Traveling from Cambridge to Essex covers 84.6 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes of drive time. This journey stays entirely within Maryland, moving through the Northeast region, and is easily manageable as a single-day trip. With a fuel budget of approximately $14, it is a cost-effective route that does not require an overnight stay. You will navigate using local roads like Cedar Street and Sunburst Highway, as well as the Senator Malkus Junior Bridge. Because the route is straightforward and relatively short, it serves as a practical connection between these two Maryland locations for commuters or day travelers.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
41.1 miles from Cambridge, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Ocean Gateway
50.6 mi
1h 11m
Governor Ritchie Highway
8 mi
12m
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
Senator Malkus Junior Bridge
1.6 mi
2m
Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Ocean Gateway
— 50.6 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cambridge, MD and Essex, MD.
1
Start on MD 341
0.2 mi·29 sec·Race Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
2
Turn right onto Cedar Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Cedar Street
3
Turn left onto US 50
0.6 mi·1 min·Sunburst Highway
4
Continue on US 50
1.6 mi·2 min·Senator Malkus Junior Bridge
5
Continue on US 50
51 mi·1 hr 11 min·Ocean Gateway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 27BToward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna ParkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto MD 2
8.0 mi·12 min·Governor Ritchie Highway
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore
9
Merge onto MD 10
1.1 mi·1 min·Arundel Expressway
10
Keep slight right at fork onto MD 10
3.4 mi·4 min·Arundel Expressway
Toward MD 10 North: BaltimoreUse the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward MD 270Use the slight right lane.
12
Turn left onto MD 270
0.8 mi·1 min·East Furnace Branch Road
Use the left lane.
13
Turn right onto MD 2
1.2 mi·2 min·Ritchie Highway
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn slight right
0.3 mi·20 sec
Toward I 895
15
Continue on Harbor Tunnel Throughway
3.1 mi·4 min·Harbor Tunnel Throughway
16
Continue on I 895
2.2 mi·3 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 895
1.4 mi·2 min·Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
18
Continue on I 895
1.2 mi·1 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 11AToward Boston StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn straight onto O'Donnell Street Cutoff
520 ft·14 sec·O'Donnell Street Cutoff
21
Turn left onto Interstate Avenue
0.1 mi·30 sec·Interstate Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 95 North: New York
23
Merge onto I 95
0.6 mi·51 sec·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·29 sec
Exit 59Toward MD 150: Eastern AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork
256 ft·8 sec
Toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East EssexUse the right lane.
26
Turn right onto MD 150
2.3 mi·4 min·Eastern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on MD 150
1.0 mi·2 min·Eastern Boulevard
28
Turn left onto North Taylor Avenue
211 ft·13 sec·North Taylor Avenue
29
Turn right
521 ft·38 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 1 hour and 38 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around local traffic patterns. Since there are no designated stops on this 84.6-mile route, consider fueling up before you hit the road to keep your $14 budget estimate accurate and avoid unnecessary detours. Because the route relies exclusively on local roads, stay mindful of speed limit changes and intersections as you transition between neighborhoods. Taking advantage of the shorter travel time allows you to adjust your schedule easily if you encounter unexpected delays. Always check your navigation system before leaving to ensure you are comfortable with the specific turns involved in navigating the Senator Malkus Junior Bridge.
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 41.1 miles from Cambridge, MD, or about 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.6 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 18 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 41.1 miles or 59m 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 42m
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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, MD
This is one driving day of about 82.2 miles and 2h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Cambridge, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Ocean Gateway for about 50.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 53.7 and 78.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
53.7 mi into trip|~1h 17m 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...
7
63.4 mi into trip|~1h 32m 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
7
77.1 mi into trip|~1h 53m 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
7
78.5 mi into trip|~1h 56m 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
9
78.7 mi into trip|~1h 56m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.63 one way
$27.26 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$14.93
$29.85
premium
$4.93
$15.94
$31.88
diesel
$5.61
$18.15
$36.30
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
$14
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.7
0
$8.63
$3.95
Efficient EV
20.6
0
$7.19
$3.29
EV Truck/SUV
32.9
0
$11.51
$5.26
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Cambridge, MD
Late night
in Cambridge on Sunday
Local time
12:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Essex, MD
Late night
in Essex on Sunday
Local time
12:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°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
21 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
2h 4m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was a deeply spiritual woman who lived her ideals and dedicated her life to freedom. She is the Underground Railroad’s best known conductor and before the Civil War repeatedly risked he...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. Since the highway share is 0%, you will spend the entire 84.6 miles navigating surface streets and local infrastructure. The road's personality is defined by its continuous shifts and turns, requiring you to stay alert through the various segments of the journey. You won't encounter long, uninterrupted stretches of highway, which keeps the driving experience engaging and dynamic from start to finish. It is a functional, hands-on trip that keeps you connected to the local landscape throughout the duration.
Only 6% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 50.6 mi on Ocean Gateway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 53.7 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 82.2 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 53.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.4 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 77.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Cambridge, MD to Essex, MD, road signs begin pointing toward Severna Park along the way.
Southeast Baltimore, fittingly, covers the areas in the southeast of Baltimore, ranging from industrial wastelands to charming neighborhoods both quiet and hip.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 4m. Total distance: 82.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 50.6 miles on Ocean Gateway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.23 in tolls one way, starting with Harbor Tunnel Thruway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Essex, MD before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 53.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.4 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 77.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Essex, MD before heading back.
