Origin
Williamsport, MD
Morning in Williamsport on Sunday
Local time
10:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Williamsport, MD to Essex, MD
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 46m
Distance
87.2 mi
140 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 38m
★
6 AM
1h 46m
8 AM
2h 2m
10 AM
1h 52m
12 PM
1h 50m
3 PM
1h 52m
5 PM
2h 1m
8 PM
1h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Williamsport, MD
Tranise Foster
Trip Overview
This 87.2-mile drive from Williamsport, MD to Essex, MD takes approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. You'll primarily be on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway and I-70 before transitioning to I-95. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, this route offers an economical journey. The drive is characterized by frequent turns, suggesting a more involved local road experience interspersed with highway travel. Given its manageable length and the regions remaining within the Northeast, this trip can be completed with ample time for activities at your destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.6 miles from Williamsport, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dwight D Eisenhower Highway | 49.4 mi | 53m |
| I 70 | 15.6 mi | 16m |
| I 95 | 9 mi | 12m |
| Baltimore Beltway | 4.7 mi | 6m |
| Eastern Avenue | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| East Potomac Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Eastern Boulevard | 1 mi | 2m |
| Maryland Veterans Memorial Highway | 0.8 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 49.4 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Williamsport, MD and Essex, MD.
1
Start on US 11; MD 63
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
East Potomac Street
2
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Toward I 81 North
3
Merge onto I 81
0.8 mi
·
56 sec
·
Maryland Veterans Memorial Highway
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 4
Toward I 70 East, I 70 West: Frederick, Hancock
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
Toward I 70 East: Frederick
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 70
49 mi
·
53 min
·
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 70; US 40
6.5 mi
·
6 min
·
I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
9.1 mi
·
9 min
·
I 70
Toward Baltimore
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 91B-A
Toward I 695 North, I 695 South: New York, Towson, Baltimore, Glen Burnie
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 91A
Toward I 695 South: Baltimore, Glen Burnie
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 695
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Baltimore Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 11A; 11B
Toward I 95 North, I 95 South: Baltimore, Washington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 11A
Toward I 95 North: Baltimore
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 95
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 59
Toward MD 150: Eastern Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
256 ft
·
8 sec
Toward MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East Essex
Use the right lane.
18
Turn right onto MD 150
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Eastern Avenue
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on MD 150
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Eastern Boulevard
20
Turn left onto North Taylor Avenue
211 ft
·
13 sec
·
North Taylor Avenue
21
Turn right
521 ft
·
38 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this trip is just under two hours and covers 87.2 miles, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Plan to leave Williamsport with enough daylight to comfortably navigate the 'turn-heavy' sections as you approach Essex. With a fuel cost of around $14, you should have sufficient gas for the journey, but it’s always wise to start with a full tank. While there are no specific stops noted, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 49.4-mile stretch on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, to ensure you don't need to search for services unexpectedly.
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 43.6 miles from Williamsport, MD, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 49.4 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 19 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.6 miles or 48m 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 24m
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 Williamsport, MD so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Williamsport, MD
This is one driving day of about 87.2 miles and 1h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Williamsport, MD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway for about 49.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
44 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 43.6 miles from Williamsport, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 83.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the exit toward I 70 East, I 70 West: Frederick, Hancock
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 4
Toward I 70 East, I 70 West: Frederick, Hancock
8
67.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m 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
68.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m 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
73.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m 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...
9
83.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 37m 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
$14.46 one way
$28.91 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
31 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $15.83 | $31.67 |
| premium | $4.93 | $16.91 | $33.82 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $19.25 | $38.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 26.2 | 0 | $9.16 | $4.19 |
| Efficient EV | 21.8 | 0 | $7.63 | $3.49 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 34.9 | 0 | $12.21 | $5.58 |
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (68% 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.
Destination
Essex, MD
Morning in Essex on Sunday
Local time
10:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
73°F
Mount Airy, MD
44 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
26 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 46m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive with a 'turn-heavy' profile, indicating a mix of highway speeds and more intricate local road navigation. While 28% of your journey will be on highways, including the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway and I-70, the overall character leans towards local driving. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 49.4 miles on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. This suggests that while there are opportunities for steady cruising, you should be prepared for more frequent adjustments and turns as you get closer to Essex.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 49.4 mi on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway.
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 2.2 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.2 miles you will encounter 18 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 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Williamsport, MD and Essex, MD, road signs point toward Baltimore, Towson, Glen Burnie and Washington.
Baltimore
58.8 mi in
|
~1h 5m
|
via I 70
Towson
67.9 mi in
|
~1h 14m
Glen Burnie
67.9 mi in
|
~1h 14m
Washington
73.3 mi in
|
~1h 22m
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 1h 46m. Total distance: 87.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 49.4 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Essex, MD before heading back.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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