Origin
Boxborough, MA
Late night in Boxborough on Monday
Local time
12:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Boxborough, MA to Somerville, MA
Drive Time
45m
Distance
24.6 mi
40 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$4
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 42m
★
6 AM
0h 45m
8 AM
0h 53m
10 AM
0h 48m
12 PM
0h 47m
3 PM
0h 48m
5 PM
0h 53m
8 PM
0h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Boxborough, MA
Phil Evenden
Somerville, MA
@coldbeer
Trip Overview
Traveling from Boxborough to Somerville covers a direct 24.6-mile span that typically takes about 45 minutes to navigate. Because this distance is quite short, you can easily complete the trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Your route primarily utilizes Hill Road, Middle Road, and Massachusetts Avenue, steering clear of major highways entirely. With an estimated fuel cost of only $3, this is an incredibly budget-friendly way to move between these two Massachusetts towns. It functions best as a straightforward, no-nonsense commute rather than a leisurely road trip vacation. Expect a practical, efficient journey that gets you from point A to point B without the need for complex travel logistics.
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
12.3 miles from Boxborough, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 22m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate grind, this journey consists of 0% highway driving, keeping you on local roads for the duration of the 45-minute trip. You will not find any long, straight stretches here, as the longest uninterrupted segment is 0 miles on Hill Road. Navigating these local arteries requires frequent adjustments and careful maneuvering through the local landscape. You will feel the constant shifts of town driving as you progress through the Northeast region, making for a very hands-on experience compared to typical high-speed highway travel.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Concord Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 7.2 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 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.7 miles in near MA 111.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 24.6 miles you will encounter 10 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 4.7 miles (MA 111): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.3 miles (MA 2; MA 2A / Elm Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 21.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
4.7 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
MA 111
Take the ramp onto MA 111 toward MA 2 East: Concord, Boston
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MA 2 East: Concord, Boston
4
7.3 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
MA 2; MA 2A / Elm Street
Enter roundabout onto MA 2; MA 2A / Elm Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
7
21.8 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Take the exit toward MA 16 East, US 3 North: Medford, Woburn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward MA 16 East, US 3 North: Medford, Woburn
5
21.9 mi into trip
|
~36m in
|
US 3; MA 16 / Alewife Brook Parkway
Merge onto US 3; MA 16 / Alewife Brook Parkway toward US 3 North, MA 16 East: Arlington, Medford
Merge point - match speed before joining. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 3 North, MA 16 East: Arlington, Medfo...
6
22.2 mi into trip
|
~37m in
|
MA 2A / Massachusetts Avenue
Turn right onto MA 2A / Massachusetts Avenue toward MA 2A East: Cambridge
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward MA 2A East: Cambridge
Towns Along This Route
Between Boxborough, MA and Somerville, MA, road signs point toward Boston, Woburn and Medford.
Boston
4.7 mi in
|
~10m
|
via MA 111
Woburn
21.8 mi in
|
~36m
Medford
21.9 mi in
|
~36m
|
via US 3; MA 16
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Concord Turnpike | 7.2 mi | 9m |
| Massachusetts Avenue | 4.3 mi | 9m |
| Cambridge Turnpike Rte 2 | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| Concord Highway | 3.4 mi | 4m |
| MA 111 | 2.6 mi | 5m |
| Highland Avenue | 1.2 mi | 4m |
| Middle Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Elm Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Concord Turnpike
— 7.2 mi, about 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Boxborough, MA and Somerville, MA.
1
Start on Hill Road
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Hill Road
2
Turn right onto Middle Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Middle Road
3
Turn left onto MA 111
3.4 mi
·
7 min
·
Massachusetts Avenue
4
Take the ramp onto MA 111
2.6 mi
·
5 min
·
MA 111
Toward MA 2 East: Concord, Boston
5
Enter roundabout onto MA 2; MA 2A
328 ft
·
4 sec
·
Elm Street
6
Continue on MA 2; MA 2A
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
Elm Street
7
Continue on MA 2; MA 2A
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Concord Turnpike
8
Continue on MA 2
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Cambridge Turnpike Rte 2
9
Continue on MA 2
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Concord Highway
10
Continue on MA 2
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Concord Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
473 ft
·
13 sec
Toward MA 16 East, US 3 North: Medford, Woburn
Use the straight / left lanes.
12
Merge onto US 3; MA 16
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
·
Alewife Brook Parkway
Toward US 3 North, MA 16 East: Arlington, Medford
13
Turn right onto MA 2A
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Massachusetts Avenue
Toward MA 2A East: Cambridge
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn left onto Russell Street
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
·
Russell Street
15
Continue on Cutter Avenue
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
Cutter Avenue
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on Highland Avenue
1.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Highland Avenue
17
Turn left
163 ft
·
12 sec
18
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short 24.6-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time and pacing. You will not need to plan for any scheduled stops, though you should remain alert given the turn-heavy nature of the route. Because you are avoiding highways, keep a close watch on your navigation as you transition between Hill Road, Middle Road, and Massachusetts Avenue. Ensure your gas tank is prepared for the drive, keeping in mind that the total fuel cost is estimated at just $3. Take advantage of the short duration to plan your arrival in Somerville precisely, as local traffic patterns on these specific roads can be unpredictable.
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 12.3 miles from Boxborough, MA, or about 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 7.2 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 24.6 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 12.3 miles or 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Somerville, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Boxborough, 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 Boxborough, MA
This is one driving day of about 24.6 miles and 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Boxborough, 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 Concord Turnpike for about 7.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 12.3 mi from Boxborough, MA · 22m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
12 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 24.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 12.3 miles from Boxborough, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Somerville, MA
The final approach into Somerville, 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 Somerville, 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
$3.92 one way
$7.83 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
9 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $4.26 | $8.52 |
| premium | $4.80 | $4.65 | $9.30 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $5.47 | $10.93 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.75
Concord Turnpike
(3.7 mi)
$0.26
Cambridge Turnpike Rte 2
(3.5 mi)
$0.25
Concord Turnpike
(3.5 mi)
$0.24
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
$4
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 8.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 7.4 | 0 | $2.58 | $1.18 |
| Efficient EV | 6.2 | 0 | $2.15 | $0.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 9.8 | 0 | $3.44 | $1.57 |
Gas CO2
9 kg
EV CO2
3 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.
Destination
Somerville, MA
Late night in Somerville on Monday
Local time
12:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
49°F
Brookhaven, NY
12 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
45m 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 Boxborough, MA to Somerville, MA covers 24.6 miles and takes about 45m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Concord Turnpike, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge Turnpike Rte 2. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 12.3 miles from Boxborough, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.92 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 24.6 miles you will encounter 10 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 4.7 miles (MA 111): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.3 miles (MA 2; MA 2A / Elm Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 21.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Boxborough, MA and Somerville, MA, road signs point toward Boston, Woburn and Medford.
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