Origin
New Bedford, MA
Night in New Bedford on Sunday
Local time
11:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from New Bedford, MA to East Dennis, MA
Drive Time
1h 18m
Distance
56.5 mi
91 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 13m
★
6 AM
1h 19m
8 AM
1h 31m
10 AM
1h 23m
12 PM
1h 22m
3 PM
1h 24m
5 PM
1h 30m
8 PM
1h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New Bedford, MA
Phil Evenden
East Dennis, MA
David Kanigan
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick getaway from New Bedford to East Dennis, you are looking at a straightforward 56.5-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes to complete. This trip is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as it is short enough to avoid the need for an overnight stay. Budgeting approximately $9 for fuel makes this an economical choice for a weekend outing. You will be traveling entirely within the Northeast region, transitioning from the historic coastal atmosphere of New Bedford toward the classic Cape Cod experience. Because the drive is relatively brief, it offers a great balance of accessibility and efficiency for those looking to reach the Cape without spending the entire day behind the wheel.
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
28.2 miles from New Bedford, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 36m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip features a mixed driving profile, combining quick interstate transit with more localized traffic as you approach your destination. You will spend roughly 44% of your time on highways, utilizing I-195, MA-25, and the Mid Cape Highway to navigate the route. Expect a transition in pace, as the longest uninterrupted stretch spans 22.3 miles along the Mid Cape Highway, providing a steady rhythm before you exit for East Dennis. The route is functional rather than purely recreational, shifting from the industrial and urban feel of the South Coast to the more relaxed, corridor-style driving common on the Cape. It is a predictable commute that rewards drivers who appreciate a clear, direct path to the shoreline.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Mid Cape Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 22.3 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 0.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 56.5 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 0.5 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 16 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.5 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the ramp toward MA 18 North
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Toward MA 18 North
6
1.3 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the exit toward I 195 East: Cape Cod
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 195 East: Cape Cod
6
16 mi into trip
|
~20m 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
5
29.9 mi into trip
|
~39m in
|
Mid-Cape Connector
Turn right onto Mid-Cape Connector
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
30.6 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
US 6 / Mid Cape Highway
Merge onto US 6 / Mid Cape Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / slight right lanes.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mid Cape Highway | 22.3 mi | 30m |
| I 195 | 14.3 mi | 17m |
| MA 25 | 9.6 mi | 11m |
| East West Dennis Road | 3.2 mi | 6m |
| Sandwich Road Connector | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| MA 28 | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| John F. Kennedy Highway | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Pleasant Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Mid Cape Highway
— 22.3 mi, about 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Bedford, MA and East Dennis, MA.
1
Start on Pleasant Street
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Pleasant Street
2
Turn right onto Hillman Street
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
Hillman Street
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward MA 18 North
4
Merge onto MA 18
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
John F. Kennedy Highway
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 195 East: Cape Cod
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 195
14 mi
·
17 min
·
I 195
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 40A
Toward MA 25 East: Cape Cod
8
Merge onto MA 25
9.6 mi
·
11 min
·
MA 25
9
Continue on MA 28
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
MA 28
10
Enter roundabout onto Sandwich Road Connector
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
Sandwich Road Connector
11
Continue on Sandwich Road Connector
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Sandwich Road Connector
12
Turn right onto Mid-Cape Connector
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
·
Mid-Cape Connector
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
14
Merge onto US 6
22 mi
·
30 min
·
Mid Cape Highway
Use the none / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
1 min
Exit 78B
Toward MA 134 North: Dennis
16
Turn straight onto MA 134
3.2 mi
·
6 min
·
East West Dennis Road
Use the none lane.
17
Turn left onto MA 6A
135 ft
·
11 sec
·
Cranberry Highway
18
Turn left
49 ft
·
3 sec
19
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short 1 hour and 18-minute drive, you have the advantage of total flexibility in your departure time. However, keeping an eye on traffic patterns along the Mid Cape Highway is wise, as volume can fluctuate significantly depending on the season and time of day. You won't need to plan for any formal stops given the manageable distance, though filling your tank before you leave ensures you stay within your $9 fuel budget without needing to hunt for stations mid-trip. Use the directness of the I-195 and MA-25 transition to your advantage by timing your departure to avoid peak commuter hours. Staying mindful of your exit timing on the Mid Cape Highway will help you maintain a smooth, stress-free arrival at 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 28.2 miles from New Bedford, MA, or about 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.3 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 56.5 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 28.2 miles or 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Dennis, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Bedford, 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 New Bedford, MA
This is one driving day of about 56.5 miles and 1h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from New Bedford, 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 Mid Cape Highway for about 22.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 28.2 mi from New Bedford, MA · 36m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 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 56.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 28.2 miles from New Bedford, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in East Dennis, MA
The final approach into East Dennis, 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 East Dennis, 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
$8.99 one way
$17.99 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $9.78 | $19.56 |
| premium | $4.80 | $10.67 | $21.35 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.55 | $25.10 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$34–$59
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 17 | 0 | $5.93 | $2.71 |
| Efficient EV | 14.1 | 0 | $4.94 | $2.26 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.6 | 0 | $7.91 | $3.62 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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
East Dennis, MA
Night in East Dennis on Sunday
Local time
11:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
37°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
38 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
1h 18m 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 New Bedford, MA to East Dennis, MA covers 56.5 miles and takes about 1h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Mid Cape Highway, I 195, MA 25. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 28.2 miles from New Bedford, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.99 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 15 significant decision points across 56.5 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 0.5 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 16 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
The route from New Bedford, MA to East Dennis, MA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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