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Trip from Lowell, MA to Lee, MA

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

Drive Time

2h 34m

Distance

128.1 mi

206 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

10 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 25m ★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m

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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Downtown Lowell, MA, MA

Lowell, MA

Phil Evenden

town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States

Lee, MA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Lowell, MA to Lee, MA covers 128.1 miles and takes about 2h 34m 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, I 290 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 79.3 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. At current regular gas prices, budget about $20.50 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

64.1 miles from Lowell, MA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike 79.3 mi 1h 31m
I 495 23.4 mi 27m
I 290 19.6 mi 24m
Lowell Connector 0.8 mi 1m
Chelmsford Street 0.6 mi <1m
Housatonic Street 0.5 mi 1m
Plain Street 0.1 mi <1m
Park Street 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Massachusetts Turnpike — 79.3 mi, about 1h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Hale Street

486 ft · 14 sec · Hale Street
2

Turn right onto Cambridge Street

314 ft · 16 sec · Cambridge Street
3

Turn left onto MA 110

0.6 mi · 56 sec · Chelmsford Street
4

Turn left onto Plain Street

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Plain Street
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 29 sec
6

Merge onto Lowell Connector

0.8 mi · 1 min · Lowell Connector
7

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 16 sec
Exit 2B-A Toward I 495 South, US 3 North: Worcester, Nashua New Hampshire Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 2A Toward I 495 South: Worcester Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 495 South: Marlboro
10

Merge onto I 495

23 mi · 27 min · I 495
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 65B Toward I 290 West: Worcester
12

Merge onto I 290

20 mi · 24 min · I 290
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 22 sec
Exit 12B Toward MA 12 South: Webster
14

Turn left onto Oxford Street

466 ft · 10 sec · Oxford Street
15

At end of road, turn right onto MA 12

446 ft · 9 sec · Southbridge Street
16

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward I 90
17

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 90 West
18

Merge onto I 90

11 mi · 12 min · Massachusetts Turnpike
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90

68 mi · 1 hr 18 min · Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
20

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 10 Toward US 20: Lee, Pittsfield
21

Keep slight right at fork

376 ft · 9 sec
22

Merge onto US 20

0.5 mi · 1 min · Housatonic Street
23

Continue on US 20

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Park Street
24

Arrive at destination

US 20

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 64.1 miles from Lowell, MA, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.3 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 28 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.1 miles or 1h 19m 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 Lee, 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 128.1 miles and 2h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Lowell, 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 79.3 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

64 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

Westborough, MA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Wales, MA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.1 miles from Lowell, 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 79.3 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 end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 128.1

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 end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 128.1

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+14132433333

Visit website

Morgan House Inn & Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Moderately mile 128.1

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: 4–8 pm

+14132433661

Visit website

Cafe Triskele

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $30 to $50 mile 128.1

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: 5–9 pm

+14132436397

Visit website

Torito Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 36.6

Worcester, Massachusetts

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+15083048665

Visit website

Tony & Penny's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 82.4

Ludlow, Massachusetts

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+14135836351

Visit website

Phnom Penh Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Lowell, Massachusetts

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19782750999

Primavera Cafe Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 82.4

Ludlow, Massachusetts

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14135890562

Visit website

Yong Shing Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 45.8

Auburn, Massachusetts

Hours: 11:30 am–12:30 pm

+15088320622

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 128.1

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 128.1

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 128.1

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336224743

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Lowell, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVPassport Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 9.2

Westford, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19292971722

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 9.2

Littleton, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 128.1

Lee, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 9.2

Littleton, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EcoTarium

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 36.6

Worcester, Massachusetts

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15089292700

Visit website

Titanic Historical Society

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 82.4

Indian Orchard, Massachusetts

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+14135434770

Visit website

DementedFX

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 91.5

Holyoke, Massachusetts

Hours: Closed

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 126.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
1.8 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the exit toward I 495 South, US 3 North: Worcester, Nashua New Hampshire

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 2B-A Toward I 495 South, US 3 North: Worcester, Nash...
8
2 mi into trip | ~3m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 South: Worcester

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 2A Toward I 495 South: Worcester
5
2.3 mi into trip | ~4m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 South: Marlboro

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 495 South: Marlboro
6
58.7 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in | I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
126.8 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in

Take the exit toward US 20: Lee, Pittsfield

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

Exit 10 Toward US 20: Lee, Pittsfield

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.50 one way

$41.00 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.43 $22.36 $44.71
premium $4.82 $24.32 $48.65
diesel $5.61 $28.28 $56.57

Estimated Tolls: $4.75

Massachusetts Turnpike (79.3 mi) $4.75

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

$5

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

10 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Lowell, MA - Tesla Supercharger

Lowell, MA

Tesla

12 DCFC

Fairfield Inn - Tewksbury

Tewksbury, MA

CHARGESMART_EV

10 DCFC

Farley White

Lowell, MA

RED_E

6 DCFC

Chelmsford Town Hall

Chelmsford, MA

RED_E

6 DCFC

Walmart 2222 (Tewksbury, MA)

Tewksbury, MA

Electrify America

4 DCFC

Autel - Eco Auto

Tewksbury, MA

AUTEL

4 DCFC

Lowell Quick Mart

Lowell, MA

RED_E

4 DCFC

Chelmsford Mobil Mart

Chelmsford, MA

RED_E

2 DCFC

RED_E: 4 ChargePoint Network: 2 Electrify America: 1 CHARGESMART_EV: 1 AUTEL: 1 Tesla: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.4 0 $13.45 $6.15
Efficient EV 32 0 $11.21 $5.12
EV Truck/SUV 51.2 0 $17.93 $8.20

Gas CO2

45 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 16, 2026

Origin

Lowell, MA

Afternoon in Lowell on Saturday

Local time

1:31 PM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lee, MA

Afternoon in Lee on Saturday

Local time

1:31 PM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

40°F

Wales, MA

64 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

7 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 34m 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.

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
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 83.9
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 ~24 min detour Free near mile 8.8
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 4.4
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
View on nps.gov
Adams National Historical Park

Adams National Historical Park

National Historical Park

From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill to the gentleman’s country estate at Peace field, Adams National Historical Park is the story of “heroes, statesmen, philosophers…and learned wome...

30 mi from route ~74 min detour $15 near mile 4.4
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 34m highway drive covering 128.1 miles, with most of the trip on Massachusetts Turnpike and I 495. The longest continuous stretch is about 79.3 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 24 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 79.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 1.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 128.1 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 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 34m. Total distance: 128.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Lowell, MA to Lee, MA covers 128.1 miles and takes about 2h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Massachusetts Turnpike, I 495, I 290. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 64.1 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 $20.50 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 21 significant decision points across 128.1 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 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

The route from Lowell, MA to Lee, MA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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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