This 96.9-mile drive from Amesbury, MA to New Bedford, MA is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 6 minutes. You'll primarily navigate via Amvets Highway and I-95, with a portion on MA-140, offering a mixed driving experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $16, this trip is quite budget-friendly for a day excursion within the Northeast region. It's a practical route for those looking to travel between these two Massachusetts locations without needing an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
48.5 miles from Amesbury, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 5m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this route, with 55% of the journey being on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 23.3 miles on Amvets Highway, providing a consistent pace. As you transition between Amvets Highway, I-95, and MA-140, the road character will shift, offering a blend of faster highway speeds and potentially more varied local road conditions. This progression means you won't be stuck in one type of driving for the entire 2 hours.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Amvets Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 23.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 23.6 miles in.
Route Complexity7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 96.9 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 23.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 49.7 miles (I 93; US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 53.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
23.6 mi into trip|~29m in
Take the exit toward US 1 South: Boston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 66
Toward US 1 South: Boston
6
49.7 mi into trip|~1h 6m in|I 93; US 1
Keep slight right at fork onto I 93; US 1 toward I 93 South, US 1 South: Providence Rhode Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 93 South, US 1 South: Providence Rhode...
7
53.1 mi into trip|~1h 11m in
Take the exit toward MA 24 South: Fall River
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 4
Toward MA 24 South: Fall River
7
77.1 mi into trip|~1h 39m in
Take the exit toward MA 140 South: New Bedford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 17A
Toward MA 140 South: New Bedford
8
93.2 mi into trip|~1h 58m in
Take the exit toward Mount Pleasant Street, Airport Road
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 Mount Pleasant Street, Airport Road
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Amesbury, MA to New Bedford, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Boston along the way.
Boston
30.5 mi in|~40m|via US 1
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Amvets Highway
23.3 mi
26m
I 95
21.5 mi
24m
MA 140
15.9 mi
18m
Southeast Expressway
8 mi
10m
Tobin Bridge
5.8 mi
9m
Broadway
3.8 mi
5m
I 93
3.4 mi
4m
Northeast Expressway
3.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Amvets Highway
— 23.3 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amesbury, MA and New Bedford, MA.
1
Start on MA 150
144 ft·6 sec·Market Street
2
Continue on Elm Street
1.7 mi·3 min·Elm Street
3
Turn left onto MA 110
255 ft·13 sec·Macy Street
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward I 95 South: Peabody, Boston
5
Merge onto I 95
21 mi·24 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 66Toward US 1 South: BostonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Turn straight onto US 1
195 ft·3 sec·Newburyport Turnpike
8
Continue on US 1
1.4 mi·2 min·Newbury Street
9
Continue on US 1
0.6 mi·57 sec·Broadway
10
Continue on US 1; MA 129
0.3 mi·26 sec·Newburyport Turnpike
11
Continue on US 1; MA 129
3.2 mi·4 min·Broadway
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Continue on US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Newburyport Turnpike
13
Continue on US 1
1.5 mi·2 min·Bennett Highway
Toward Boston
14
Continue on US 1
0.8 mi·1 min·Cutler Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on US 1
3.1 mi·3 min·Northeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 1
5.8 mi·9 min·Tobin Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
8.0 mi·10 min·Southeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 93; US 1
3.4 mi·4 min·I 93; US 1
Toward I 93 South, US 1 South: Providence Rhode Island
19
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 4Toward MA 24 South: Fall RiverUse the slight left / straight lanes.
20
Continue on MA 24
23 mi·26 min·Amvets Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·37 sec
Exit 17AToward MA 140 South: New BedfordUse the right lane.
22
Turn straight onto MA 140
16 mi·18 min·MA 140
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Exit 4Toward Mount Pleasant Street, Airport RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn left onto Mount Pleasant Street
1.1 mi·2 min·Mount Pleasant Street
25
Turn left onto Nauset Street
0.3 mi·41 sec·Nauset Street
26
Continue on Purchase Street
1.8 mi·3 min·Purchase Street
27
Continue on Pleasant Street
432 ft·10 sec·Pleasant Street
28
Continue on Sixth Street
0.2 mi·31 sec·Sixth Street
29
Turn left onto Market Street
237 ft·15 sec·Market Street
30
Turn left onto Pleasant Street
172 ft·3 sec·Pleasant Street
31
Arrive at destination
Pleasant Street
Trip Plan
Given this is a manageable 96.9-mile trip, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience, though an early start can help you avoid any potential traffic, especially on I-95. The total drive time is just over 2 hours, so you likely won't need extensive stops, but keep an eye on your fuel gauge as the $16 estimate is for the entire journey. A good tip for this route is to be aware of the transitions between Amvets Highway, I-95, and MA-140, as these changes in road type can sometimes catch drivers off guard.
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 48.5 miles from Amesbury, MA, or about 1h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.3 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 80 miles or 1h 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.5 miles or 1h 5m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New Bedford, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Amesbury, MA 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 Amesbury, MA
This is one driving day of about 96.9 miles and 2h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Amesbury, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Amvets Highway for about 23.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 48.5 mi from Amesbury, MA
· 1h 5m into the drive
The midpoint is around 48.5 miles from Amesbury, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in New Bedford, MA
The final approach into New Bedford, MA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around New Bedford, MA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
National Historical Park
"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England..nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all t...
Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of American Revolution, and home to many who espoused that freedom can be extended to all.
From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill to the gentleman’s country estate at Peace field, Adams National Historical Park is the story of “heroes, statesmen, philosophers…and learned wome...
Originally established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the United States, Salem Maritime National Historical Park consists of nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 23.4
. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, view historic lighthouses, explore tide pools, hike lush trails, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking, or swimming—all within reach o...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 43.4
At Minute Man National Historical Park the opening battle of the Revolution is brought to life as visitors explore the battlefields and structures associated with April 19, 1775, and witness the Ameri...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 36.8
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
29.1
0
$10.17
$4.65
Efficient EV
24.2
0
$8.48
$3.88
EV Truck/SUV
38.8
0
$13.57
$6.20
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Forecast data refreshed 4 days ago
Origin
Amesbury, MA
Night
in Amesbury on Tuesday
Local time
11:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New Bedford, MA
Night
in New Bedford on Tuesday
Local time
11:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Brookhaven, NY
48 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
2 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
2h 6m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Amesbury, MA to New Bedford, MA covers 96.9 miles and takes about 2h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Amvets Highway, I 95, MA 140. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 48.5 miles from Amesbury, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.51 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 96.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 23.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 49.7 miles (I 93; US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 53.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Amesbury, MA to New Bedford, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Boston along the way.
