Spanning 170 miles across Maryland, this trip from Westernport to Essex takes approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes to complete. Because the travel time is under three hours, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend about $27 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly way to traverse the state. The route relies on local roads like Victory Post Drive, New Georges Creek Road Southwest, and West Main Street rather than major interstates. It is a practical choice for those who prefer a more grounded, turn-heavy driving experience over a high-speed highway commute.
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
84.9 miles from Westernport, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
71 mi
1h 16m
National Freeway
45.7 mi
51m
I 70
15.6 mi
16m
New Georges Creek Road Southwest
11 mi
17m
I 95
9 mi
12m
Baltimore Beltway
4.7 mi
6m
I 70, US 40 (Dwight D Eisenhower Highway)
3.3 mi
3m
Eastern Avenue
2.3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 71 mi, about 1h 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Westernport, MD and Essex, MD.
1
Start on Main Street
173 ft·6 sec·Main Street
2
Turn right onto Victory Post Drive
290 ft·8 sec·Victory Post Drive
3
Turn right onto MD 36
7.4 mi·11 min·New Georges Creek Road Southwest
4
Continue on MD 36
1.0 mi·3 min·West Main Street
5
Continue on MD 36
1.7 mi·3 min·Lower Georges Creek Road Southwest
6
Continue on MD 36
0.3 mi·40 sec·New Georges Creek Road Southwest
7
Turn right onto Paradise Street Southwest
0.6 mi·1 min·Paradise Street Southwest
8
Turn straight onto MD 36
3.3 mi·5 min·New Georges Creek Road Southwest
9
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
10
Merge onto I 68; US 40
46 mi·51 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
Since this is a straightforward, sub-three-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility with your departure time to avoid local traffic congestion. Plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs, which will help keep you alert while navigating the winding local roads. Given the $27 fuel estimate, consider topping off your tank before leaving Westernport to avoid searching for stations on unfamiliar local stretches. Because the route relies entirely on local roads, keep a close eye on your GPS to ensure you don't miss any turns on the specific segments like New Georges Creek Road Southwest. Keeping your pace moderate will help you handle the turn-heavy sections with much greater ease.
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 84.9 miles from Westernport, MD, or about 1h 45m 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 37 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.9 miles or 1h 45m 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 43m
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 Westernport, 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 Westernport, MD
This is one driving day of about 169.8 miles and 3h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Westernport, 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 150.5 and 166.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
150.5 mi into trip|~2h 55m 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
150.7 mi into trip|~2h 56m 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
156 mi into trip|~3h 3m 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
156.2 mi into trip|~3h 4m 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
166.3 mi into trip|~3h 18m 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
$28.15 one way
$56.30 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$30.83
$61.66
premium
$4.93
$32.93
$65.86
diesel
$5.61
$37.49
$74.98
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.9
0
$17.83
$8.15
Efficient EV
42.5
0
$14.86
$6.79
EV Truck/SUV
67.9
0
$23.77
$10.87
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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 18, 2026
Origin
Westernport, MD
Night
in Westernport on Saturday
Local time
9:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Essex, MD
Night
in Essex on Saturday
Local time
9:21 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
17 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 27m 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.
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 111.2
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...
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
$20
near mile 99.5
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!
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 111.2
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 128.8
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 ride, as this route is defined by its turn-heavy local road profile. With 0% of the drive occurring on major highways, you will stay off the typical interstate grind and remain on smaller, more intimate roadways. The navigation requires your full attention as you transition through the various local segments of the journey. This character makes for a very different feel than a standard highway cruise, offering a consistent, hands-on driving experience from start to finish. You should be prepared for a steady pace that favors local connectivity over high-speed travel.
43% 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 150.5 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 16 significant decision points across 169.8 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 150.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 150.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 156 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
1,936 ft39 ft
Total Climb
1,855 ft
Total Descent
2,735 ft
Highest Point
1,936 ft
~12.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,896 ft
Notable High Points
1,936 ft at ~12.1 miles+1,016 ft prominence
1,065 ft at ~97 miles+559 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Westernport, MD and Essex, MD, road signs point toward Baltimore, Towson, Glen Burnie and Washington.
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 27m. Total distance: 169.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
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 150.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 150.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 156 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 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Essex, MD, but most travelers stay overnight.
