Connecting Ridgely to Essex, this 67.5-mile journey is an efficient trip that clocks in at approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes. Because the drive is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, requiring no overnight stays. You can expect to spend roughly $11 on fuel to complete the trek between these two Maryland locations. Navigating through the Northeast region of the state, the route relies entirely on local roads rather than high-speed interstates. It is a practical choice for those who prefer avoiding heavy highway traffic in favor of a more direct, localized path.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
32.7 miles from Ridgely, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Ocean Gateway
26.1 mi
36m
Governor Ritchie Highway
8 mi
12m
Queen Anne Highway
6.2 mi
8m
Arundel Expressway
4.5 mi
6m
Harbor Tunnel Thruway
3.4 mi
5m
Harbor Tunnel Throughway
3.1 mi
4m
Ridgely Road
2.8 mi
4m
Eastern Avenue
2.3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Ocean Gateway
— 26.1 mi, about 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ridgely, MD and Essex, MD.
1
Start on East Bell Street
18 ft·5 sec·East Bell Street
2
Turn left onto MD 312
0.4 mi·50 sec·Central Avenue
Use the right lane.
3
Turn right onto MD 312; MD 480
0.5 mi·56 sec·6th Street
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on MD 312; MD 480
2.8 mi·4 min·Ridgely Road
5
Take the ramp
348 ft·9 sec
6
Merge onto MD 404
0.7 mi·58 sec·Shore Highway
7
Continue on MD 404
6.2 mi·8 min·Queen Anne Highway
8
Take the exit
527 ft·14 sec
9
Merge onto US 50
26 mi·36 min·Ocean Gateway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 27BToward MD 2 North: Ritchie Highway, Severna ParkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto MD 2
8.0 mi·12 min·Governor Ritchie Highway
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward MD 10 North, I 695: Baltimore
13
Merge onto MD 10
1.1 mi·1 min·Arundel Expressway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto MD 10
3.4 mi·4 min·Arundel Expressway
Toward MD 10 North: BaltimoreUse the slight right lane.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward MD 270Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn left onto MD 270
0.8 mi·1 min·East Furnace Branch Road
Use the left lane.
17
Turn right onto MD 2
1.2 mi·2 min·Ritchie Highway
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn slight right
0.3 mi·20 sec
Toward I 895
19
Continue on Harbor Tunnel Throughway
3.1 mi·4 min·Harbor Tunnel Throughway
20
Continue on I 895
2.2 mi·3 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 895
1.4 mi·2 min·Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
22
Continue on I 895
1.2 mi·1 min·Harbor Tunnel Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 11AToward Boston StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto O'Donnell Street Cutoff
520 ft·14 sec·O'Donnell Street Cutoff
25
Turn left onto Interstate Avenue
0.1 mi·30 sec·Interstate Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 95 North: New York
27
Merge onto I 95
0.6 mi·51 sec·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·29 sec
Exit 59Toward MD 150: Eastern AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork
256 ft·8 sec
Toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East EssexUse the right lane.
30
Turn right onto MD 150
2.3 mi·4 min·Eastern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
31
Continue on MD 150
1.0 mi·2 min·Eastern Boulevard
32
Turn left onto North Taylor Avenue
211 ft·13 sec·North Taylor Avenue
33
Turn right
521 ft·38 sec
34
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 1 hour and 17 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility when planning your departure time. Since the trip is short and requires no scheduled stops, you can easily complete it in one go without needing to build in rest breaks. Keep in mind that because you are traveling on local roads, traffic patterns can shift quickly, so check your navigation app before heading out to account for any localized congestion. Budgeting $11 for fuel is sufficient for this distance, but topping off your tank before leaving Ridgely ensures you won't need to hunt for a station along the way. Use the lack of highway miles to your advantage by enjoying the steady pace of the local roads throughout the journey.
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 32.7 miles from Ridgely, MD, or about 47m 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 14 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 32.7 miles or 47m 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 21m
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 Ridgely, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Ridgely, MD
This is one driving day of about 65.5 miles and 1h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 14 miles from Ridgely, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 36.9 and 62 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
36.9 mi into trip|~53m 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
46.6 mi into trip|~1h 8m 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
60.4 mi into trip|~1h 29m 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
61.7 mi into trip|~1h 31m 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
62 mi into trip|~1h 32m 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
$10.86 one way
$21.72 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg23 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$11.89
$23.79
premium
$4.93
$12.70
$25.41
diesel
$5.61
$14.46
$28.92
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
$11
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 22.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
19.7
0
$6.88
$3.14
Efficient EV
16.4
0
$5.73
$2.62
EV Truck/SUV
26.2
0
$9.17
$4.19
Gas CO2
23 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (65% 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
Ridgely, MD
Night
in Ridgely on Saturday
Local time
10:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Essex, MD
Night
in Essex on Saturday
Local time
10:53 PM
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
25 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
1h 40m 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 that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Since the route features a 0% highway share, you will spend the entire 67.5 miles navigating surfaces like Central Avenue, 6th Street, and Ridgely Road. This setup creates a consistent, localized rhythm rather than the monotonous pace of an interstate cruise. Because there are no long, uninterrupted stretches, the drive feels active and requires frequent adjustments. You should prepare for a drive that prioritizes local connectivity over high-speed transit.
Only 8% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
34 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 36.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 65.5 miles you will encounter 22 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 36.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.6 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 60.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
108 ft0 ft
Total Climb
185 ft
Total Descent
212 ft
Highest Point
108 ft
~46.8 mi in
Elevation Range
108 ft
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 Ridgely, 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 1h 40m. Total distance: 65.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 40m 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.
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.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 36.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.6 miles (MD 10 / Arundel Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 60.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Essex, MD before heading back.
