Trip from Ridgely, MD to Essex, MD

Drive Time

1h 40m

Distance

65.5 mi

105 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 33m ★

6 AM

1h 41m

8 AM

1h 56m

10 AM

1h 46m

12 PM

1h 44m

3 PM

1h 47m

5 PM

1h 55m

8 PM

1h 36m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Ridgely, MD

RDNE Stock project

Trip Overview

Connecting Ridgely to Essex, this 67.5-mile journey is an efficient trip that clocks in at approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes. Because the drive is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, requiring no overnight stays. You can expect to spend roughly $11 on fuel to complete the trek between these two Maryland locations. Navigating through the Northeast region of the state, the route relies entirely on local roads rather than high-speed interstates. It is a practical choice for those who prefer avoiding heavy highway traffic in favor of a more direct, localized path.

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

32.7 miles from Ridgely, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 47m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Since the route features a 0% highway share, you will spend the entire 67.5 miles navigating surfaces like Central Avenue, 6th Street, and Ridgely Road. This setup creates a consistent, localized rhythm rather than the monotonous pace of an interstate cruise. Because there are no long, uninterrupted stretches, the drive feels active and requires frequent adjustments. You should prepare for a drive that prioritizes local connectivity over high-speed transit.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 34 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 36.9 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 65.5 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 36.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.6 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 60.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 22 key points

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

36.9 mi into trip | ~53m 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...

46.6 mi into trip | ~1h 8m 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

60.4 mi into trip | ~1h 29m 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

61.7 mi into trip | ~1h 31m 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

62 mi into trip | ~1h 32m 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 Along This Route

On the drive from Ridgely, MD to Essex, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.

Severna Park

36.9 mi in | ~53m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Ocean Gateway	26.1 mi	36m
Governor Ritchie Highway	8 mi	12m
Queen Anne Highway	6.2 mi	8m
Arundel Expressway	4.5 mi	6m
Harbor Tunnel Thruway	3.4 mi	5m
Harbor Tunnel Throughway	3.1 mi	4m
Ridgely Road	2.8 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 Ridgely, MD and Essex, MD.

Start on East Bell Street

18 ft · 5 sec · East Bell Street

Turn left onto MD 312

0.4 mi · 50 sec · Central Avenue

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto MD 312; MD 480

0.5 mi · 56 sec · 6th Street

Use the right lane.

Continue on MD 312; MD 480

2.8 mi · 4 min · Ridgely Road

Take the ramp

348 ft · 9 sec

Merge onto MD 404

0.7 mi · 58 sec · 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 none lane.

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

Use the none lane.

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

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 895

2.2 mi · 3 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway

Use the none / 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 none / 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 none / 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 none lane.

Continue on MD 150

1.0 mi · 2 min · Eastern Boulevard

Use the none lane.

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 17 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility when planning your departure time. Since the trip is short and requires no scheduled stops, you can easily complete it in one go without needing to build in rest breaks. Keep in mind that because you are traveling on local roads, traffic patterns can shift quickly, so check your navigation app before heading out to account for any localized congestion. Budgeting $11 for fuel is sufficient for this distance, but topping off your tank before leaving Ridgely ensures you won't need to hunt for a station along the way. Use the lack of highway miles to your advantage by enjoying the steady pace of the local roads throughout the journey.

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 32.7 miles from Ridgely, MD, or about 47m 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 65.5 miles or 1h 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 32.7 miles or 47m 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 21m

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 Ridgely, 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 Ridgely, MD

This is one driving day of about 65.5 miles and 1h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ridgely, 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 32.7 mi from Ridgely, MD · 47m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

33 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 65.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 32.7 miles from Ridgely, 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

$10.84 one way

$21.68 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 23 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$11.86	$23.72
premium	$4.92	$12.69	$25.39
diesel	$5.64	$14.55	$29.10

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

$36–$61

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 22.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	19.7	$6.88	$3.14
Efficient EV	16.4	$5.73	$2.62
EV Truck/SUV	26.2	$9.17	$4.19

Gas CO2

23 kg

EV CO2

8 kg (65% 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 3 days ago

Origin

Ridgely, MD

Night in Ridgely on Sunday

Local time

9:24 PM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Essex, MD

Night in Essex on Sunday

Local time

9:24 PM

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

15 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 40m 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 Ridgely, MD to Essex, MD covers 65.5 miles and takes about 1h 40m 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 32.7 miles from Ridgely, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.84 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 Ridgely, MD to Essex, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.

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Trip from Ridgely, MD to Essex, MD

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

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

Ridgely, MD

Essex, MD

Same local time

15 degrees warmer at arrival

1h 40m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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