Origin
East Dennis, MA
Afternoon in East Dennis on Sunday
Local time
2:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
37°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from East Dennis, MA to City of Lowell, MA
Drive Time
2h 26m
Distance
106.5 mi
171 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
Photo: Phil Evenden
Trip Overview
Traveling from East Dennis to Lowell covers 106.5 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 26 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $17 for fuel to complete the trek. The route transitions from the coastal environment of the Cape to the historic industrial landscape of the Merrimack Valley. Whether you are heading north for business or a visit, the simple logistics make this a straightforward drive within Massachusetts.
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
53.3 miles from East Dennis, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip features a distinct mix of driving styles, starting with a significant highway portion before transitioning into a turn-heavy local drive. You will spend roughly 25% of your time on highways, with your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 42.3 miles along the Pilgrims Highway. Expect to navigate the Mid-Cape Highway and US-3 as you work your way toward Lowell. The character of the road shifts noticeably as you leave the highway system, requiring more attention to navigation and local traffic patterns. Prepare for a varied experience that balances higher-speed transit with more technical, winding local segments.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 38 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 83.4 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 106.5 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 83.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.8 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93 miles (US 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
83.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 52m 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
92.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 7m 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
93 mi into trip
|
~2h 7m 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
93.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m 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
103.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 20m 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 East Dennis, MA and City of Lowell, MA, road signs point toward Arlington, Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington and Nashua New Hampshire.
Arlington
83.4 mi in
|
~1h 52m
Lowell
91.5 mi in
|
~2h 5m
|
via US 3
Middlesex Turnpike
92.8 mi in
|
~2h 7m
|
via US 3
Burlington
92.8 mi in
|
~2h 7m
|
via US 3
Nashua New Hampshire
92.8 mi in
|
~2h 7m
|
via US 3
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pilgrims Highway | 42.3 mi | 53m |
| Mid Cape Highway | 22.3 mi | 30m |
| US 3 | 10.9 mi | 13m |
| MA 3 | 8.4 mi | 11m |
| John F. Fitzgerald Expressway | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| I 93 | 3.1 mi | 4m |
| East West Dennis Road | 3 mi | 5m |
| 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 East Dennis, MA and City of Lowell, MA.
1
Start on this road
186 ft
·
13 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto MA 134
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
East West Dennis Road
Use the none lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward US 6 West: Hyannis, Boston
4
Merge onto US 6
22 mi
·
30 min
·
Mid Cape Highway
5
Continue on US 6
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
Sagamore Bridge
6
Continue on US 6
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
·
Pilgrim Highway
7
Continue on MA 3
42 mi
·
53 min
·
Pilgrims Highway
Use the none lane.
8
Continue on MA 3
8.4 mi
·
11 min
·
MA 3
Exit 43B
Toward I 93 North: Boston
Use the none lane.
9
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 22
Toward MA 16 West: Mystic Valley Parkway, Arlington
Use the slight right lane.
12
Continue on MA 16
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Mystic Valley Parkway
13
Turn right onto MA 38
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
Winthrop Street
Use the right lane.
14
Enter roundabout onto Winthrop Street
117 ft
·
2 sec
·
Winthrop Street
15
Continue on Winthrop Street
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Winthrop Street
16
Continue on MA 38
0.5 mi
·
46 sec
·
Main Street
17
Enter roundabout onto Bacon Street
94 ft
·
1 sec
·
Bacon Street
18
Continue on Bacon Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Bacon Street
19
Turn left onto Church Street
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
Church Street
20
Turn right onto US 3
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Cambridge Street
21
Continue on US 3
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Cambridge Road
22
Continue on US 3
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
·
Cambridge Street
23
Take the exit onto US 3
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
US 3
Toward I 95 South, US 3 North: Waltham, Lowell
24
Merge onto I 95; US 3; MA 128
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Yankee Division Highway
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
25
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.
26
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.
27
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.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
·
US 3
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
29
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.
30
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
Toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 81C
Toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
32
Turn right onto MA 110
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Chelmsford Street
33
Turn sharp left onto MA 3A
458 ft
·
10 sec
·
Westford Street
34
Turn right onto Grand Street
448 ft
·
23 sec
·
Grand Street
35
At end of road, turn left onto Middlesex Street
383 ft
·
18 sec
·
Middlesex Street
36
Turn sharp right onto Arch Street
15 ft
·
5 sec
·
Arch Street
37
Turn left
0.1 mi
·
38 sec
38
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Planning your departure is key to managing the 2-hour and 26-minute duration, as local traffic can fluctuate significantly throughout the day. Since there are no mandatory stops built into this 106.5-mile route, you have the flexibility to pull over whenever you need a break or a quick refueling session. Keep in mind that the final leg of the trip is less highway-dependent, so factor in extra time for navigating local turns. To ensure a smooth arrival, check your GPS for real-time congestion updates before hitting US-3. Staying alert during the final, more technical portion of the drive will help you arrive in Lowell feeling refreshed and ready for your destination.
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 53.3 miles from East Dennis, MA, or about 1h 12m 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 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.3 miles or 1h 12m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near City of Lowell, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving East 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 East Dennis, MA
This is one driving day of about 106.5 miles and 2h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from East 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 53.3 mi from East Dennis, MA · 1h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
53 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 53.3 miles from East Dennis, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in City of Lowell, MA
The final approach into City of 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 City of 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
$16.95 one way
$33.90 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
37 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $18.44 | $36.87 |
| premium | $4.80 | $20.12 | $40.24 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $23.66 | $47.32 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 32 | 0 | $11.18 | $5.11 |
| Efficient EV | 26.6 | 0 | $9.32 | $4.26 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 42.6 | 0 | $14.91 | $6.82 |
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% 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
City of Lowell, MA
Afternoon in City of Lowell on Sunday
Local time
2:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
49°F
Brookhaven, NY
53 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
15 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
2h 26m 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 East Dennis, MA to City of Lowell, MA covers 106.5 miles and takes about 2h 26m 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 53.3 miles from East Dennis, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.95 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 26 significant decision points across 106.5 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 83.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.8 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93 miles (US 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between East Dennis, MA and City of Lowell, MA, road signs point toward Arlington, Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington and Nashua New Hampshire.
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Return Trip
City of Lowell, MA to East Dennis, MAPlan the drive back the other way.
107.2 mi
2h 28m
Continue From City of Lowell, MA
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