How far is Darnestown, MD from Essex, MD?
The driving distance from Darnestown, MD to Essex, MD is about 56 miles (90.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 45.9 miles (73.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 11m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 05m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Darnestown and Essex.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Darnestown and Essex.
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1
Start on the route
46 m · 17 sec
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2
Turn left
35 m · 16 sec
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3
Turn left onto Darnestown Road
2.5 mi · 5 min · Darnestown Road
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4
Turn left onto Quince Orchard Road
1.1 mi · 2 min · Quince Orchard Road
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5
Turn right onto Great Seneca Highway
2.1 mi · 3 min · Great Seneca Highway
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6
Turn left onto Sam Eig Highway
1.5 km · 2 min · Sam Eig Highway
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7
Continue straight
2.2 mi · 3 min
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8
Continue on Intercounty Connector
16.3 mi · 21 min · Intercounty Connector
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 95: Laurel, Burtonsville
2257 ft · 51 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on MD 198: Konterra Drive
2986 ft · 39 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on MD 198: Laurel, Burtonsville
1.5 km · 1 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on MD 198 West: Burtonsville
2970 ft · 39 sec
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13
Keep slight left
1.2 km · 50 sec
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14
Merge slight left
20.1 mi · 24 min
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15
Keep slight left
4.3 mi · 6 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward MD 150: Eastern Avenue
1335 ft · 30 sec
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17
Keep slight right to continue on MD 150 East: Eastern Avenue, East Essex
78 m · 8 sec
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18
Turn right onto Eastern Avenue
2.3 mi · 5 min · Eastern Avenue
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19
Continue on Eastern Boulevard
1.5 km · 2 min · Eastern Boulevard
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20
Turn left onto North Taylor Avenue
64 m · 13 sec · North Taylor Avenue
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21
Turn right
159 m · 38 sec
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Darnestown and Essex.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
MD 198 West
Merge slight left
20.1 mi · 00h 24m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Rain Showers leaving Darnestown and Rain Showers near Essex.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Darnestown to Essex?
The road trip is about 56 miles (90.2 km) and usually takes 01h 05m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
West Laurel is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.2 miles from Darnestown and 27.8 miles from Essex.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 45.9 miles (73.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:18 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.09 one way or $16.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Darnestown and Rain Showers near Essex.
Stop Ideas Near West Laurel
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Rockville City Hall
City of Bowie
Town Hall Liquor And Bar
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to West Laurel.
New Carrollton station
BWI Rail Station
Rockville station
Washington Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Darnestown and Essex. Straight-line distance: 45.94 mi (73.93 km).
#1 Darnestown
Census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States
| Population | 6,802 |
| Coordinates | 39.1034400, -77.2908200 |
| Altitude | 133 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Essex
This Baltimore County community is situated at an elevation of 39 feet.
| Population | 1,832,752 |
| Coordinates | 39.3092700, -76.4749600 |
| Altitude | 12 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-76.474993, 39.309318)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 90 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $8.09 | $16.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $9.11 | $18.21 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $9.81 | $19.62 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $11.84 | $23.68 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Maryland · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.