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Trip from Crisfield, MD to Essex, MD

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 31m

Distance

148.2 mi

239 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 19m ★
6 AM
3h 31m
8 AM
3h 56m
10 AM
3h 40m
12 PM
3h 37m
3 PM
3h 41m
5 PM
3h 55m
8 PM
3h 24m

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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city in Somerset County, Maryland, United States

Crisfield, MD

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking on the 148.2-mile journey from Crisfield, MD, to Essex, MD, will take approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes. This drive is well-suited as a single-day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of around $25. You'll primarily navigate via Ocean Gateway, Sussex Highway, and Shore Highway, experiencing a route with a notable number of turns. The drive traverses within the Northeast region, offering a local feel throughout its entirety. Consider this a straightforward drive perfect for a day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your timing.

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

74.1 miles from Crisfield, MD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Ocean Gateway 26.1 mi 36m
Sussex Highway 19.3 mi 26m
Shore Highway 17.4 mi 24m
Crisfield Highway 13 mi 18m
Ocean Highway 11.8 mi 16m
Salisbury Bypass 10.8 mi 12m
Governor Ritchie Highway 8 mi 12m
Seashore Highway 7.5 mi 9m
Longest stretch: Ocean Gateway — 26.1 mi, about 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on North 4th Street

400 ft · 20 sec · North 4th Street
2

Continue on North 4th Street

124 ft · 7 sec · North 4th Street
3

Turn right onto MD 413

1.0 mi · 1 min · Richardson Avenue
4

Continue on MD 413

13 mi · 18 min · Crisfield Highway
5

Take the ramp onto MD 413

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Crisfield Highway
6

Merge onto US 13

12 mi · 16 min · Ocean Highway
7

Continue on US 13

0.3 mi · 22 sec · South Fruitland Boulevard
8

Keep slight left at fork onto US 13

11 mi · 12 min · Salisbury Bypass
9

Take the exit onto US 13

0.3 mi · 36 sec · US 13
Toward US 13 North, US 13 Business: Salisbury, Dover
10

Keep slight right at fork onto US 13

0.2 mi · 27 sec · US 13
Toward US 13 North: Dover
11

Merge onto US 13

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Salisbury Boulevard
12

Keep slight right at fork onto US 13

3.1 mi · 3 min · North Salisbury Boulevard
13

Continue on US 13

19 mi · 26 min · Sussex Highway
14

Take the exit

166 ft · 5 sec
15

Continue on Rifle Range Road

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Rifle Range Road
16

Turn right onto US 13 Business; DE 404 Business

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
17

Turn left onto DE 404 Business

0.4 mi · 45 sec · Market Street
18

Turn right onto DE 404 Business

7.5 mi · 9 min · Seashore Highway
19

Continue on MD 404

17 mi · 24 min · Shore Highway
20

Continue on MD 404

6.2 mi · 8 min · Queen Anne Highway
21

Take the exit

527 ft · 14 sec
22

Merge onto US 50

26 mi · 36 min · Ocean Gateway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Exit 27B Toward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna Park Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Merge onto MD 2

8.0 mi · 12 min · Governor Ritchie Highway
25

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore
26

Merge onto MD 10

1.1 mi · 1 min · Arundel Expressway
27

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.
28

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Toward MD 270 Use the slight right lane.
29

Turn left onto MD 270

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Furnace Branch Road
Use the left lane.
30

Turn right onto MD 2

1.2 mi · 2 min · Ritchie Highway
Use the straight lane.
31

Turn slight right

0.3 mi · 20 sec
Toward I 895
32

Continue on Harbor Tunnel Throughway

3.1 mi · 4 min · Harbor Tunnel Throughway
33

Continue on I 895

2.2 mi · 3 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Continue on I 895

1.4 mi · 2 min · Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
35

Continue on I 895

1.2 mi · 1 min · Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 11A Toward Boston Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37

Turn straight onto O'Donnell Street Cutoff

520 ft · 14 sec · O'Donnell Street Cutoff
38

Turn left onto Interstate Avenue

0.1 mi · 30 sec · Interstate Avenue
Use the left lane.
39

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward I 95 North: New York
40

Merge onto I 95

0.6 mi · 51 sec · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 29 sec
Exit 59 Toward MD 150: Eastern Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42

Keep slight right at fork

256 ft · 8 sec
Toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East Essex Use the right lane.
43

Turn right onto MD 150

2.3 mi · 4 min · Eastern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
44

Continue on MD 150

1.0 mi · 2 min · Eastern Boulevard
45

Turn left onto North Taylor Avenue

211 ft · 13 sec · North Taylor Avenue
46

Turn right

521 ft · 38 sec
47

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3.5-hour duration, departing in the morning from Crisfield, MD, will allow ample time to reach Essex, MD, without feeling rushed. While only one official stop is suggested, you'll find opportunities to pull over as needed on this local drive. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $25 for the 148.2-mile trip. A specific tip for this route: be mindful of the frequent turns, especially on Ocean Gateway, and ensure your navigation is set up before you begin to avoid unnecessary delays.

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 74.1 miles from Crisfield, MD, or about 1h 40m 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 33 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 74.1 miles or 1h 40m 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 47m

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 Crisfield, 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 Crisfield, MD

This is one driving day of about 148.2 miles and 3h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Crisfield, 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 Ocean Gateway for about 26.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Washington County, Maryland, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Boonsboro, MD

74 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.

