Embarking on the 148.2-mile journey from Crisfield, MD, to Essex, MD, will take approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes. This drive is well-suited as a single-day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of around $25. You'll primarily navigate via Ocean Gateway, Sussex Highway, and Shore Highway, experiencing a route with a notable number of turns. The drive traverses within the Northeast region, offering a local feel throughout its entirety. Consider this a straightforward drive perfect for a day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your timing.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
74.1 miles from Crisfield, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 40m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 31m. Total distance: 148.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route presents a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, meaning you'll encounter frequent changes in direction rather than long, straight stretches. With only a 4% highway share, expect a more engaged driving experience on local roads. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is 26.1 miles on Ocean Gateway. As you progress, the road character will largely remain consistent, emphasizing local navigation over high-speed transit.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 47 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 119.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 31 significant decision points across 148.2 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 119.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.4 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 143.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 31 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
119.6 mi into trip|~2h 43m 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...
7
129.4 mi into trip|~2h 59m 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
7
143.1 mi into trip|~3h 19m 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
7
144.5 mi into trip|~3h 22m 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
144.7 mi into trip|~3h 22m 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.
Between Crisfield, MD and Essex, MD, road signs point toward Dover and Severna Park.
Dover
37.1 mi in|~49m|via US 13
Severna Park
119.6 mi in|~2h 43m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Ocean Gateway
26.1 mi
36m
Sussex Highway
19.3 mi
26m
Shore Highway
17.4 mi
24m
Crisfield Highway
13 mi
18m
Ocean Highway
11.8 mi
16m
Salisbury Bypass
10.8 mi
12m
Governor Ritchie Highway
8 mi
12m
Seashore Highway
7.5 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
Ocean Gateway
— 26.1 mi, about 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Crisfield, MD and Essex, MD.
1
Start on North 4th Street
400 ft·20 sec·North 4th Street
2
Continue on North 4th Street
124 ft·7 sec·North 4th Street
3
Turn right onto MD 413
1.0 mi·1 min·Richardson Avenue
4
Continue on MD 413
13 mi·18 min·Crisfield Highway
5
Take the ramp onto MD 413
0.1 mi·17 sec·Crisfield Highway
6
Merge onto US 13
12 mi·16 min·Ocean Highway
7
Continue on US 13
0.3 mi·22 sec·South Fruitland Boulevard
8
Keep slight left at fork onto US 13
11 mi·12 min·Salisbury Bypass
9
Take the exit onto US 13
0.3 mi·36 sec·US 13
Toward US 13 North, US 13 Business: Salisbury, Dover
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 13
0.2 mi·27 sec·US 13
Toward US 13 North: Dover
11
Merge onto US 13
0.8 mi·1 min·North Salisbury Boulevard
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 13
3.1 mi·3 min·North Salisbury Boulevard
13
Continue on US 13
19 mi·26 min·Sussex Highway
14
Take the exit
166 ft·5 sec
15
Continue on Rifle Range Road
0.1 mi·18 sec·Rifle Range Road
16
Turn right onto US 13 Business; DE 404 Business
1.0 mi·1 min·South Main Street
17
Turn left onto DE 404 Business
0.4 mi·45 sec·Market Street
18
Turn right onto DE 404 Business
7.5 mi·9 min·Seashore Highway
19
Continue on MD 404
17 mi·24 min·Shore Highway
20
Continue on MD 404
6.2 mi·8 min·Queen Anne Highway
21
Take the exit
527 ft·14 sec
22
Merge onto US 50
26 mi·36 min·Ocean Gateway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 27BToward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna ParkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto MD 2
8.0 mi·12 min·Governor Ritchie Highway
25
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore
26
Merge onto MD 10
1.1 mi·1 min·Arundel Expressway
27
Keep slight right at fork onto MD 10
3.4 mi·4 min·Arundel Expressway
Toward MD 10 North: BaltimoreUse the slight right lane.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward MD 270Use the slight right lane.
29
Turn left onto MD 270
0.8 mi·1 min·East Furnace Branch Road
Use the left lane.
30
Turn right onto MD 2
1.2 mi·2 min·Ritchie Highway
Use the straight lane.
31
Turn slight right
0.3 mi·20 sec
Toward I 895
32
Continue on Harbor Tunnel Throughway
3.1 mi·4 min·Harbor Tunnel Throughway
33
Continue on I 895
2.2 mi·3 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on I 895
1.4 mi·2 min·Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
35
Continue on I 895
1.2 mi·1 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 11AToward Boston StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Turn straight onto O'Donnell Street Cutoff
520 ft·14 sec·O'Donnell Street Cutoff
38
Turn left onto Interstate Avenue
0.1 mi·30 sec·Interstate Avenue
Use the left lane.
39
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 95 North: New York
40
Merge onto I 95
0.6 mi·51 sec·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Take the exit
0.3 mi·29 sec
Exit 59Toward MD 150: Eastern AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Keep slight right at fork
256 ft·8 sec
Toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East EssexUse the right lane.
43
Turn right onto MD 150
2.3 mi·4 min·Eastern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
44
Continue on MD 150
1.0 mi·2 min·Eastern Boulevard
45
Turn left onto North Taylor Avenue
211 ft·13 sec·North Taylor Avenue
46
Turn right
521 ft·38 sec
47
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3.5-hour duration, departing in the morning from Crisfield, MD, will allow ample time to reach Essex, MD, without feeling rushed. While only one official stop is suggested, you'll find opportunities to pull over as needed on this local drive. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $25 for the 148.2-mile trip. A specific tip for this route: be mindful of the frequent turns, especially on Ocean Gateway, and ensure your navigation is set up before you begin to avoid unnecessary delays.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 74.1 miles from Crisfield, MD, or about 1h 40m 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 33 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 74.1 miles or 1h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 47m
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 Crisfield, 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 Crisfield, MD
This is one driving day of about 148.2 miles and 3h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Crisfield, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
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 74.1 mi from Crisfield, MD
· 1h 40m into the drive
The midpoint is around 74.1 miles from Crisfield, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Assateague Island National Seashore
National Seashore
Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime for...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$25
near mile 15.3
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was a deeply spiritual woman who lived her ideals and dedicated her life to freedom. She is the Underground Railroad’s best known conductor and before the Civil War repeatedly risked he...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 20.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.57 one way
$49.14 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg52 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$26.91
$53.82
premium
$4.93
$28.74
$57.48
diesel
$5.61
$32.72
$65.44
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
$25
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
44.5
0
$15.56
$7.11
Efficient EV
37.1
0
$12.97
$5.93
EV Truck/SUV
59.3
0
$20.75
$9.48
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Crisfield, MD
Afternoon
in Crisfield on Friday
Local time
4:00 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Essex, MD
Afternoon
in Essex on Friday
Local time
4:00 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
75°F
Boonsboro, MD
74 mi in
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
6 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
3h 31m 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 Crisfield, MD to Essex, MD covers 148.2 miles and takes about 3h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ocean Gateway, Sussex Highway, Shore Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 74.1 miles from Crisfield, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.57 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 31 significant decision points across 148.2 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 119.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.4 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 143.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Crisfield, MD and Essex, MD, road signs point toward Dover and Severna Park.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Assateague Island National Seashore and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
