Spanning 195.4 miles, this Maryland trek connects Oakland to Essex in approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes. Since the entire trip is achievable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking overnight accommodations unless you prefer a slower pace. Plan for a fuel budget of roughly $31 to cover the distance between these two Northeast locations. Because the route relies on local roads rather than major interstates, you should expect a more immersive experience than a standard highway commute. It is a straightforward trip for those who prefer staying off the main turnpikes, though the turn-heavy nature of the roads requires your full attention.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
98.9 miles from Oakland, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 5m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
71 mi
1h 16m
National Freeway
61.4 mi
1h 8m
I 70
15.6 mi
16m
Bittinger Road
13.4 mi
23m
I 95
9 mi
12m
Garrett Highway
7.2 mi
10m
Glendale Road
5.4 mi
8m
Baltimore Beltway
4.7 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 71 mi, about 1h 16m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 25 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,766 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,300
Quietest
2 AM
~218 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oakland, MD and Essex, MD.
1
Start on this road
24 ft·7 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto East Alder Street
291 ft·18 sec·East Alder Street
3
Turn left onto South 4th Street
0.4 mi·1 min·South 4th Street
4
Turn left onto Memorial Drive
323 ft·13 sec·Memorial Drive
5
Turn right onto US 219
0.3 mi·51 sec·North 3rd Street
6
Continue on US 219
7.2 mi·10 min·Garrett Highway
7
Turn right onto Glendale Road
5.4 mi·8 min·Glendale Road
8
Turn left onto MD 495
13 mi·23 min·Bittinger Road
9
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·56 sec
10
Merge onto I 68; US 40; US 219
61 mi·1 hr 8 min·National Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 70; US 40
4.7 mi·5 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
12
Continue on I 70; US 40
3.3 mi·3 min·I 70, US 40 (Dwight D Eisenhower Highway)
13
Continue on I 70
66 mi·1 hr 11 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 70; US 40
6.5 mi·6 min·I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
9.1 mi·9 min·I 70
Toward BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 91B-AToward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen BurnieUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 91AToward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen BurnieUse the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto I 695
4.7 mi·6 min·Baltimore Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 11A; 11BToward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 11AToward I 95 North: BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 95
4.7 mi·6 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
4.3 mi·5 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·29 sec
Exit 59Toward MD 150: Eastern AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork
256 ft·8 sec
Toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East EssexUse the right lane.
25
Turn right onto MD 150
2.3 mi·4 min·Eastern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on MD 150
1.0 mi·2 min·Eastern Boulevard
27
Turn left onto North Taylor Avenue
211 ft·13 sec·North Taylor Avenue
28
Turn right
521 ft·38 sec
29
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the turn-heavy nature of these local roads, you should aim to depart during daylight hours to ensure clear visibility through the many maneuvers required. Pacing is key for this 3 hour and 21 minute drive, so plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refresh before completing the final leg. Since you are relying exclusively on local thoroughfares, keep an eye on your fuel gauge and consider topping off before you head out, keeping that $31 budget in mind. Use the flexibility of a one-day trip to your advantage by checking traffic patterns on your specific local roads before leaving. A smart tip for this route is to map out your turns on Memorial Drive and South 4th Street in advance, as local navigation can be more complex than highway driving.
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 98.9 miles from Oakland, MD, or about 2h 5m 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 44 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 98.9 miles or 2h 5m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 14m
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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, MD
This is one driving day of about 197.8 miles and 4h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Oakland, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 178.6 and 194.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
178.6 mi into trip|~3h 31m 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...
9
178.8 mi into trip|~3h 31m 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
8
184 mi into trip|~3h 39m 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...
8
184.2 mi into trip|~3h 39m 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
9
194.4 mi into trip|~3h 54m 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
$34.98 one way
$69.96 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg69 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$38.31
$76.63
premium
$5.24
$40.84
$81.67
diesel
$5.35
$41.66
$83.33
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
59.3
0
$20.77
$9.49
Efficient EV
49.5
0
$17.31
$7.91
EV Truck/SUV
79.1
0
$27.69
$12.66
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Oakland, MD
Afternoon
in Oakland on Wednesday
Local time
3:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Patchy Fog
W 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Essex, MD
Afternoon
in Essex on Wednesday
Local time
3:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Chance Rain Showers
W 3 mph1% chanceLive forecast
74°F
Centerville, PA
99 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
13 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
4h 2m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Monocacy National Battlefield
National Battlefield
During the summer of 1864, the Confederacy carried out a bold plan to turn the tide of the Civil War in their favor. They planned to capture Washington, DC and influence the election of 1864. On July...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 143.3
23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
$20
near mile 129.6
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
$20
near mile 129.6
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
Free
near mile 136.4
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potoma...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$20
near mile 156.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a technical and engaging journey, as this route is defined by a turn-heavy local profile rather than high-speed interstate travel. With a highway share of 0%, your hands will stay busy navigating local streets like East Alder Street, South 4th Street, and Memorial Drive. You won't find any long, monotonous stretches of open road here; instead, the path demands consistent focus as you transition through various local sectors. The personality of this drive is decidedly hands-on, offering a departure from the typical cruise-control experience found on major regional arteries. Prepare for a winding path that keeps you connected to the local landscape for the duration of the 195.4-mile trip.
45% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71 mi on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 178.6 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 19 significant decision points across 197.8 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 178.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 178.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,643 ft39 ft
Total Climb
1,164 ft
Total Descent
3,530 ft
Highest Point
2,643 ft
~14.1 mi in
Elevation Range
2,603 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Oakland, MD and Essex, MD, road signs point toward Baltimore, Towson, Glen Burnie and Washington.
Oakland is a small town in Garrett County, and one of the westernmost towns of Maryland. With a historic district, Oakland is one of the prettier towns in the area for a stroll.
Top landmarks
•Oakland station — former railway station in Oakland, Maryland
•Garrett County Courthouse — historic county courthouse in Oakland, Maryland, United States
Southeast Baltimore, fittingly, covers the areas in the southeast of Baltimore, ranging from industrial wastelands to charming neighborhoods both quiet and hip.
This route is definitely doable as a same-day drive for a weekend trip, clocking in at under 200 miles and just over 4 hours, leaving you plenty of time for your destination.
Family Friendly
The 10/10 complexity navigation might be a challenge with kids in tow, so plan for plenty of entertainment during the 4-hour drive, especially since only 45% of it is highway.
Solo Traveler
At 197.8 miles and just over 4 hours, this drive is easily manageable solo, but the 10/10 complexity means you'll need to stay sharp, especially with only 45% highway driving.
Scenic Drive
With a good mix of highway (45%) and local roads, plus national parks nearby, this route offers a scenic drive, though be prepared for the high complexity rating of 10/10.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 71 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 13 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 178.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 178.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Monocacy National Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Essex, MD, but most travelers stay overnight.