Popular next leg

Boonsboro, MD to Essex, MD

66.3 mi · 1h 41m

Pacing Suggestions

Salisbury, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Boonsboro, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 74.1 miles from Crisfield, MD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

The Narrows Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grasonville, Maryland

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 105.9

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14108278113

Visit website

Cafe Milano

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Crisfield, Maryland

0.1 mi

Bridges Restaurant on Kent Narrows

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grasonville, Maryland

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Bagel Bakery Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Salisbury, Maryland

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.8

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+14105438249

Visit website

Together Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Salisbury, Maryland

2.8 mi

The Narrows Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 105.9

Grasonville, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14108278113

Visit website

Cafe Milano

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Crisfield, Maryland

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+14109681082

Visit website

Bridges Restaurant on Kent Narrows

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 105.9

Grasonville, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+14108270282

Visit website

Fisherman's Inn Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 105.9

Grasonville, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14108278807

Visit website

Waters Edge Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Crisfield, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16678684100

Visit website

Royal Spice Nepalese & Indian Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 137.6

Linthicum Heights, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+14105895166

Visit website

G & M Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 137.6

Linthicum Heights, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14106361777

Visit website

LoonAsea Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 148.2

Essex, Maryland

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+14435058895

Visit website

Bagel Bakery Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.8

Salisbury, Maryland

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+14105438249

Visit website

Cafe Grande

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 21.2

Princess Anne, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+14106517747

Together Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 31.8

Salisbury, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+14105437264

Visit website

Craft Bakery & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 84.7

Denton, Maryland

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+14109347519

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 148.2

Essex, Maryland

+18559007584

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 137.6

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 148.2

Rosedale, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 137.6

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 137.6

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 148.2

Rosedale, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 148.2

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 137.6

Halethorpe, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Capital Hotel Annapolis

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 116.5

Annapolis, Maryland

+14438376481

Visit website

Salisbury Zoological Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 31.8

Salisbury, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–4:30 pm

+14105483188

Visit website

Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 137.6

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+14102460669

Visit website

Riverside Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 137.6

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+14103967931

Baltimore Museum of Industry

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 137.6

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+14107274808

Visit website

American Visionary Art Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 137.6

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+14102441900

Visit website

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 137.6

Baltimore, Maryland

+14106859800

Visit website

Maryland Science Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 137.6

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+14106852370

Visit website

Historic Ships in Baltimore

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 137.6

Baltimore, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+14105391797

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 31

5 decision points cluster between mile 119.6 and 144.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
119.6 mi into trip | ~2h 43m 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
129.4 mi into trip | ~2h 59m 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
143.1 mi into trip | ~3h 19m 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
144.5 mi into trip | ~3h 22m 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
144.7 mi into trip | ~3h 22m 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

$24.57 one way

$49.14 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $26.91 $53.82
premium $4.93 $28.74 $57.48
diesel $5.61 $32.72 $65.44

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

$25

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 51.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 44.5 0 $15.56 $7.11
Efficient EV 37.1 0 $12.97 $5.93
EV Truck/SUV 59.3 0 $20.75 $9.48

Gas CO2

52 kg

EV CO2

17 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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Crisfield, MD

Night in Crisfield on Saturday

Local time

9:20 PM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Essex, MD

Night in Essex on Saturday

Local time

9:20 PM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

75°F

Boonsboro, MD

74 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

6 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 31m 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.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore

National Seashore

Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime for...

25 mi from route ~63 min detour $25 near mile 15.3
View on nps.gov
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

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...

29 mi from route ~72 min detour Free near mile 20.4
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route presents a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, meaning you'll encounter frequent changes in direction rather than long, straight stretches. With only a 4% highway share, expect a more engaged driving experience on local roads. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is 26.1 miles on Ocean Gateway. As you progress, the road character will largely remain consistent, emphasizing local navigation over high-speed transit.

Only 4% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 26.1 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 119.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 31 significant decision points across 148.2 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 119.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.4 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 143.1 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.

Between Crisfield, MD and Essex, MD, road signs point toward Dover and Severna Park.

Dover

37.1 mi in | ~49m | via US 13

Severna Park

119.6 mi in | ~2h 43m

About the Cities

Arriving in Essex, MD

Full guide →

Southeast Baltimore, fittingly, covers the areas in the southeast of Baltimore, ranging from industrial wastelands to charming neighborhoods both quiet and hip.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 31m. Total distance: 148.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 26.1 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.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 119.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.4 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 143.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Assateague Island National Seashore and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Essex, MD, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Frostburg, MD 156.3 mi · 3h 6m Greensboro, MD 70.5 mi · 1h 48m Boonsboro, MD 66.9 mi · 1h 41m Montgomery Village, MD 52.3 mi · 1h 14m

More from Crisfield, MD

Bowie, MD 135.5 mi · 3h 5m

More trips to Essex, MD

Oakland, MD 197.8 mi Westernport, MD 169.8 mi Cumberland, MD 146.7 mi Snow Hill, MD 132.1 mi Princess Anne, MD 129.4 mi Berlin, MD 128.5 mi
Escape planner: Crisfield, MD Scenic drives in MD

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