Sunday traffic- leaving

Question

How bad is the traffic leaving OC on Sundays in August? I am used to the horrific traffic of leaving Cape Cod on Sundays. We have an 8:00pm flight out of BWI. Should we just plan on leaving early and spend time in Annapolis or somewhere else along the way?

Answer

Leaving Ocean City on a Sunday in August can be quite congested. This is one of the peak times for summer traffic as many visitors are heading home after weekend stays. Traffic typically builds on the main routes out of town, especially US-50 west toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and can slow significantly through bottleneck areas.

Here are some details and suggestions to consider:

Traffic volume: Expect heavy traffic on US-50 from Ocean City to Salisbury and approaching the Bay Bridge. Delays can easily add 1–2 hours to your drive depending on your exact departure time and any incidents on the road.
Timing your departure: Leaving mid-afternoon or early evening will usually coincide with the heaviest traffic. Many locals and visitors recommend departing Ocean City no later than early afternoon (around 1–2 pm) to avoid the worst congestion.
Alternative planning: Since you have an 8:00 pm flight from BWI, leaving Ocean City around late morning or early afternoon gives you a buffer. You can plan a stop along the way, such as Annapolis or a nearby town, to break up the trip and reduce stress.

Additional tips:

Check live traffic apps (Google Maps or Waze) before leaving, as conditions can change quickly with accidents or construction.
Consider leaving Ocean City earlier than your instinct tells you; the extra time can save a lot of stress and help ensure you reach BWI comfortably for your flight.
Pack snacks, drinks, and plan restroom stops—traffic jams can be slow and frustrating.

Overall, the key is to avoid leaving during peak late afternoon hours. Planning a leisurely stop along the way can also turn the long drive into part of your trip experience rather than just a stressful rush to the airport.