Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
27m
Distance
16.1 mi
26 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Elsmere, DE
Wikimedia Commons
Delaware City, DE
Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for a quick excursion within Delaware, the 16.1-mile journey from Elsmere to Delaware City is a straightforward option. Expect to spend about 27 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. You will navigate a mix of South Dupont Highway, River Road, and DE 141 as you transition through the Northeast region. Budgeting roughly $3 for fuel should cover your needs for this short distance. Since there are no formal stops scheduled, you have the flexibility to complete the drive in one efficient stint.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 27m. Total distance: 16.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
This is a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. While approximately 14 miles are spent on highways, the road configuration keeps you engaged with frequent shifts in direction. You will find that the longest uninterrupted stretch lasts only 2.8 miles along South Dupont Highway, meaning you will rarely stay in a single lane for long. The character of the route changes as you transition between local roads and highway segments, creating a dynamic environment for the driver. It is a practical, utilitarian path that gets you from point A to point B without any long-haul fatigue.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
142 ft
Total Descent
236 ft
Highest Point
99 ft
Elevation Range
94 ft
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 2.9 miles in near North James Street.
Focused - busy navigation packed into a short drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a short but busy drive. With 12 decision points packed into just 16.1 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 27m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.9 miles (North James Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (DE 4 / East Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 3 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn left onto North James Street
Lane positioning matters here
Turn left onto DE 4 / East Market Street
Navigation decision point
Take the ramp toward DE 141 South: New Castle
Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward US 13 South, US 40 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork onto US 13; DE 9 Truck / South Dupont Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South Dupont Highway | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| River Road | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| DE 141 | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| North Dupont Highway | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Wrangle Hill Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| South Dupont Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| East Newport Pike | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| North Maryland Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Elsmere, DE and Delaware City, DE.
Start on DE 2
Turn right onto DE 100
Turn right onto DE 4
Continue on DE 4
Continue on DE 4
Turn left onto North James Street
Turn left onto DE 4
Take the ramp
Merge onto DE 141
Take the exit
Continue on this road
Continue on this road
Merge onto US 13; US 40
Keep slight left at fork onto US 13; DE 9 Truck
Take the exit onto DE 9 Truck
Turn left onto DE 9 Truck
Turn right onto DE 9
Turn left onto DE 9
Continue on DE 9
Turn left onto Clinton Street
Arrive at destination
Regular Gas
$2.67 one way
$5.34 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $2.92 | $5.85 |
| premium | $4.93 | $3.12 | $6.24 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $3.55 | $7.11 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$3
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 4.8 | 0 | $1.69 | $0.77 |
| Efficient EV | 4 | 0 | $1.41 | $0.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.4 | 0 | $2.25 | $1.03 |
Gas CO2
6 kg
EV CO2
2 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Elsmere on Thursday
Local time
1:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Clear
Destination
Afternoon in Delaware City on Thursday
Local time
1:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Clear
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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