Trip from Lowell, MA to Boston, MA

Drive Time

40m

Distance

27.3 mi

44 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 10 min

4 AM

0h 37m ★

6 AM

0h 40m

8 AM

0h 47m

10 AM

0h 43m

12 PM

0h 42m

3 PM

0h 43m

5 PM

0h 47m

8 PM

0h 38m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Lowell, MA

Phil Evenden

Boston, MA

Phil Evenden

Trip Overview

For a quick commute or a day trip between Lowell and Boston, you are looking at a manageable 27.3-mile journey that typically takes about 40 minutes. Because the distance is so short, you certainly don't need to worry about overnight logistics; it is an ideal single-day excursion. You will primarily navigate via the Lowell Connector, US 3, and the I-93 HOV lane. With an estimated fuel cost of just $4, this trip is very budget-friendly. Both cities are firmly rooted in the Northeast, making the transition between them seamless and familiar. Whether you are heading into the city for work or leisure, this route provides a straightforward connection between two major Massachusetts hubs.

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

13.6 miles from Lowell, MA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 18m into the drive .

Drive Character

This 27.3-mile route offers a mixed driving profile that keeps you moving through different traffic environments. Highway travel makes up 56% of your time on the road, providing a blend of speed and urban transit. You will spend your longest uninterrupted stretch of 10.7 miles cruising along US 3, which serves as the backbone of your journey. Transitioning from the Lowell Connector onto the I-93 HOV lane shifts the experience from suburban access to a more concentrated metropolitan flow. Expect a functional, efficient drive that prioritizes speed and directness over scenic detours, as there are no scheduled stops along the way.

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

There are about 37 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

US 3 is the longest continuous segment at about 10.7 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 12.3 miles in near US 3.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 28 significant decision points across 27.3 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 12.3 miles (US 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.6 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 22 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 28 key points

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

12.3 mi into trip | ~15m in | US 3

Keep slight left at fork onto US 3 toward I 95 North, US 3 South: Boston, Peabody

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

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes. Exit 72A Toward I 95 North, US 3 South: Boston, Peabody

14.6 mi into trip | ~19m in | US 3

Take the exit onto US 3 toward US 3 South: Winchester

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 51A Toward US 3 South: Winchester

22 mi into trip | ~31m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 93 South: Boston

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 93 South: Boston

26.4 mi into trip | ~37m in

Take the exit toward MA 1A Toll: Airport, Government Center

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 17B-A Toward MA 1A Toll: Airport, Government Center

26.5 mi into trip | ~37m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Government Center

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 17A Toward Government Center

Towns Along This Route

Between Lowell, MA and Boston, MA, road signs point toward Peabody, Revere and Concord New Hampshire.

Peabody

12.3 mi in | ~15m | via US 3

Revere

21.8 mi in | ~31m | via MA 16

Concord New Hampshire

21.9 mi in | ~31m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 3	10.7 mi	13m
Interstate 93 HOV lane	2.5 mi	3m
Lowell Connector	2.1 mi	2m
Cambridge Road	2 mi	2m
Cambridge Street	1.6 mi	2m
Winthrop Street	1.4 mi	2m
I 93	1.1 mi	1m
Yankee Division Highway	0.9 mi	1m

Longest stretch: US 3 — 10.7 mi, about 13m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Hale Street

486 ft · 14 sec · Hale Street

Turn right onto Cambridge Street

314 ft · 16 sec · Cambridge Street

Turn left onto MA 110

0.6 mi · 56 sec · Chelmsford Street

Turn left onto Plain Street

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Plain Street

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Merge onto Lowell Connector

1.0 mi · 1 min · Lowell Connector

Use the none lane.

Continue on Lowell Connector

1.1 mi · 1 min · Lowell Connector

Exit 1A Toward US 3 South: Boston Use the none lane.

Merge onto US 3

9.1 mi · 10 min · US 3

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 3

1.0 mi · 2 min · US 3

Exit 72A Toward I 95 North, US 3 South: Boston, Peabody Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 3

0.3 mi · 43 sec · US 3

Use the none lane.

