Trip from Cambridge, MD to Essex, MD

Drive Time

2h 4m

Distance

82.2 mi

132 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min

4 AM

1h 56m ★

6 AM

2h 5m

8 AM

2h 23m

10 AM

2h 11m

12 PM

2h 9m

3 PM

2h 12m

5 PM

2h 22m

8 PM

1h 59m

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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Cambridge, MD

RDNE Stock project

Trip Overview

Traveling from Cambridge to Essex covers 84.6 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes of drive time. This journey stays entirely within Maryland, moving through the Northeast region, and is easily manageable as a single-day trip. With a fuel budget of approximately $14, it is a cost-effective route that does not require an overnight stay. You will navigate using local roads like Cedar Street and Sunburst Highway, as well as the Senator Malkus Junior Bridge. Because the route is straightforward and relatively short, it serves as a practical connection between these two Maryland locations for commuters or day travelers.

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

41.1 miles from Cambridge, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 59m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. Since the highway share is 0%, you will spend the entire 84.6 miles navigating surface streets and local infrastructure. The road's personality is defined by its continuous shifts and turns, requiring you to stay alert through the various segments of the journey. You won't encounter long, uninterrupted stretches of highway, which keeps the driving experience engaging and dynamic from start to finish. It is a functional, hands-on trip that keeps you connected to the local landscape throughout the duration.

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

There are about 30 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 50.6 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 53.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 82.2 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 53.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.4 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 77.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

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

53.7 mi into trip | ~1h 17m 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...

63.4 mi into trip | ~1h 32m 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

77.1 mi into trip | ~1h 53m 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

78.5 mi into trip | ~1h 56m 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

78.7 mi into trip | ~1h 56m 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 Cambridge, MD to Essex, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.

Severna Park

53.7 mi in | ~1h 17m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Ocean Gateway	50.6 mi	1h 11m
Governor Ritchie Highway	8 mi	12m
Arundel Expressway	4.5 mi	6m
Harbor Tunnel Thruway	3.4 mi	5m
Harbor Tunnel Throughway	3.1 mi	4m
Eastern Avenue	2.3 mi	4m
Senator Malkus Junior Bridge	1.6 mi	2m
Baltimore Harbor Tunnel	1.4 mi	2m

Longest stretch: Ocean Gateway — 50.6 mi, about 1h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on MD 341

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Race Street

Use the straight / left lanes.

Turn right onto Cedar Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · Cedar Street

Turn left onto US 50

0.6 mi · 1 min · Sunburst Highway

Continue on US 50

1.6 mi · 2 min · Senator Malkus Junior Bridge

Continue on US 50

51 mi · 1 hr 11 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 38 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around local traffic patterns. Since there are no designated stops on this 84.6-mile route, consider fueling up before you hit the road to keep your $14 budget estimate accurate and avoid unnecessary detours. Because the route relies exclusively on local roads, stay mindful of speed limit changes and intersections as you transition between neighborhoods. Taking advantage of the shorter travel time allows you to adjust your schedule easily if you encounter unexpected delays. Always check your navigation system before leaving to ensure you are comfortable with the specific turns involved in navigating the Senator Malkus Junior Bridge.

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 41.1 miles from Cambridge, MD, or about 59m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.6 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 80 miles or 1h 59m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 41.1 miles or 59m 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 42m

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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, MD

This is one driving day of about 82.2 miles and 2h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Cambridge, 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 50.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 41.1 mi from Cambridge, MD · 59m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

41 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 41.1 miles from Cambridge, 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

$13.60 one way

$27.20 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 29 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$14.88	$29.77
premium	$4.92	$15.93	$31.86
diesel	$5.64	$18.26	$36.52

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

$14

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 28.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	24.7	$8.63	$3.95
Efficient EV	20.6	$7.19	$3.29
EV Truck/SUV	32.9	$11.51	$5.26

Gas CO2

29 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (66% 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 3 days ago

Origin

Cambridge, MD

Evening in Cambridge on Sunday

Local time

6:36 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Essex, MD

Evening in Essex on Sunday

Local time

6:36 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

14 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

2h 4m 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 Cambridge, MD to Essex, MD covers 82.2 miles and takes about 2h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

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

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 41.1 miles from Cambridge, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.60 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.

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

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Return Trip

Essex, MD to Cambridge, MD

Plan the drive back the other way.

82.8 mi 2h 4m

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Trip from Cambridge, MD to Essex, MD

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Essex, MD

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Cambridge, MD

Essex, MD

Same local time

14 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 4m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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