Origin
Boston, MA
Evening in Boston on Sunday
Local time
8:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Boston, MA to Waltham, MA
Drive Time
19m
Distance
10.6 mi
17 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$2
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 18m
★
6 AM
0h 20m
8 AM
0h 23m
10 AM
0h 21m
12 PM
0h 20m
3 PM
0h 21m
5 PM
0h 23m
8 PM
0h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Boston, MA
Phil Evenden
Waltham, MA
Pixabay
Trip Overview
Traveling the 10.6 miles from Boston to Waltham is a quick, straightforward journey that typically takes about 19 minutes. Because this trip is so short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, requiring no overnight stays. You will primarily navigate via the Massachusetts Turnpike, Main Street, and Tremont Street to complete the transit between these two Northeast locations. With an estimated fuel cost of just $2, this is a highly economical way to move between the city and the suburbs. It serves as a practical, no-fuss connection for commuters or visitors looking to transition between these neighboring Massachusetts areas.
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
5.3 miles from Boston, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 9m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip offers a mixed driving profile, transitioning from the dense urban layout of Boston to the suburban surroundings of Waltham. Roughly 53% of your time behind the wheel will be spent on the highway, providing a brief burst of speed before you exit onto local streets. You can expect your longest uninterrupted stretch to be 5.7 miles while cruising along the Massachusetts Turnpike. The experience shifts quickly from navigating city-style thoroughfares like Tremont Street to the more varied pace of Main Street. It is an efficient, functional drive that gets you from point A to point B without any necessary stops.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 12 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 5.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 7 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 10.6 miles you will encounter 7 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
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 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese 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 none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
6.8 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Take the exit toward Newton, Watertown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 127
Toward Newton, Watertown
7
7.1 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Watertown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Watertown
7
7.7 mi into trip
|
~13m in
|
US 20 / Main Street
Turn sharp left onto US 20 / Main Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Boston, MA and Waltham, MA, road signs point toward Massachusetts Turnpike Toll West, Newton and Watertown.
Massachusetts Turnpike Toll West
1 mi in
|
~3m
Newton
6.8 mi in
|
~11m
Watertown
6.8 mi in
|
~11m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Turnpike | 5.7 mi | 7m |
| Main Street | 2.9 mi | 5m |
| Tremont Street | 0.9 mi | 3m |
| Galen Street | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Centre Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Marginal Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 5.7 mi, about 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Boston, MA and Waltham, 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
5.7 mi
·
7 min
·
Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
Exit 127
Toward Newton, Watertown
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
268 ft
·
8 sec
Toward Watertown
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Turn slight right onto Centre Street
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
Centre Street
10
Continue on Galen Street
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Galen Street
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn sharp left onto US 20
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Main Street
Use the left lane.
12
Arrive at destination
US 20
Trip Plan
Given the short 19-minute duration, you have total flexibility regarding your departure time, though you should factor in typical regional traffic patterns when planning your exit from Boston. Since there are no required stops along the 10.6-mile path, you can easily complete the entire route in one go without needing to refuel or rest. Keep a close eye on the transition from the Massachusetts Turnpike to local roads, as navigation changes quickly once you leave the highway. Because the fuel budget is minimal at $2, you can focus your planning energy on your schedule rather than logistics. Aim to time your departure to avoid peak rush hours to ensure you maintain that 19-minute travel estimate.
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 5.3 miles from Boston, MA, or about 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 5.7 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 10.6 miles or 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 5.3 miles or 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waltham, 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.
+
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 Boston, MA
This is one driving day of about 10.6 miles and 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Boston, 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 Massachusetts Turnpike for about 5.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 5.3 mi from Boston, MA · 9m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
5 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 10.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 5.3 miles from Boston, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Waltham, MA
The final approach into Waltham, 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 Waltham, MA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$1.69 one way
$3.37 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
4 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $1.83 | $3.67 |
| premium | $4.80 | $2.00 | $4.01 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $2.35 | $4.71 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.34
Massachusetts Turnpike
(5.7 mi)
$0.34
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
$2
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$27–$52
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 3.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 75% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 3.2 | 0 | $1.11 | $0.51 |
| Efficient EV | 2.7 | 0 | $0.93 | $0.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 4.2 | 0 | $1.48 | $0.68 |
Gas CO2
4 kg
EV CO2
1 kg (75% 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.
Destination
Waltham, MA
Evening in Waltham on Sunday
Local time
8:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
49°F
Brookhaven, NY
5 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
25 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
19m 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 Waltham, MA covers 10.6 miles and takes about 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Massachusetts Turnpike, Main Street, Tremont Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 5.3 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 $1.69 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 10.6 miles you will encounter 7 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
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 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Boston, MA and Waltham, MA, road signs point toward Massachusetts Turnpike Toll West, Newton and Watertown.
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