The drive from Dalton, MA to Lynn, MA covers 152.3 miles and takes about 3h 20m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Massachusetts Turnpike, Holmes Road, North Shore Road for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 125.6 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $24.37 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.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
76.1 miles from Dalton, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 45m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 20m. Total distance: 152.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 3h 20m highway drive covering 152.3 miles, with most of the trip on Massachusetts Turnpike and Holmes Road. The longest continuous stretch is about 125.6 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 40 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 125.6 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,481 ft-17 ft
Total Climb
1,001 ft
Total Descent
2,089 ft
Highest Point
1,481 ft
~32.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,499 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Massachusetts Turnpike and Holmes Road. You will hit about 21 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.6 miles in near Elm Street.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 152.3 miles you will encounter 21 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 4.6 miles (Elm Street): Navigation decision point; at 8.3 miles (US 7; US 20 / Pittsfield Road): Navigation decision point; at 17 miles (I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
4.6 mi into trip|~12m in|Elm Street
At end of road, turn right onto Elm Street
Navigation decision point
5
8.3 mi into trip|~20m in|US 7; US 20 / Pittsfield Road
At end of road, turn left onto US 7; US 20 / Pittsfield Road
Navigation decision point
5
17 mi into trip|~35m in|I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike
Merge onto I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
146.6 mi into trip|~3h 11m in|MA 1A / Veterans of Foreign Wars Parkway
Enter roundabout onto MA 1A / Veterans of Foreign Wars Parkway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
151.5 mi into trip|~3h 18m in|MA 1A
Turn left onto MA 1A
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike
125.6 mi
2h 28m
Holmes Road
3.5 mi
7m
North Shore Road
2.7 mi
4m
Veterans Memorial Highway
2.3 mi
2m
Pittsfield Road
2 mi
3m
Lynnway
1.7 mi
2m
Ted Williams Tunnel
1.6 mi
2m
Main Street
1.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 125.6 mi, about 2h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dalton, MA and Lynn, MA.
1
Start on Stockbridge Avenue
220 ft·10 sec·Stockbridge Avenue
2
Turn left onto Haworth Street
392 ft·20 sec·Haworth Street
3
Turn right onto MA 8; MA 9
1.0 mi·2 min·Main Street
4
Continue on MA 8; MA 9
0.9 mi·2 min·Dalton Avenue
5
Turn slight left onto MA 9
1.0 mi·2 min·Merrill Road
6
Turn left onto Junction Road
438 ft·12 sec·Junction Road
7
Continue on Junction Road
181 ft·4 sec·Junction Road
8
Turn straight onto East Street
0.7 mi·1 min·East Street
9
Turn left onto Newell Street
0.4 mi·59 sec·Newell Street
10
Turn left onto Dorchester Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Dorchester Avenue
11
At end of road, turn right onto Elm Street
0.2 mi·28 sec·Elm Street
12
Turn left onto Holmes Road
3.5 mi·7 min·Holmes Road
13
At end of road, turn left onto US 7; US 20
2.0 mi·3 min·Pittsfield Road
14
Continue on US 7; US 20
2.3 mi·2 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
15
Continue on US 20
1.2 mi·2 min·Lee Road
16
Continue on US 20
1.2 mi·2 min·Laurel Street
17
Continue on US 20
0.2 mi·12 sec·West Center Street
18
At end of road, turn right onto US 20
0.4 mi·1 min·Main Street
19
At end of road, turn left onto US 20
0.1 mi·26 sec·Park Street
20
Continue on US 20
0.5 mi·1 min·Housatonic Street
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·52 sec
23
Merge onto I 90
125 mi·2 hr 26 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on I 90
1.6 mi·2 min·Ted Williams Tunnel
25
Continue on I 90
1.1 mi·1 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto MA 1A
0.3 mi·34 sec·East Boston Expressway
27
Continue on MA 1A
1.0 mi·1 min·McClellan Highway
28
Continue on MA 1A
1.0 mi·2 min·Lee Burbank Highway
29
Take the exit onto MA 1A
366 ft·11 sec·MA 1A
30
Enter roundabout onto MA 1A
7 ft·0 sec·Veterans of Foreign Wars Parkway
31
Continue on MA 1A
0.4 mi·34 sec·Veterans of Foreign Wars Parkway
32
Enter roundabout onto MA 1A
375 ft·4 sec·North Shore Road
33
Continue on MA 1A
2.6 mi·4 min·North Shore Road
34
Continue on MA 1A
1.7 mi·2 min·Lynnway
35
Turn left onto MA 1A
504 ft·12 sec·MA 1A
Use the left lane.
36
Continue on Market Street
0.2 mi·32 sec·Market Street
37
Turn right onto Liberty Street
0.3 mi·43 sec·Liberty Street
38
Turn left onto Essex Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Essex Street
39
Turn right onto Rogers Avenue
66 ft·2 sec·Rogers Avenue
40
Arrive at destination
Rogers Avenue
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.1 miles from Dalton, MA, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 125.6 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 34 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.1 miles or 1h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lynn, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dalton, 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 Dalton, MA
This is one driving day of about 152.3 miles and 3h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Dalton, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Massachusetts Turnpike for about 125.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 76.1 mi from Dalton, MA
· 1h 45m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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.
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 141.8
Park Closure: Dorchester Heights Temporary Public Access Restrictions
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
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 152.3
. . . 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
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 141.8
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...
7 mi from route
~16 min detour
$15
near mile 141.8
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
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 131.3
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 57.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.37 one way
$48.75 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg53 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$26.58
$53.16
premium
$4.82
$28.92
$57.84
diesel
$5.61
$33.63
$67.25
Estimated Tolls: $7.53
Massachusetts Turnpike
(125.6 mi)$7.53
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
$24
Tolls
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
45.7
0
$15.99
$7.31
Efficient EV
38.1
0
$13.33
$6.09
EV Truck/SUV
60.9
0
$21.32
$9.75
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (66% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Dalton, MA
Late night
in Dalton on Saturday
Local time
3:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Lynn, MA
Late night
in Lynn on Saturday
Local time
3:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°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
3h 20m 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 Dalton, MA to Lynn, MA covers 152.3 miles and takes about 3h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Massachusetts Turnpike, Holmes Road, North Shore Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 76.1 miles from Dalton, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.37 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 152.3 miles you will encounter 21 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 4.6 miles (Elm Street): Navigation decision point; at 8.3 miles (US 7; US 20 / Pittsfield Road): Navigation decision point; at 17 miles (I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Dalton, MA to Lynn, MA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from -17 ft to 1,481 ft elevation with about 1,001 ft of total climbing.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Boston National Historical Park, Salem Maritime National Historical Park and Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
