Trip from Denton, MD to Essex, MD

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

1h 43m

Distance

68.2 mi

110 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 36m ★

6 AM

1h 44m

8 AM

1h 59m

10 AM

1h 49m

12 PM

1h 48m

3 PM

1h 50m

5 PM

1h 59m

8 PM

1h 39m

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

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Denton, MD

Jonathan Borba

Trip Overview

This 68.2-mile drive from Denton, MD to Essex, MD is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes. You'll primarily travel on Ocean Gateway, Governor Ritchie Highway, and Queen Anne Highway. With a fuel cost estimated at $11, this route is an economical option for a quick journey. It offers a turn-heavy local driving experience, so don't expect long stretches of high-speed travel. Since it's a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience and arrive without feeling rushed.

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

34.1 miles from Denton, MD

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

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Drive Character

Expect a predominantly local driving experience on this route, with only an 8% highway share. The drive is characterized by frequent turns, making it engaging rather than monotonous. Your longest uninterrupted stretch will be 26.1 miles along Ocean Gateway. As you transition between Ocean Gateway, Governor Ritchie Highway, and Queen Anne Highway, the road will likely shift from more open stretches to more developed or populated areas, requiring your attention to local traffic patterns and speed limits.

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 39.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 68.2 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 39.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.4 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 63.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

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

39.7 mi into trip | ~56m 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...

49.4 mi into trip | ~1h 11m 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

63.1 mi into trip | ~1h 32m 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

64.5 mi into trip | ~1h 35m 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

64.7 mi into trip | ~1h 35m 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 Denton, MD to Essex, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.

Severna Park

39.7 mi in | ~56m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Ocean Gateway	26.1 mi	36m
Governor Ritchie Highway	8 mi	12m
Queen Anne Highway	6.2 mi	8m
Shore Highway	5.6 mi	7m
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

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

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on MD 619

68 ft · 6 sec · South 6th Street

Turn left onto Market Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Market Street

Turn left onto MD 404 Business

307 ft · 5 sec · Gay Street

Continue on MD 404 Business

1.1 mi · 1 min · Meeting House Road

Turn left onto MD 404

5.6 mi · 7 min · 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 straight / slight right lanes.

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

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

Continue on I 895

2.2 mi · 3 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway

Use the 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 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 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 straight lane.

Continue on MD 150

1.0 mi · 2 min · Eastern Boulevard

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 43-minute duration, this route is perfect for a day trip. Consider an early morning departure to avoid potential local traffic, especially as you approach Essex. While there are no mandatory stops noted, plan for brief breaks as needed. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is 26.1 miles, so you'll have opportunities to pull over if necessary. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; with an estimated cost of $11, it’s an affordable trip, but it’s always wise to top off before heading out, especially in more rural sections of Ocean Gateway.

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 34.1 miles from Denton, 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 68.2 miles or 1h 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 34.1 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 24m

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 Denton, 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 Denton, MD

This is one driving day of about 68.2 miles and 1h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Denton, 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 34.1 mi from Denton, MD · 48m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

34 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 68.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 34.1 miles from Denton, 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

$11.31 one way

$22.61 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 24 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.61	$12.38	$24.77
premium	$4.93	$13.23	$26.45
diesel	$5.61	$15.06	$30.12

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

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 23.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	20.5	$7.16	$3.27
Efficient EV	17.1	$5.97	$2.73
EV Truck/SUV	27.3	$9.55	$4.36

Gas CO2

24 kg

EV CO2

8 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 data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Denton, MD

Morning in Denton on Wednesday

Local time

6:29 AM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Essex, MD

Morning in Essex on Wednesday

Local time

6:29 AM

EDT

Current temp

65°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

2 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 43m 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 Denton, MD to Essex, MD covers 68.2 miles and takes about 1h 43m 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 34.1 miles from Denton, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.31 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 Denton, MD to Essex, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.

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Trip from Denton, MD to Essex, MD

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Denton, MD

Essex, MD

Same local time

2 degrees cooler at arrival

1h 43m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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