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Trip from Lee, MA to Lowell, MA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 35m

Distance

130.6 mi

210 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

66 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 26m ★
6 AM
2h 36m
8 AM
2h 57m
10 AM
2h 43m
12 PM
2h 41m
3 PM
2h 44m
5 PM
2h 56m
8 PM
2h 30m

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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town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States

Lee, MA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Lowell, MA, MA

Lowell, MA

Phil Evenden

Trip Overview

The drive from Lee, MA to Lowell, MA covers 130.6 miles and takes about 2h 35m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Massachusetts Turnpike, I 495, Chelmsford Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 95 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. At current regular gas prices, budget about $20.90 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

65.3 miles from Lee, MA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike 95 mi 1h 49m
I 495 30.1 mi 34m
Chelmsford Street 2.6 mi 4m
Housatonic Street 0.5 mi 1m
Park Street 0.2 mi <1m
Hale Street <0.1 mi <1m
Cambridge Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Massachusetts Turnpike — 95 mi, about 1h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lee, MA and Lowell, MA.

1

Start on US 20

71 ft · 2 sec · Park Street
2

Continue on Park Street

80 ft · 7 sec · Park Street
3

Continue on US 20

0.1 mi · 26 sec · Park Street
4

Continue on US 20

0.5 mi · 1 min · Housatonic Street
5

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
6

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 52 sec
7

Merge onto I 90

95 mi · 1 hr 49 min · Massachusetts Turnpike
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 38 sec
Exit 106 Toward I 495: Portsmouth New Hampshire, Taunton Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth New Hampshire
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth NH Use the slight left lane.
11

Merge onto I 495

30 mi · 34 min · I 495
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 34 sec
Exit 88 Toward MA 110: Chelmsford, Lowell
13

Turn right onto MA 110

2.6 mi · 4 min · Chelmsford Street
14

Turn right onto Cambridge Street

314 ft · 14 sec · Cambridge Street
15

Turn left onto Hale Street

486 ft · 13 sec · Hale Street
16

Arrive at destination

Hale Street

Trip Plan

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 65.3 miles from Lee, MA, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95 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 29 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 65.3 miles or 1h 17m 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 6m

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 Lee, 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 Lee, MA

This is one driving day of about 130.6 miles and 2h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Lee, 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 95 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Wales, MA, MA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wales, MA

65 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

Hungary, CT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Wales, MA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 65.3 miles from Lee, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Massachusetts Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 95 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Roses Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lee, Massachusetts

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+14132433333

Visit website

Morgan House Inn & Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lee, Massachusetts

0.1 mi

Cafe Triskele

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lee, Massachusetts

0.3 mi

Roses Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+14132433333

Visit website

Morgan House Inn & Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Moderately

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: 4–8 pm

+14132433661

Visit website

Cafe Triskele

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $30 to $50

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: 5–9 pm

+14132436397

Visit website

Sabor Latino Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.3

Chicopee, Massachusetts

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+14133312806

Phnom Penh Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 130.6

Lowell, Massachusetts

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19782750999

Tony & Penny's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 46.6

Ludlow, Massachusetts

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+14135836351

Visit website

Cana Korean Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 37.3

Chicopee, Massachusetts

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+14135921362

Visit website

Cima Restaurant & Chop House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 46.6

Wilbraham, Massachusetts

Hours: 4:30–10 pm

+14132793322

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 121.3

Littleton, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336224743

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 130.6

Lowell, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVPassport Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 121.3

Westford, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19292971722

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 121.3

Littleton, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

DementedFX

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 37.3

Holyoke, Massachusetts

Hours: Closed

Visit website

Titanic Historical Society

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 46.6

Indian Orchard, Massachusetts

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+14135434770

Visit website

EcoTarium

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 83.9

Worcester, Massachusetts

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15089292700

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 96.5 and 127.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
96.5 mi into trip | ~1h 52m in

Take the exit toward I 495: Portsmouth New Hampshire, Taunton

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 106 Toward I 495: Portsmouth New Hampshire, Taunton
7
96.7 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth New Hampshire

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth New Hamp...
8
96.9 mi into trip | ~1h 54m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth NH

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth NH
5
97.5 mi into trip | ~1h 55m in | I 495

Merge onto I 495

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
127.6 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in

Take the exit toward MA 110: Chelmsford, Lowell

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

Exit 88 Toward MA 110: Chelmsford, Lowell

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.90 one way

$41.80 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.43 $22.79 $45.59
premium $4.82 $24.80 $49.60
diesel $5.61 $28.83 $57.67

Estimated Tolls: $5.70

Massachusetts Turnpike (95 mi) $5.70

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

$21

Tolls

$6

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 45.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

66 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

ChargePoint Charging Station

Boxborough, Massachusetts

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Littleton, Massachusetts

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Littleton, Massachusetts

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Littleton, Massachusetts

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Chelmsford, Massachusetts

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

North Chelmsford, Massachusetts

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

Lee, Massachusetts

Other

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Littleton, Massachusetts

Tesla

1 DCFC

ChargePoint: 38 Other: 17 Blink: 4 Tesla: 3 FLO: 3 Electrify America: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 39.2 0 $13.71 $6.27
Efficient EV 32.7 0 $11.43 $5.22
EV Truck/SUV 52.2 0 $18.28 $8.36

Gas CO2

46 kg

EV CO2

15 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.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Lee, MA

Afternoon in Lee on Saturday

Local time

2:42 PM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lowell, MA

Afternoon in Lowell on Saturday

Local time

2:42 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Areas Of Fog then Mostly Cloudy

E 3 to 8 mph 3% chance Live forecast

40°F

Wales, MA

65 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

3 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 35m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Lowell National Historical Park

Lowell National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Lowell’s water-powered textile mills catapulted the nation – including immigrant families and early female factory workers – into an uncertain new industrial era. Nearly 200 years later, the changes t...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Free near mile 130.6
View on nps.gov
New England National Scenic Trail

New England National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

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 40.5
View on nps.gov
Minute Man National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 121.6
View on nps.gov
Boston National Historical Park

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.

22 mi from route ~56 min detour Free near mile 126.1
View on nps.gov
Salem Maritime National Historical Park

Salem Maritime National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

23 mi from route ~58 min detour Free near mile 130.6
View on nps.gov
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

National Historical Park

The Blackstone River powered America's entry into the Age of Industry. The success of Samuel Slater's cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket, RI touched off a chain reaction that changed how people worked...

27 mi from route ~68 min detour Free near mile 94.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a 2h 35m highway drive covering 130.6 miles, with most of the trip on Massachusetts Turnpike and I 495. The longest continuous stretch is about 95 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 16 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 95 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Massachusetts Turnpike and I 495. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 96.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 130.6 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 96.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Lee, MA and Lowell, MA, road signs point toward Taunton, Portsmouth New Hampshire and Portsmouth.

Taunton

96.5 mi in | ~1h 52m

Portsmouth New Hampshire

96.7 mi in | ~1h 53m

Portsmouth

96.9 mi in | ~1h 54m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 35m. Total distance: 130.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Lee, MA to Lowell, MA covers 130.6 miles and takes about 2h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Massachusetts Turnpike, I 495, Chelmsford Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 65.3 miles from Lee, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.90 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.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 130.6 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 96.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Between Lee, MA and Lowell, MA, road signs point toward Taunton, Portsmouth New Hampshire and Portsmouth.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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