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Trip from Boston, MA to Three Rivers, MA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

1h 36m

Distance

76.5 mi

123 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 29m ★
6 AM
1h 37m
8 AM
1h 51m
10 AM
1h 42m
12 PM
1h 40m
3 PM
1h 43m
5 PM
1h 51m
8 PM
1h 32m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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capital and largest city of Massachusetts, United States

Boston, MA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Three Rivers, MA, MA

Three Rivers, MA

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

The drive from Boston, MA to Three Rivers, MA covers 76.5 miles and takes about 1h 36m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Massachusetts Turnpike, North Main Street, Tremont Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 71 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. At current regular gas prices, budget about $12.24 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

38.2 miles from Boston, MA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 36m. Total distance: 76.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 1h 36m highway drive covering 76.5 miles, with most of the trip on Massachusetts Turnpike and North Main Street. The longest continuous stretch is about 71 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Massachusetts Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 71 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Massachusetts Turnpike and North Main Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 36m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles (I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 55.9 miles (I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 8 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
1 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward I 90 West, Massachusetts Turnpike Toll West

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 90 West, Massachusetts Turnpike Toll W...
5
1.1 mi into trip | ~3m in | I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike

Merge onto I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
55.9 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in | I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
72.1 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Take the exit toward MA 32: Palmer, Ware

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 63 Toward MA 32: Palmer, Ware
5
72.9 mi into trip | ~1h 30m in | MA 32 / Thorndike Street

Turn right onto MA 32 / Thorndike Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

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 Boston, MA to Three Rivers, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Ware along the way.

Ware

72.1 mi in | ~1h 27m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike 71 mi 1h 24m
North Main Street 1.4 mi 2m
Tremont Street 0.9 mi 3m
Thorndike Street 0.8 mi 1m
Bourne Street 0.7 mi 2m
Sykes Street 0.7 mi 1m
Marginal Road <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Massachusetts Turnpike — 71 mi, about 1h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Boston, MA and Three Rivers, MA.

1

Start on Tremont Street

0.8 mi · 2 min · Tremont Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2

Continue on Tremont Street

301 ft · 14 sec · Tremont Street
3

Continue on Tremont Street

482 ft · 20 sec · Tremont Street
4

Turn right onto Marginal Road

316 ft · 12 sec · Marginal Road
5

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 11 sec
Toward I 90 West, Massachusetts Turnpike Toll West
6

Merge onto I 90

55 mi · 1 hr 5 min · Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90

16 mi · 18 min · Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
8

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 2 min
Exit 63 Toward MA 32: Palmer, Ware
9

Turn right onto MA 32

0.8 mi · 1 min · Thorndike Street
Use the right lane.
10

At end of road, turn right onto US 20

0.8 mi · 59 sec · North Main Street
11

Continue on MA 181

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
12

Continue on MA 181

0.7 mi · 1 min · Sykes Street
13

Turn slight left onto Bourne Street

0.7 mi · 2 min · Bourne Street
14

Arrive at destination

Bourne Street

Trip Plan

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 38.2 miles from Boston, MA, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71 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 17 miles or 22m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 38.2 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 19m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Three Rivers, MA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Boston, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Boston, MA

This is one driving day of about 76.5 miles and 1h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Boston, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Massachusetts Turnpike for about 71 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 38.2 mi from Boston, MA · 48m into the drive

town in Massachusetts, US

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Grafton, MA

38 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

Waltham, MA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Grafton, MA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 38.2 miles from Boston, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Massachusetts Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71 miles.

Arriving in Three Rivers, MA

The final approach into Three Rivers, MA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

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.

Boston National Historical Park

Boston National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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.

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Free
Park Closure: Dorchester Heights Temporary Public Access Restrictions
View on nps.gov
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

. . . 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...

7 mi from route ~18 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Adams National Historical Park

Adams National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

8 mi from route ~19 min detour $15
View on nps.gov
Minute Man National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

8 mi from route ~20 min detour Free near mile 10.5
View on nps.gov
New England National Scenic Trail

New England National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

From the Sound to the summits: the New England Trail covers 235 miles from Long Island Sound across long ridges to scenic mountain summits in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The trail offers panoramic...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour Free near mile 76.5
View on nps.gov
Salem Maritime National Historical Park

Salem Maritime National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

14 mi from route ~36 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.24 one way

$24.49 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 27 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.43 $13.35 $26.70
premium $4.82 $14.53 $29.05
diesel $5.61 $16.89 $33.78

Estimated Tolls: $4.26

Massachusetts Turnpike (71 mi) $4.26

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 26.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23 0 $8.03 $3.67
Efficient EV 19.1 0 $6.69 $3.06
EV Truck/SUV 30.6 0 $10.71 $4.90

Gas CO2

27 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (67% 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 as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Boston, MA

Afternoon in Boston on Thursday

Local time

3:05 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Three Rivers, MA

Afternoon in Three Rivers on Thursday

Local time

3:05 PM

EDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

13 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 36m 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 Boston, MA to Three Rivers, MA covers 76.5 miles and takes about 1h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Massachusetts Turnpike, North Main Street, Tremont Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 38.2 miles from Boston, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.24 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 straightforward 1h 36m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles (I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 55.9 miles (I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Boston, MA to Three Rivers, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Ware along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Boston National Historical Park, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area and Adams National Historical Park. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.

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