Merge onto I 95; US 3; MA 128

0.9 mi · 1 min · Yankee Division Highway

Take the exit onto US 3

0.2 mi · 31 sec · US 3

Exit 51A Toward US 3 South: Winchester Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto US 3

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Cambridge Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Continue on US 3

2.0 mi · 2 min · Cambridge Road

Continue on US 3

1.1 mi · 1 min · Cambridge Street

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto Church Street

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Church Street

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto Bacon Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · Bacon Street

Enter roundabout onto MA 38

37 ft · 0 sec · Main Street

Continue on MA 38

0.5 mi · 45 sec · Main Street

Continue on MA 38

1.3 mi · 1 min · Winthrop Street

Use the none lane.

Enter roundabout onto MA 38

100 ft · 4 sec · Winthrop Street

Continue on MA 38

0.1 mi · 27 sec · Winthrop Street

Turn left onto MA 16; MA 38

0.5 mi · 1 min · Mystic Valley Parkway

Continue on MA 16

0.1 mi · 10 sec · Mystic Valley Parkway

Toward MA 16 East: Everett, Revere

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 14 sec

Toward I 93: Boston, Concord New Hampshire

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 32 sec

Toward I 93 South: Boston Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 93

1.1 mi · 1 min · I 93

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 93

1.7 mi · 1 min · Interstate 93 HOV lane

Use the slight left lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 93

0.8 mi · 1 min · Interstate 93 HOV lane

Merge onto I 93; US 1

0.5 mi · 38 sec · John F. Fitzgerald Expressway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Exit 17B-A Toward MA 1A Toll: Airport, Government Center Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Exit 17A Toward Government Center Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto John F. Fitzgerald Surface Road

0.1 mi · 26 sec · John F. Fitzgerald Surface Road

Turn right onto State Street

0.3 mi · 54 sec · State Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on Court Street

473 ft · 20 sec · Court Street

Turn left onto Tremont Street

333 ft · 11 sec · Tremont Street

Arrive at destination

Tremont Street

Trip Plan

Since this drive takes less than an hour, you have significant flexibility with your departure time, though you should keep an eye on local traffic patterns when merging onto the I-93 HOV lane. You can easily complete the trip without needing to refuel, as the $4 cost is minimal for the total distance covered. Because there are no designated stops, make sure you are ready for a continuous 40-minute stint behind the wheel before you leave Lowell. If you are traveling during peak hours, prioritize using the HOV lane to optimize your transit time into Boston. Keeping your departure flexible allows you to avoid the heaviest congestion on these major arteries.

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 13.6 miles from Lowell, MA, or about 18m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 10.7 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 27.3 miles or 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 13.6 miles or 18m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 33m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Lowell, 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 Lowell, MA

This is one driving day of about 27.3 miles and 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Lowell, 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 US 3 for about 10.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 13.6 mi from Lowell, MA · 18m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brookhaven, NY

14 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

Brookhaven, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brookhaven, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 13.6 miles from Lowell, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Boston, MA

The final approach into Boston, 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 Boston, 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

$4.35 one way

$8.69 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 10 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.40	$4.73	$9.45
premium	$4.80	$5.16	$10.32
diesel	$5.64	$6.07	$12.13

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$29–$54

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 9.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 70% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	8.2	$2.87	$1.31
Efficient EV	6.8	$2.39	$1.09
EV Truck/SUV	10.9	$3.82	$1.75

Gas CO2

10 kg

EV CO2

3 kg (70% 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Lowell, MA

Evening in Lowell on Sunday

Local time

5:03 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Boston, MA

Evening in Boston on Sunday

Local time

5:03 PM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

49°F

Brookhaven, NY

14 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

2 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

40m 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 Lowell, MA to Boston, MA covers 27.3 miles and takes about 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 3, Interstate 93 HOV lane, Lowell Connector. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 13.6 miles from Lowell, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $4.35 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.

Between Lowell, MA and Boston, MA, road signs point toward Peabody, Revere and Concord New Hampshire.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Boston, MA to Lowell, MA

Plan the drive back the other way.

30.5 mi 37m

Explore more options from Lowell, MA or browse trips ending in Boston, MA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MA road trips.

Explore maps for Lowell, MA or Boston, MA on MapSof.net.

Trip from Lowell, MA to Boston, MA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Boston, MA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Lowell, MA

Boston, MA

Same local time

2 degrees cooler at arrival

40m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Boston, MA

More from Lowell, MA

More trips to Boston, MA