How far is Essex, MD from Gaithersburg, MD?
The driving distance from Essex, MD to Gaithersburg, MD is about 49.8 miles (80.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 40.5 miles (65.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 52m 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 00h 56m.
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 in Howard County, Maryland, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Essex and Gaithersburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Essex and Gaithersburg.
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1
Start on the route
109 m · 32 sec
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2
Turn left
56 m · 16 sec
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto Eastern Boulevard
1.6 km · 2 min · Eastern Boulevard
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4
Continue on Eastern Avenue
2.5 mi · 5 min · Eastern Avenue
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 95 South: Washington
1750 ft · 43 sec
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6
Merge slight left
2.1 mi · 3 min
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7
Keep slight right
24.5 mi · 30 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward MD 200 Toll West
1.5 km · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Intercounty Connector
9.5 mi · 12 min · Intercounty Connector
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10
Continue on Intercounty Connector
6.2 mi · 8 min · Intercounty Connector
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11
Continue straight
2718 ft · 41 sec
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12
Take the exit slight right toward MD 355: Rockville, Gaithersburg
1906 ft · 47 sec
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13
Turn right onto Frederick Road
1160 ft · 27 sec · Frederick Road
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14
Continue on South Frederick Avenue
1.6 mi · 3 min · South Frederick Avenue
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15
Turn left
26 m · 6 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Essex and Gaithersburg.
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.
I 95 South
Keep slight right
24.5 mi · 00h 30m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Essex and Mostly Sunny near Gaithersburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Essex to Gaithersburg?
The road trip is about 49.8 miles (80.1 km) and usually takes 00h 56m 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?
North Laurel is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.9 miles from Essex and 24.9 miles from Gaithersburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40.5 miles (65.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.3 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 4:38 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.19 one way or $14.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Essex and Mostly Sunny near Gaithersburg.
Stop Ideas Near North Laurel
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Bowie
Riverdale Park Town Hall
Town Hall Liquor And Bar
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to North Laurel.
BWI Rail Station
New Carrollton station
Rockville station
Washington Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Essex and Gaithersburg. Straight-line distance: 40.53 mi (65.23 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Gaithersburg
The second most populous city in Montgomery County, Maryland.
| Population | 67,741 |
| Coordinates | 39.1434400, -77.2013700 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-77.201269, 39.143361)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 80 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $7.19 | $14.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $8.09 | $16.19 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $8.72 | $17.44 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $10.52 | $21.05 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.