Trip from Westernport, MD to Essex, MD

Drive Time

3h 27m

Distance

169.8 mi

273 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 15m ★

6 AM

3h 27m

8 AM

3h 51m

10 AM

3h 36m

12 PM

3h 33m

3 PM

3h 37m

5 PM

3h 50m

8 PM

3h 20m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Westernport, MD

Jason Morrison

Trip Overview

Spanning 170 miles across Maryland, this trip from Westernport to Essex takes approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes to complete. Because the travel time is under three hours, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend about $27 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly way to traverse the state. The route relies on local roads like Victory Post Drive, New Georges Creek Road Southwest, and West Main Street rather than major interstates. It is a practical choice for those who prefer a more grounded, turn-heavy driving experience over a high-speed highway commute.

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

84.9 miles from Westernport, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a technical and engaging ride, as this route is defined by its turn-heavy local road profile. With 0% of the drive occurring on major highways, you will stay off the typical interstate grind and remain on smaller, more intimate roadways. The navigation requires your full attention as you transition through the various local segments of the journey. This character makes for a very different feel than a standard highway cruise, offering a consistent, hands-on driving experience from start to finish. You should be prepared for a steady pace that favors local connectivity over high-speed travel.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Dwight D Eisenhower Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 71 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 150.5 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 169.8 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 150.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 150.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 156 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

150.5 mi into trip | ~2h 55m in

Take the exit toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen Burnie

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 91B-A Toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Tows...

150.7 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 91A Toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie

156 mi into trip | ~3h 3m in

Take the exit toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washington

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 11A; 11B Toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washi...

156.2 mi into trip | ~3h 4m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Baltimore

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 11A Toward I 95 North: Baltimore

166.3 mi into trip | ~3h 18m 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

Between Westernport, MD and Essex, MD, road signs point toward Baltimore, Towson, Glen Burnie and Washington.

Baltimore

141.4 mi in | ~2h 46m | via I 70

Towson

150.5 mi in | ~2h 55m

Glen Burnie

150.5 mi in | ~2h 55m

Washington

156 mi in | ~3h 3m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway	71 mi	1h 16m
National Freeway	45.7 mi	51m
I 70	15.6 mi	16m
New Georges Creek Road Southwest	11 mi	17m
I 95	9 mi	12m
Baltimore Beltway	4.7 mi	6m
I 70, US 40 (Dwight D Eisenhower Highway)	3.3 mi	3m
Eastern Avenue	2.3 mi	4m

Longest stretch: Dwight D Eisenhower Highway — 71 mi, about 1h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Main Street

173 ft · 6 sec · Main Street

Turn right onto Victory Post Drive

290 ft · 8 sec · Victory Post Drive

Turn right onto MD 36

7.4 mi · 11 min · New Georges Creek Road Southwest

Continue on MD 36

1.0 mi · 3 min · West Main Street

Continue on MD 36

1.7 mi · 3 min · Lower Georges Creek Road Southwest

Continue on MD 36

0.3 mi · 40 sec · New Georges Creek Road Southwest

Turn right onto Paradise Street Southwest

0.6 mi · 1 min · Paradise Street Southwest

Turn straight onto MD 36

3.3 mi · 5 min · New Georges Creek Road Southwest

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min

Merge onto I 68; US 40

46 mi · 51 min · National Freeway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 70; US 40

4.7 mi · 5 min · Dwight D Eisenhower Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 70; US 40

3.3 mi · 3 min · I 70, US 40 (Dwight D Eisenhower Highway)

Continue on I 70

66 mi · 1 hr 11 min · Dwight D Eisenhower Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 70; US 40

6.5 mi · 6 min · I 70; US 40

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 70

9.1 mi · 9 min · I 70

Toward Baltimore Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 16 sec

Exit 91B-A Toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen Burnie Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 91A Toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 695

4.7 mi · 6 min · Baltimore Beltway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Exit 11A; 11B Toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washington Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min

Exit 11A Toward I 95 North: Baltimore Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 95

4.7 mi · 6 min · I 95

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

4.3 mi · 5 min · I 95

Use the none lane.

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

Since this is a straightforward, sub-three-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility with your departure time to avoid local traffic congestion. Plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs, which will help keep you alert while navigating the winding local roads. Given the $27 fuel estimate, consider topping off your tank before leaving Westernport to avoid searching for stations on unfamiliar local stretches. Because the route relies entirely on local roads, keep a close eye on your GPS to ensure you don't miss any turns on the specific segments like New Georges Creek Road Southwest. Keeping your pace moderate will help you handle the turn-heavy sections with much greater ease.

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 84.9 miles from Westernport, MD, or about 1h 45m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71 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 80 miles or 1h 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 84.9 miles or 1h 45m 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 43m

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 Westernport, 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 Westernport, MD

This is one driving day of about 169.8 miles and 3h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Westernport, 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 Dwight D Eisenhower Highway for about 71 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 84.9 mi from Westernport, MD · 1h 45m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Washington, DC

85 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

Washington, DC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Washington, DC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.9 miles from Westernport, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Dwight D Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71 miles.

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

$28.10 one way

$56.19 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$30.74	$61.49
premium	$4.92	$32.90	$65.81
diesel	$5.64	$37.72	$75.45

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	50.9	$17.83	$8.15
Efficient EV	42.5	$14.86	$6.79
EV Truck/SUV	67.9	$23.77	$10.87

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (66% 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

Westernport, MD

Evening in Westernport on Sunday

Local time

7:50 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Essex, MD

Evening in Essex on Sunday

Local time

7:50 PM

EDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

68°F

Washington, DC

85 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

16 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 27m 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 Westernport, MD to Essex, MD covers 169.8 miles and takes about 3h 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, National Freeway, I 70. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 84.9 miles from Westernport, MD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.10 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.

Between Westernport, MD and Essex, MD, road signs point toward Baltimore, Towson, Glen Burnie and Washington.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Westernport, MD or browse trips ending in Essex, MD.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MD road trips.

Explore maps for Westernport, MD or Essex, MD on MapSof.net.

Trip from Westernport, 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

Westernport, MD

Essex, MD

Same local time

16 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 27m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Essex, MD

More from Westernport, MD

More trips to Essex, MD