Origin
Northborough, MA
Afternoon in Northborough on Wednesday
Local time
4:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
54m
Distance
41.8 mi
67 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$7
one way
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Northborough, MA
Phil Evenden
Lawrence, MA
Wikimedia Commons
If you are planning to travel from Northborough to Lawrence, you are looking at a straightforward 41.8-mile trip that typically takes about 54 minutes. This drive is designed as a quick day trip, making it an easy task to complete in a single outing without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via I-495, I-290, and Hudson Street, which keeps the journey efficient for commuters or casual travelers. With a fuel budget of approximately $7, the trip is quite economical for a solo driver or a small group. Since both cities are located within the Northeast region of Massachusetts, you will remain in familiar territory throughout the duration of your transit.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
20.9 miles from Northborough, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 27m into the drive .
This route is heavily highway-focused, with about 86% of your journey spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, as the longest uninterrupted stretch covers 34.2 miles along I-495. While the start of your trip involves local navigation on Hudson Street and I-290, the transition to the interstate is seamless. Expect a functional, point-to-point drive rather than a winding scenic tour. The personality of this road is defined by its utility, offering a consistent experience that allows you to cover the distance with minimal stop-and-go traffic.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
248 ft
Total Descent
505 ft
Highest Point
380 ft
~8.9 mi in
Elevation Range
336 ft
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Northborough, MA to Lawrence, MA is easy. At 54m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Northborough, MA to Lawrence, MA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Main Street | — | — |
| Hudson Street | — | — |
| Solomon Pond Road | — | — |
| I 290 East | — | — |
| I 495 North | — | — |
| MA 28 North | — | — |
| Union Street | — | — |
| South Union Street | — | — |
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
Step-by-step road directions between Northborough, MA and Lawrence, MA.
Start on the route
Turn left onto Main Street
Turn right onto Hudson Street
Continue on Solomon Pond Road
Take the ramp slight right toward I 290 East: Marlboro
Merge slight left
Take the exit slight left toward I 495 North: Lowell
Merge slight left
Take the exit slight right toward MA 28 North: Lawrence
Turn straight onto Union Street
Keep slight right to continue on South Union Street
Turn left onto Winthrop Avenue
Continue on Parker Street
Continue on Amesbury Street
Turn right onto Canal Street
Turn left onto Lawrence Street
Turn left onto Essex Street
Arrive at your destination
Because this is a short 54-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the entire 41.8-mile stretch without needing any scheduled stops, though it is always smart to ensure your tank is ready for the $7 fuel cost before you merge onto the highway. Since the vast majority of your time will be spent on I-495, keep a close eye on traffic reports for that specific corridor to avoid potential congestion. Given the efficient nature of the highway layout, you can comfortably plan your day around your arrival time in Lawrence without worrying about fatigue. Use the simplicity of this route to your advantage by keeping your schedule light and avoiding unnecessary detours.
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.
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 41.8 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 20.9 miles or 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lawrence, MA than in the middle of the route.
Have your navigation ready before leaving Northborough, MA.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Northborough, MA
This is one driving day of about 41.8 miles and 54m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 20.9 mi from Northborough, MA · 27m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
21 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.
A short stop after about 41.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 20.9 miles from Northborough, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Lawrence, MA if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$6.69 one way
$13.38 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $7.30 | $14.59 |
| premium | $4.82 | $7.94 | $15.87 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $9.23 | $18.46 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$32–$57
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 14.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 12.5 | 0 | $4.39 | $2.01 |
| Efficient EV | 10.5 | 0 | $3.66 | $1.67 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 16.7 | 0 | $5.85 | $2.68 |
Gas CO2
15 kg
EV CO2
5 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Northborough on Wednesday
Local time
4:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Destination
Afternoon in Lawrence on Wednesday
Local time
4:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
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