Origin
Essex, MD
Evening in Essex on Sunday
Local time
5:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Essex, MD to North Bethesda, MD
Drive Time
1h 6m
Distance
46.9 mi
75 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 1m
★
6 AM
1h 6m
8 AM
1h 17m
10 AM
1h 10m
12 PM
1h 9m
3 PM
1h 10m
5 PM
1h 16m
8 PM
1h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
North Bethesda, MD
Kelly
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel from Essex to North Bethesda, you are looking at a 47.6-mile trek across Maryland. This trip typically takes about 57 minutes, making it a straightforward day trip that does not require an overnight stay. You will navigate using a combination of Eastern Boulevard, Eastern Avenue, and I-95 South to reach your destination. With a modest fuel budget of approximately $8, this drive is highly economical for a quick transition between the two areas. Since both locations are situated within the Northeast region, you will experience a consistent environment throughout the journey. It is a practical route for anyone needing to move efficiently between these Maryland points without the need for complex planning.
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
23.4 miles from Essex, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 33m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous highway cruise. While you will utilize I-95 South, the route is defined more by its local road segments, including Eastern Boulevard and Eastern Avenue, which keep the experience dynamic. Because the highway share is 0%, you should prepare for a more hands-on driving experience that requires your full attention at intersections and turns. The path lacks a single long, uninterrupted stretch, so you will be navigating shifting road conditions from start to finish. This profile makes for an active drive that keeps you engaged with the local infrastructure throughout the entire 57-minute duration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 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 30.7 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 6 miles in near I 95.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 46.9 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 6 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
6 mi into trip
|
~11m in
|
I 95
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
8
34.6 mi into trip
|
~46m in
Take the exit toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda, College Park
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 27
Toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda, Col...
8
35.2 mi into trip
|
~47m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda
8
44.2 mi into trip
|
~1h in
Take the exit toward MD 355: Bethesda, Rockville
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 34
Toward MD 355: Bethesda, Rockville
6
46.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
|
Nicholson Lane
Turn left onto Nicholson Lane
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Essex, MD and North Bethesda, MD, road signs point toward Bethesda, College Park and Rockville.
Bethesda
34.6 mi in
|
~46m
College Park
34.6 mi in
|
~46m
Rockville
44.2 mi in
|
~1h
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 30.7 mi | 37m |
| Capital Beltway | 8.2 mi | 10m |
| Eastern Avenue | 2.5 mi | 5m |
| Rockville Pike | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| Eastern Boulevard | 1 mi | 2m |
| Nicholson Lane | 0.3 mi | 1m |
| Tudor Lane | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Commonwealth Drive | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 30.7 mi, about 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Essex, MD and North Bethesda, MD.
1
Start on this road
359 ft
·
31 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
184 ft
·
15 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto MD 150
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Eastern Boulevard
4
Continue on MD 150
2.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Eastern Avenue
Use the none lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 95 South: Washington
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto I 95
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 95
Use the none lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95
29 mi
·
34 min
·
I 95
Use the slight right lane.
8
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 27
Toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda, College Park
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 495 West: Silver Spring, Bethesda
Use the none lane.
10
Merge onto I 495
8.2 mi
·
10 min
·
Capital Beltway
Use the none lane.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 34
Toward MD 355: Bethesda, Rockville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn straight onto MD 355
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Rockville Pike
Use the none lane.
13
Turn left onto Nicholson Lane
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Nicholson Lane
Use the left lane.
14
Turn left onto Commonwealth Drive
347 ft
·
17 sec
·
Commonwealth Drive
15
Turn right onto Tudor Lane
338 ft
·
15 sec
·
Tudor Lane
16
Continue on Tudor Lane
146 ft
·
6 sec
·
Tudor Lane
17
Arrive at destination
Tudor Lane
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick 47.6-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the drive in under an hour, meaning there is no need to worry about planning formal stops or mid-trip breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before you head out, though your total costs should hover around $8. Because you are dealing with a turn-heavy local route, double-check your GPS navigation before leaving Essex to ensure you are comfortable with the specific sequence of turns along Eastern Boulevard and Eastern Avenue. This flexibility allows you to focus on your arrival in North Bethesda without the stress of a long-haul itinerary.
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 23.4 miles from Essex, MD, or about 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.7 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 46.9 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 23.4 miles or 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North Bethesda, MD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Essex, 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 Essex, MD
This is one driving day of about 46.9 miles and 1h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Essex, 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 30.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 23.4 mi from Essex, MD · 33m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
23 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 46.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 23.4 miles from Essex, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in North Bethesda, MD
The final approach into North Bethesda, 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 North Bethesda, 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
$7.76 one way
$15.52 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
16 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $8.49 | $16.98 |
| premium | $4.92 | $9.09 | $18.18 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $10.42 | $20.84 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 16.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 14.1 | 0 | $4.92 | $2.25 |
| Efficient EV | 11.7 | 0 | $4.10 | $1.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 18.8 | 0 | $6.57 | $3.00 |
Gas CO2
16 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (69% 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
North Bethesda, MD
Evening in North Bethesda on Sunday
Local time
5:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
88°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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 6m 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 Essex, MD to North Bethesda, MD covers 46.9 miles and takes about 1h 6m 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 23.4 miles from Essex, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.76 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 13 significant decision points across 46.9 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 6 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Essex, MD and North Bethesda, MD, road signs point toward Bethesda, College Park and Rockville.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From North Bethesda, MD
More trips to North Bethesda, MD
Explore more options from Essex, MD or browse trips ending in North Bethesda, MD.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MD road trips.
Explore maps for Essex, MD or North Bethesda, MD on MapSof.net.