Origin
Dennis, MA
Evening in Dennis on Sunday
Local time
5:03 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dennis, MA to Lowell, MA
Drive Time
2h 22m
Distance
103.4 mi
166 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 13m
★
6 AM
2h 23m
8 AM
2h 42m
10 AM
2h 30m
12 PM
2h 28m
3 PM
2h 31m
5 PM
2h 41m
8 PM
2h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dennis, MA
Italo Melo
Lowell, MA
Phil Evenden
Trip Overview
Traveling from Dennis to Lowell covers 103.4 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, it works perfectly as a straightforward day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. You can expect to budget roughly $15 for fuel, making this an affordable journey across the Northeast. Since the route avoids highways entirely, you should be prepared for a steady pace rather than a quick sprint. It is a practical choice if you prefer a direct, local connection over high-speed travel. Keep in mind that the lack of highway segments means your travel time is heavily dependent on local traffic conditions.
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
51.7 miles from Dennis, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. The route relies on local roads like Route 6A, Main Street, and Willow Street, meaning your highway share is a flat zero percent. Navigating these local arteries provides a different rhythm than a standard interstate cruise, as you will be dealing with constant turns and changing street environments. Because there are no long, uninterrupted highway stretches, you will need to stay focused on signage and local intersections throughout the entire 103.4-mile journey. This is a drive defined by its local character, offering a hands-on experience that avoids the monotony of major expressways.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 37 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pilgrims Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 42.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 80.8 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 103.4 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 80.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.2 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.4 miles (US 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
80.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m in
Take the exit toward MA 16 West: Mystic Valley Parkway, Arlington
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 22
Toward MA 16 West: Mystic Valley Parkway, Arlin...
8
90.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
|
US 3
Take the exit onto US 3 toward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, Nashua New Hampshire
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 50B-A
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike,...
9
90.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
|
US 3
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3 toward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
9
90.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
|
US 3
Keep slight right at fork onto US 3 toward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Exit 50A
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
8
100.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 18m in
Take the exit toward MA 110, I 495 South: Chelmsford, Marlboro
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 81B-C
Toward MA 110, I 495 South: Chelmsford, Marlbor...
Towns Along This Route
Between Dennis, MA and Lowell, MA, road signs point toward Arlington, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington and Nashua New Hampshire.
Arlington
80.8 mi in
|
~1h 50m
Middlesex Turnpike
90.2 mi in
|
~2h 5m
|
via US 3
Burlington
90.2 mi in
|
~2h 5m
|
via US 3
Nashua New Hampshire
90.2 mi in
|
~2h 5m
|
via US 3
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pilgrims Highway | 42.3 mi | 53m |
| Mid Cape Highway | 17.3 mi | 23m |
| US 3 | 10.9 mi | 13m |
| MA 3 | 8.4 mi | 11m |
| Main Street | 3.9 mi | 6m |
| John F. Fitzgerald Expressway | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| I 93 | 3.1 mi | 4m |
| Cambridge Road | 2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Pilgrims Highway
— 42.3 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dennis, MA and Lowell, MA.
1
Start on this road
193 ft
·
21 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto MA 6A
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Route 6A
3
Continue on MA 6A
3.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Main Street
4
Turn left onto Willow Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Willow Street
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward US 6 West: Boston, Providence, RI
6
Merge onto US 6
17 mi
·
23 min
·
Mid Cape Highway
7
Continue on US 6
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
Sagamore Bridge
8
Continue on US 6
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
·
Pilgrim Highway
9
Continue on MA 3
42 mi
·
53 min
·
Pilgrims Highway
Use the none lane.
10
Continue on MA 3
8.4 mi
·
11 min
·
MA 3
Exit 43B
Toward I 93 North: Boston
Use the none lane.
11
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 93
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
I 93
Toward I 93 North: Concord NH
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 22
Toward MA 16 West: Mystic Valley Parkway, Arlington
Use the slight right lane.
14
Continue on MA 16
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Mystic Valley Parkway
15
Turn right onto MA 38
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
Winthrop Street
Use the right lane.
16
Enter roundabout onto Winthrop Street
117 ft
·
2 sec
·
Winthrop Street
17
Continue on Winthrop Street
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Winthrop Street
18
Continue on MA 38
0.5 mi
·
46 sec
·
Main Street
19
Enter roundabout onto Bacon Street
94 ft
·
1 sec
·
Bacon Street
20
Continue on Bacon Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Bacon Street
21
Turn left onto Church Street
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
Church Street
22
Turn right onto US 3
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Cambridge Street
23
Continue on US 3
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Cambridge Road
24
Continue on US 3
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
·
Cambridge Street
25
Take the exit onto US 3
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
US 3
Toward I 95 South, US 3 North: Waltham, Lowell
26
Merge onto I 95; US 3; MA 128
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Yankee Division Highway
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
27
Take the exit onto US 3
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
US 3
Exit 50B-A
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, Nashua New Hampshire
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
US 3
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
Use the none lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 3
9.8 mi
·
11 min
·
US 3
Exit 50A
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
Use the none lane.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
·
US 3
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 81B-C
Toward MA 110, I 495 South: Chelmsford, Marlboro
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
Toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 81C
Toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
34
Turn right onto MA 110
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Chelmsford Street
35
Turn right onto Cambridge Street
314 ft
·
14 sec
·
Cambridge Street
36
Turn left onto Hale Street
486 ft
·
13 sec
·
Hale Street
37
Arrive at destination
Hale Street
Trip Plan
Since this 2-hour and 22-minute drive involves zero highway travel, your departure time is the most critical factor for avoiding congestion. Plan to leave during off-peak hours to ensure your trip stays within the estimated duration, as local roads can become busy unexpectedly. With no mandatory stops required, you have the flexibility to pull over whenever you need a break, though you should keep your $15 fuel budget in mind if you plan on idling in traffic. Because the route is turn-heavy, double-check your GPS settings before you head out to ensure you are comfortable with the specific local roads selected. Carrying a physical map or having a clear navigation plan is a smart move for this winding, local-only path.
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 51.7 miles from Dennis, MA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.3 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 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.7 miles or 1h 11m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lowell, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dennis, 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 Dennis, MA
This is one driving day of about 103.4 miles and 2h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Dennis, 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 Pilgrims Highway for about 42.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 51.7 mi from Dennis, MA · 1h 11m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
52 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 51.7 miles from Dennis, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Lowell, MA
The final approach into Lowell, 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 Lowell, 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
$16.46 one way
$32.92 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
36 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $17.90 | $35.80 |
| premium | $4.80 | $19.54 | $39.07 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $22.97 | $45.94 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 31 | 0 | $10.86 | $4.96 |
| Efficient EV | 25.9 | 0 | $9.05 | $4.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 41.4 | 0 | $14.48 | $6.62 |
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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
Lowell, MA
Evening in Lowell on Sunday
Local time
5:03 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
49°F
Brookhaven, NY
52 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
23 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
2h 22m 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 Dennis, MA to Lowell, MA covers 103.4 miles and takes about 2h 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pilgrims Highway, Mid Cape Highway, US 3. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 51.7 miles from Dennis, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.46 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 24 significant decision points across 103.4 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 80.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.2 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.4 miles (US 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Dennis, MA and Lowell, MA, road signs point toward Arlington, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington and Nashua New Hampshire.
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