Trip from Fall River, MA to Nantucket, MA

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

3h 38m

Distance

87.9 mi

141 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 26m ★

6 AM

3h 39m

8 AM

4h 4m

10 AM

3h 47m

12 PM

3h 45m

3 PM

3h 49m

5 PM

4h 2m

8 PM

3h 31m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Nantucket, MA

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Trip Overview

This 87.9-mile journey from Fall River, MA, to Nantucket, MA, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes. You'll primarily be traveling on roads like I-195 and the Mid Cape Highway, with about 42% of the drive on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $14, making it an economical option. This drive offers a mixed driving experience, perfect for a day trip where you can focus on reaching your destination and enjoying the island once you arrive. Since both your origin and destination are within the Northeast region and the state of Massachusetts, you'll remain in familiar territory throughout.

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

43.9 miles from Fall River, MA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .

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Drive Character

The character of this drive is best described as a mixed experience, blending highway speeds with more local road travel. With 42% of the route on highways, you'll encounter stretches of faster driving, particularly on I-195 and the Mid Cape Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 28.3 miles on the Hyannis - Nantucket portion, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. As you progress, the road character will likely shift from the broader highway feel to a more coastal or island-oriented approach as you near your final destination. Expect a varied driving experience rather than a monotonous one.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 39 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Hyannis - Nantucket is the longest continuous segment at about 28.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in near I 195.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 87.9 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 2.4 miles (I 195): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 27.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 54.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 27 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

2.4 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 195

Keep slight right at fork onto I 195

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

27.7 mi into trip | ~34m in

Keep slight right at fork toward MA 25 East: Cape Cod

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 40A Toward MA 25 East: Cape Cod

54.6 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in

Take the exit toward MA 132: Barnstable, Hyannis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 68 Toward MA 132: Barnstable, Hyannis

87.6 mi into trip | ~3h 37m in | South Water Street

Turn left onto South Water Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

87.8 mi into trip | ~3h 38m in | Main Street

Turn right onto Main Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Fall River, MA to Nantucket, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Hyannis along the way.

Hyannis

54.6 mi in | ~1h 11m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Hyannis - Nantucket	28.3 mi	2h 14m
I 195	26.7 mi	32m
Mid Cape Highway	12.3 mi	16m
MA 25	9.6 mi	11m
Sandwich Road Connector	3.2 mi	5m
Iyannough Road	2.8 mi	5m
Barnstable Road	0.9 mi	2m
MA 28	0.8 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Hyannis - Nantucket — 28.3 mi, about 2h 14m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fall River, MA and Nantucket, MA.

Start on Purchase Street

46 ft · 5 sec · Purchase Street

Turn right onto South Main Street

179 ft · 31 sec · South Main Street

Continue on South Main Street

333 ft · 12 sec · South Main Street

Turn left onto Sullivan Drive

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Sullivan Drive

Turn left onto Borden Street

252 ft · 5 sec · Borden Street

Turn slight right onto Hartwell Street

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Hartwell Street

Turn left onto Rodman Street

438 ft · 9 sec · Rodman Street

Turn left onto MA 81

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Plymouth Avenue

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Toward I 195 East: New Bedford, Cape Cod

Merge onto I 195

1.5 mi · 2 min · I 195

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 195

25 mi · 30 min · I 195

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 51 sec

Exit 40A Toward MA 25 East: Cape Cod

Merge onto MA 25

9.6 mi · 11 min · MA 25

Continue on MA 28

0.8 mi · 1 min · MA 28

Enter roundabout onto Sandwich Road Connector

0.1 mi · 22 sec · Sandwich Road Connector

Continue on Sandwich Road Connector

3.0 mi · 5 min · Sandwich Road Connector

Turn right onto Mid-Cape Connector

0.3 mi · 26 sec · Mid-Cape Connector

Use the left / straight lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 45 sec

Merge onto US 6

12 mi · 16 min · Mid Cape Highway

Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Exit 68 Toward MA 132: Barnstable, Hyannis

Keep slight left at fork

304 ft · 8 sec

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 16 sec

Turn straight onto MA 132

2.8 mi · 5 min · Iyannough Road

Enter roundabout onto Barnstable Road

228 ft · 4 sec · Barnstable Road

Continue on Barnstable Road

0.8 mi · 2 min · Barnstable Road

Continue on Ocean Street

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Ocean Street

Turn left onto South Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · South Street

Turn right onto South Street Dock

369 ft · 28 sec · South Street Dock

Turn left onto Slip 1

51 ft · 3 sec · Slip 1

Continue on Slip 1

197 ft · 14 sec · Slip 1

Continue on Hyannis - Nantucket

28 mi · 2 hr 14 min · Hyannis - Nantucket

Continue on Slip 1

143 ft · 13 sec · Slip 1

Turn left onto Steamboat Wharf

67 ft · 7 sec · Steamboat Wharf

Continue on Steamboat Wharf

244 ft · 8 sec · Steamboat Wharf

Continue on Broad Street

397 ft · 19 sec · Broad Street

Turn left onto South Water Street

0.1 mi · 15 sec · South Water Street

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto Main Street

513 ft · 16 sec · Main Street

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto Centre Street

120 ft · 3 sec · Centre Street

Arrive at destination

Centre Street

Trip Plan

Given that this trip is a manageable 87.9 miles and takes under 4 hours, it's ideal for a single-day excursion with plenty of flexibility. Aim to depart Fall River in the morning to maximize your time on Nantucket. You'll have one main stretch of 28.3 miles without significant breaks, so plan for a quick stop before or after that segment if needed. The total fuel cost is estimated at $14, so ensure your tank is sufficiently full before you leave to avoid any unnecessary detours. A practical tip: double-check the ferry schedule for Nantucket as that will be a critical part of your journey's logistics.

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 43.9 miles from Fall River, MA, or about 57m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.3 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 3h 1m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 43.9 miles or 57m 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 36m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nantucket, MA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Fall River, 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 Fall River, MA

This is one driving day of about 87.9 miles and 3h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fall River, 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 Hyannis - Nantucket for about 28.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 43.9 mi from Fall River, MA · 57m into the drive

capital and largest city of Massachusetts, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Boston, MA

44 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

Plymouth, MA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Boston, MA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.9 miles from Fall River, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Nantucket, MA

The final approach into Nantucket, 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 Nantucket, 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

$14.07 one way

$28.13 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 31 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$15.34	$30.68
premium	$4.82	$16.69	$33.38
diesel	$5.61	$19.41	$38.81

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	26.4	$9.23	$4.22
Efficient EV	22	$7.69	$3.52
EV Truck/SUV	35.2	$12.31	$5.63

Gas CO2

31 kg

EV CO2

10 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.

Origin

Fall River, MA

Late night in Fall River on Wednesday

Local time

5:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

Unavailable

Destination

Nantucket, MA

Late night in Nantucket on Wednesday

Local time

5:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

Unavailable

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.

Road read

3h 38m 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 Fall River, MA to Nantucket, MA covers 87.9 miles and takes about 3h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Hyannis - Nantucket, I 195, Mid Cape Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 43.9 miles from Fall River, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.07 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.

On the drive from Fall River, MA to Nantucket, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Hyannis along the way.

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