Trip from Otis, MA to Lowell, MA

Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026

Drive Time

2h 38m

Distance

122 mi

196 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min

4 AM

2h 28m ★

6 AM

2h 38m

8 AM

2h 59m

10 AM

2h 46m

12 PM

2h 43m

3 PM

2h 47m

5 PM

2h 58m

8 PM

2h 32m

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

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Otis, MA

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Lowell, MA

Phil Evenden

Trip Overview

Embarking on a 122-mile journey from Otis, MA, to Lowell, MA, will take you approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes of driving time. This route is primarily highway-focused, with 83% of the drive on major roadways like the Massachusetts Turnpike and I-495, complemented by US 20. With a fuel cost estimated at $20, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day excursion, perfect for a quick getaway within the Northeast region. You'll find it's a straightforward drive that doesn't necessitate an overnight stop, offering convenience for those looking to maximize their time at their destination.

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

61 miles from Otis, MA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .

Drive Character

This drive leans heavily towards a highway-focused experience, with a substantial 83% of the route utilizing major interstates. Expect stretches of consistent driving, including a continuous 65.3-mile segment on the Massachusetts Turnpike. While primarily on fast-paced highways, the inclusion of US 20 offers a slight variation, potentially introducing more local traffic or slightly different road conditions as you progress toward Lowell. The overall feel is one of efficient travel, prioritizing getting you to your destination with minimal detours.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 26 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 65.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 20.7 miles in near Orange Street.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 122 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 20.7 miles (Orange Street): Navigation decision point; at 87.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

20.7 mi into trip | ~34m in | Orange Street

At end of road, turn right onto Orange Street

Navigation decision point

87.9 mi into trip | ~1h 55m 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

88.1 mi into trip | ~1h 55m 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...

88.3 mi into trip | ~1h 56m 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

119 mi into trip | ~2h 32m 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

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

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

Taunton

87.9 mi in | ~1h 55m

Portsmouth New Hampshire

88.1 mi in | ~1h 55m

Portsmouth

88.3 mi in | ~1h 56m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike	65.3 mi	1h 15m
I 495	30.1 mi	34m
US 20	5.7 mi	10m
Otis Stage Road	5.5 mi	8m
East Otis Road	4.1 mi	6m
Blandford Road	2.8 mi	4m
Chelmsford Street	2.6 mi	4m
Woronoco Road	1.7 mi	3m

Longest stretch: Massachusetts Turnpike — 65.3 mi, about 1h 15m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on MA 23

3.7 mi · 5 min · East Otis Road

Continue on MA 23

0.4 mi · 37 sec · East Otis Road

Continue on MA 23

5.5 mi · 8 min · Otis Stage Road

Continue on MA 23

0.8 mi · 1 min · Main Street

Continue on MA 23

1.7 mi · 3 min · Woronoco Road

Continue on MA 23

2.8 mi · 4 min · Blandford Road

Turn right onto US 20

5.7 mi · 10 min · US 20

Turn left onto Maple Street

0.1 mi · 26 sec · Maple Street

At end of road, turn right onto Orange Street

279 ft · 14 sec · Orange Street

Turn left onto US 202; MA 10

343 ft · 11 sec · Elm Street

Turn slight right onto US 202; MA 10

0.4 mi · 1 min · Union Avenue

Merge onto US 202; MA 10

0.8 mi · 2 min · North Elm Street

Turn right

0.1 mi · 22 sec

Turn left onto Friendlys Way

355 ft · 12 sec · Friendlys Way

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 19 sec · this road

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Merge onto I 90

65 mi · 1 hr 15 min · Massachusetts Turnpike

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 38 sec

Exit 106 Toward I 495: Portsmouth New Hampshire, Taunton Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 34 sec

Toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth New Hampshire

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth NH Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 495

30 mi · 34 min · I 495

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 34 sec

Exit 88 Toward MA 110: Chelmsford, Lowell

Turn right onto MA 110

2.6 mi · 4 min · Chelmsford Street

Turn right onto Cambridge Street

314 ft · 14 sec · Cambridge Street

Turn left onto Hale Street

486 ft · 13 sec · Hale Street

Arrive at destination

Hale Street

Trip Plan

For this 122-mile trip, departing early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach I-495. Since the drive is under 3 hours and has a manageable fuel cost of around $20, you won't need to plan for extensive stops. Consider making your single planned stop along the Massachusetts Turnpike for a quick stretch and to refuel if necessary, though this is unlikely given the short distance. The flexibility of this route means you can depart at your leisure, but early is always recommended for smoother travel.

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 61 miles from Otis, MA, or about 1h 24m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.3 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 27 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61 miles or 1h 24m 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 10m

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 Otis, 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 Otis, MA

This is one driving day of about 122 miles and 2h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Otis, 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 65.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 61 mi from Otis, MA · 1h 24m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wales, MA

61 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

Holyoke, MA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Southbridge, MA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61 miles from Otis, 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 65.3 miles.

Arriving in Lowell, MA

The final approach into Lowell, 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 Lowell, 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

$19.52 one way

$39.05 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$21.29	$42.58
premium	$4.82	$23.17	$46.33
diesel	$5.61	$26.94	$53.87

Estimated Tolls: $3.92

Massachusetts Turnpike (65.3 mi) $3.92

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

$20

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 42.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	36.6	$12.81	$5.86
Efficient EV	30.5	$10.67	$4.88
EV Truck/SUV	48.8	$17.08	$7.81

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 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 15, 2026

Origin

Otis, MA

Evening in Otis on Wednesday

Local time

6:30 PM

EDT

Current temp

39°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lowell, MA

Evening in Lowell on Wednesday

Local time

6:30 PM

EDT

Current temp

41°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

40°F

Wales, MA

61 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 warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 38m 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 Otis, MA to Lowell, MA covers 122 miles and takes about 2h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Massachusetts Turnpike, I 495, US 20. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 61 miles from Otis, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.52 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.

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

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Trip from Otis, MA to Lowell, MA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Lowell, MA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Otis, MA

Lowell, MA

Same local time

2 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 38m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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