Spanning 134.1 miles, the journey from Princess Anne to Essex takes approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes of travel time. Because this trip is comfortably manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. You will primarily navigate via Somerset Avenue, UMES Boulevard, and Ocean Highway to reach your destination. Budgeting about $22 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. Both your starting point and destination are located in the Northeast region of Maryland, keeping the terrain and environment consistent throughout your travel. This route functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, allowing you to get where you need to go without the stress of an extended multi-day itinerary.
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
64.7 miles from Princess Anne, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 26m 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
Salisbury Bypass
10.8 mi
12m
Governor Ritchie Highway
8 mi
12m
Seashore Highway
7.5 mi
9m
Queen Anne Highway
6.2 mi
8m
Ocean Highway
5.9 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
Ocean Gateway
— 26.1 mi, about 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Princess Anne, MD and Essex, MD.
1
Start on Washington Street
135 ft·7 sec·Washington Street
2
Turn right onto MD 675
1.1 mi·2 min·Somerset Avenue
3
Enter roundabout onto MD 822
255 ft·5 sec·UMES Boulevard
4
Continue on MD 822
386 ft·7 sec·UMES Boulevard
5
Turn right onto US 13
5.9 mi·8 min·Ocean Highway
6
Continue on US 13
0.3 mi·22 sec·South Fruitland Boulevard
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 13
11 mi·12 min·Salisbury Bypass
8
Take the exit onto US 13
0.3 mi·36 sec·US 13
Toward US 13 North, US 13 Business: Salisbury, Dover
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 13
0.2 mi·27 sec·US 13
Toward US 13 North: Dover
10
Merge onto US 13
0.8 mi·1 min·North Salisbury Boulevard
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 13
3.1 mi·3 min·North Salisbury Boulevard
12
Continue on US 13
19 mi·26 min·Sussex Highway
13
Take the exit
166 ft·5 sec
14
Continue on Rifle Range Road
0.1 mi·18 sec·Rifle Range Road
15
Turn right onto US 13 Business; DE 404 Business
1.0 mi·1 min·South Main Street
16
Turn left onto DE 404 Business
0.4 mi·45 sec·Market Street
17
Turn right onto DE 404 Business
7.5 mi·9 min·Seashore Highway
18
Continue on MD 404
17 mi·24 min·Shore Highway
19
Continue on MD 404
6.2 mi·8 min·Queen Anne Highway
20
Take the exit
527 ft·14 sec
21
Merge onto US 50
26 mi·36 min·Ocean Gateway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 27BToward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna ParkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto MD 2
8.0 mi·12 min·Governor Ritchie Highway
24
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore
25
Merge onto MD 10
1.1 mi·1 min·Arundel Expressway
26
Keep slight right at fork onto MD 10
3.4 mi·4 min·Arundel Expressway
Toward MD 10 North: BaltimoreUse the slight right lane.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward MD 270Use the slight right lane.
28
Turn left onto MD 270
0.8 mi·1 min·East Furnace Branch Road
Use the left lane.
29
Turn right onto MD 2
1.2 mi·2 min·Ritchie Highway
Use the straight lane.
30
Turn slight right
0.3 mi·20 sec
Toward I 895
31
Continue on Harbor Tunnel Throughway
3.1 mi·4 min·Harbor Tunnel Throughway
32
Continue on I 895
2.2 mi·3 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on I 895
1.4 mi·2 min·Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
34
Continue on I 895
1.2 mi·1 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 11AToward Boston StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Turn straight onto O'Donnell Street Cutoff
520 ft·14 sec·O'Donnell Street Cutoff
37
Turn left onto Interstate Avenue
0.1 mi·30 sec·Interstate Avenue
Use the left lane.
38
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 95 North: New York
39
Merge onto I 95
0.6 mi·51 sec·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Take the exit
0.3 mi·29 sec
Exit 59Toward MD 150: Eastern AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Keep slight right at fork
256 ft·8 sec
Toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East EssexUse the right lane.
42
Turn right onto MD 150
2.3 mi·4 min·Eastern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
43
Continue on MD 150
1.0 mi·2 min·Eastern Boulevard
44
Turn left onto North Taylor Avenue
211 ft·13 sec·North Taylor Avenue
45
Turn right
521 ft·38 sec
46
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a 2.5-hour local trek, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though leaving early can help you avoid local traffic buildup on the primary arterial roads. Because there are no scheduled stops in the route plan, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you depart to avoid searching for stations along these local stretches. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition from UMES Boulevard onto the Ocean Highway, as the turn-heavy nature of the route can be easy to miscalculate. If you find the local driving tiring, remember that you can easily pull over at your discretion to stretch your legs since you aren't tied to a rigid interstate schedule. Use your $22 fuel budget as a baseline, but consider keeping a little extra cash on hand for any unexpected detours or local services you might encounter along the way.
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 64.7 miles from Princess Anne, MD, or about 1h 26m 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 28 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64.7 miles or 1h 26m 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 25m
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 Princess Anne, 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 Princess Anne, MD
This is one driving day of about 129.4 miles and 3h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Princess Anne, 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.
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 100.9 and 126 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
100.9 mi into trip|~2h 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
110.6 mi into trip|~2h 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
124.3 mi into trip|~2h 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
125.7 mi into trip|~2h 55m 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
126 mi into trip|~2h 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
$21.45 one way
$42.91 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg45 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$23.50
$46.99
premium
$4.93
$25.10
$50.19
diesel
$5.61
$28.57
$57.14
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
$21
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
38.8
0
$13.59
$6.21
Efficient EV
32.4
0
$11.32
$5.18
EV Truck/SUV
51.8
0
$18.12
$8.28
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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 15, 2026
Origin
Princess Anne, MD
Morning
in Princess Anne on Sunday
Local time
6:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Essex, MD
Morning
in Essex on Sunday
Local time
6:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Ridgely, MD
65 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
24 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 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate haul, as this route maintains a 0% highway share. You will spend the entire 134.1 miles navigating local roads, which keeps the driving experience engaging and requires your full attention at the wheel. The transitions between Somerset Avenue and Ocean Highway create a steady, rhythmic pace that feels distinct from the monotony of major freeways. Since there are no major highway stretches, the drive feels localized and grounded in the immediate surroundings of the Maryland landscape. Prepare for a hands-on experience where you will be making frequent adjustments rather than settling into a long, uninterrupted cruise.
Only 4% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
46 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 100.9 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 31 significant decision points across 129.4 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 100.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.6 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 124.3 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 Princess Anne, MD and Essex, MD, road signs point toward Dover and Severna Park.
Princess Anne is in the Eastern Shore region of Maryland. It is a small historic town in Somerset County, Maryland, only fifteen minutes away from Salisbury.
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 3h 4m. Total distance: 129.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
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 100.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.6 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 124.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Essex, MD, but most travelers stay overnight.
