within the Northeast region, you can easily complete this drive in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $11 on fuel for the trip, making it a budget-friendly option for your travel plans. Because there are no designated stops required, you have the flexibility to head straight to your destination or build in your own breaks along the way. This is an efficient way to traverse the state, offering a practical alternative to longer, more complex travel paths.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

33.1 miles from Boonsboro, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route features zero highway travel. You will navigate via 6th Street, Ridgely Road, and Shore Highway, requiring your full attention behind the wheel. The road's personality is defined by these technical, local stretches that demand frequent adjustments rather than high-speed cruising. Because the route is entirely local, you will experience a constant change in scenery as you transition through various community corridors. Prepare for a hands-on driving experience that keeps you engaged with the road throughout the entire 68.5-mile journey.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Ocean Gateway is the longest continuous segment at about 26.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 37.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 66.3 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 37.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.4 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 20 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

37.7 mi into trip | ~54m in

Take the exit toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Park

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 27B Toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Par...

47.4 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in | MD 10 / Arundel Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto MD 10 / Arundel Expressway toward MD 10 North: Baltimore

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward MD 10 North: Baltimore

61.2 mi into trip | ~1h 30m in

Take the exit toward Boston Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 11A Toward Boston Street

62.5 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in

Take the exit toward MD 150: Eastern Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 59 Toward MD 150: Eastern Avenue

62.8 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in

Keep slight right at fork toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East Essex

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East Essex

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Boonsboro, MD to Essex, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.

Severna Park

37.7 mi in | ~54m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Ocean Gateway	26.1 mi	36m
Governor Ritchie Highway	8 mi	12m
Queen Anne Highway	6.2 mi	8m
Arundel Expressway	4.5 mi	6m
Ridgely Road	3.7 mi	6m
Harbor Tunnel Thruway	3.4 mi	5m
Harbor Tunnel Throughway	3.1 mi	4m
Eastern Avenue	2.3 mi	4m

Longest stretch: Ocean Gateway — 26.1 mi, about 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Boonsboro, MD and Essex, MD.

Start on MD 480

0.9 mi · 1 min · Ridgely Road

Continue on MD 480

0.9 mi · 1 min · 6th Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on MD 312; MD 480

2.8 mi · 4 min · Ridgely Road

Take the ramp

348 ft · 9 sec

Merge onto MD 404

0.7 mi · 58 sec · Shore Highway

Continue on MD 404

6.2 mi · 8 min · Queen Anne Highway

Take the exit

527 ft · 14 sec

Merge onto US 50

26 mi · 36 min · Ocean Gateway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec

Exit 27B Toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Park Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto MD 2

8.0 mi · 12 min · Governor Ritchie Highway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec

Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore

Merge onto MD 10

1.1 mi · 1 min · Arundel Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto MD 10

3.4 mi · 4 min · Arundel Expressway

Toward MD 10 North: Baltimore Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Toward MD 270 Use the slight right lane.

Turn left onto MD 270

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Furnace Branch Road

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto MD 2

1.2 mi · 2 min · Ritchie Highway

Use the straight lane.

Turn slight right

0.3 mi · 20 sec

Toward I 895

Continue on Harbor Tunnel Throughway

3.1 mi · 4 min · Harbor Tunnel Throughway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 895

2.2 mi · 3 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 895

1.4 mi · 2 min · Baltimore Harbor Tunnel

Continue on I 895

1.2 mi · 1 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec

Exit 11A Toward Boston Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto O'Donnell Street Cutoff

520 ft · 14 sec · O'Donnell Street Cutoff

Turn left onto Interstate Avenue

0.1 mi · 30 sec · Interstate Avenue

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Toward I 95 North: New York

Merge onto I 95

0.6 mi · 51 sec · I 95

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 29 sec

Exit 59 Toward MD 150: Eastern Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

256 ft · 8 sec

Toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East Essex Use the right lane.

Turn right onto MD 150

2.3 mi · 4 min · Eastern Avenue

Use the none lane.

Continue on MD 150

1.0 mi · 2 min · Eastern Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto North Taylor Avenue

211 ft · 13 sec · North Taylor Avenue

Turn right

521 ft · 38 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 1 hour and 18 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule rather than worrying about strict timing. Since this is a local, turn-heavy drive, it is best to stay alert and keep your GPS running to navigate the transitions between 6th Street, Ridgely Road, and Shore Highway smoothly. You won't need to stress over long-distance logistics, but keeping that $11 fuel budget in mind helps you stay prepared for the road ahead. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider departing during off-peak hours to avoid potential local traffic congestion. Use this short travel time to your advantage by planning your arrival in Essex with plenty of cushion for your day's activities.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 33.1 miles from Boonsboro, MD, or about 48m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.1 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 66.3 miles or 1h 41m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 33.1 miles or 48m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 23m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Essex, MD than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Boonsboro, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Boonsboro, MD

This is one driving day of about 66.3 miles and 1h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Boonsboro, MD.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.

The longest stretch is on Ocean Gateway for about 26.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 33.1 mi from Boonsboro, MD · 48m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

33 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Staten Island, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 66.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 33.1 miles from Boonsboro, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Essex, MD

The final approach into Essex, MD usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Essex, MD.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$10.97 one way

$21.94 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 23 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$12.00	$24.01
premium	$4.92	$12.85	$25.70
diesel	$5.64	$14.73	$29.46

Estimated Tolls: $0.23

Harbor Tunnel Thruway (3.4 mi) $0.23

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$11

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$36–$61

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 23.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	19.9	$6.96	$3.18
Efficient EV	16.6	$5.80	$2.65
EV Truck/SUV	26.5	$9.28	$4.24

Gas CO2

23 kg

EV CO2

8 kg (65% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 11 hours ago

Origin

Boonsboro, MD

Night in Boonsboro on Sunday

Local time

9:08 PM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Essex, MD

Night in Essex on Sunday

Local time

9:08 PM

EDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

21 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 41m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Boonsboro, MD to Essex, MD covers 66.3 miles and takes about 1h 41m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Ocean Gateway, Governor Ritchie Highway, Queen Anne Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 33.1 miles from Boonsboro, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.97 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.