Origin
Chevy Chase, MD
Late night in Chevy Chase on Wednesday
Local time
2:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Chevy Chase, MD to Essex, MD
Data updated 3 hours ago
Drive Time
1h 1m
Distance
43.7 mi
70 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$7
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 56m
★
6 AM
1h 1m
8 AM
1h 11m
10 AM
1h 5m
12 PM
1h 4m
3 PM
1h 5m
5 PM
1h 10m
8 PM
0h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Chevy Chase, MD
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 43.7-mile drive from Chevy Chase, MD, to Essex, MD, will take you about 1 hour and 1 minute to complete. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey primarily utilizing I 95 and the Capital Beltway, with Eastern Avenue also forming part of the route. Given its short duration and direct nature, this trip is ideal as a single-day excursion. The estimated fuel cost is around $7, making it an economical option. Both your origin and destination are within the Northeast region, keeping the travel experience consistent geographically. This route is best suited for those prioritizing efficiency over leisurely exploration.
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
21.8 miles from Chevy Chase, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 29m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for this trip, with 71% of the journey on major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion on I 95, including a longest stretch of 31 miles without needing to exit. This means the character of the drive is predominantly fast-paced interstate travel. While the specific road conditions might vary, the overall impression will be one of consistent speed and direct routing, designed for covering ground efficiently. The transition between the Capital Beltway and I 95 is a key segment to be aware of.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 31 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Capital Beltway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 43.7 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 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.7 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
7
7.5 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Baltimore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 27
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore
6
7.8 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
7
39.9 mi into trip
|
~52m 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
9
40.2 mi into trip
|
~52m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Chevy Chase, MD to Essex, MD, road signs begin pointing toward New York along the way.
New York
7.8 mi in
|
~12m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 31 mi | 37m |
| Capital Beltway | 6.5 mi | 8m |
| Eastern Avenue | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| Eastern Boulevard | 1 mi | 2m |
| Montrose Driveway | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Connecticut Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Stewart Driveway | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Clifford Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 31 mi, about 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chevy Chase, MD and Essex, MD.
1
Start on Hutch Place
133 ft
·
12 sec
·
Hutch Place
2
Turn left onto Clifford Avenue
450 ft
·
22 sec
·
Clifford Avenue
3
Turn right onto Kenilworth Driveway
363 ft
·
15 sec
·
Kenilworth Driveway
4
Continue on Montgomery Avenue
444 ft
·
19 sec
·
Montgomery Avenue
5
Continue on Stewart Driveway
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
Stewart Driveway
6
Turn right onto Montrose Driveway
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
·
Montrose Driveway
7
Turn right onto MD 185
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
Connecticut Avenue
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 495 East: Baltimore, Silver Spring
Use the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 495
6.5 mi
·
8 min
·
Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 27
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore, New York
12
Merge onto I 95
27 mi
·
32 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 59
Toward MD 150: Eastern Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork
256 ft
·
8 sec
Toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East Essex
Use the right lane.
16
Turn right onto MD 150
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Eastern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on MD 150
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Eastern Boulevard
18
Turn left onto North Taylor Avenue
211 ft
·
13 sec
·
North Taylor Avenue
19
Turn right
521 ft
·
38 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Consider departing early in the morning to bypass potential traffic, especially around the Capital Beltway. With a total duration of just over an hour, this route doesn't require any overnight stops, offering flexibility in your schedule. You'll be covering 43.7 miles, and the estimated fuel cost is a manageable $7. Keep an eye out for lane changes as you navigate the transitions between I 95 and the Capital Beltway, as these can be busy. Since there are no designated stops in the data, plan any necessary breaks before or after the main travel portion.
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 21.8 miles from Chevy Chase, MD, or about 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31 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 43.7 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 21.8 miles or 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 48m
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 Chevy Chase, 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 Chevy Chase, MD
This is one driving day of about 43.7 miles and 1h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Chevy Chase, 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 I 95 for about 31 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 21.8 mi from Chevy Chase, MD · 29m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
22 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 43.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 21.8 miles from Chevy Chase, 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
$7.24 one way
$14.49 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
15 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $7.93 | $15.87 |
| premium | $4.93 | $8.48 | $16.95 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $9.65 | $19.30 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$32–$57
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 15.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 13.1 | 0 | $4.59 | $2.10 |
| Efficient EV | 10.9 | 0 | $3.82 | $1.75 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 17.5 | 0 | $6.12 | $2.80 |
Gas CO2
15 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Essex, MD
Late night in Essex on Wednesday
Local time
2:51 AM
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
7 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 1m 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 Chevy Chase, MD to Essex, MD covers 43.7 miles and takes about 1h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, Capital Beltway, Eastern Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 21.8 miles from Chevy Chase, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.24 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 43.7 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Chevy Chase, MD to Essex, MD, road signs begin pointing toward New York along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Essex, MD
More from Chevy Chase, MD
More trips to Essex, MD
Explore more options from Chevy Chase, MD or browse trips ending in Essex, MD.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MD road trips.
Explore maps for Chevy Chase, MD or Essex, MD on MapSof.net.