This 54.1-mile drive from South Peabody to Plymouth, Massachusetts, takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes, making it a straightforward day trip. You'll primarily be on MA 3 and the Southeast Expressway, with a significant portion on the Tobin Bridge. With a fuel cost estimated at $9, this highway-focused route is an efficient way to travel within the Northeast region. It’s a practical option for a quick journey without needing to break it up over multiple days. You can expect a mostly uninterrupted experience on the highway.
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
27 miles from South Peabody, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 42m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 54.1-mile journey, with 73% of the route on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 28.2 miles on MA 3. You'll navigate major arteries like the Southeast Expressway and cross the Tobin Bridge, experiencing a consistent flow of traffic typical of these main routes. The character of the drive remains largely consistent, emphasizing efficient travel over varied scenery.
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.
MA 3 is the longest continuous segment at about 28.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MA 3 and Southeast Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in near Broadway.
Route Complexity9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 54.1 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 1.9 miles (Broadway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.4 miles (US 1 / Northeast Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1.9 mi into trip|~4m in|Broadway
Keep slight left at fork onto Broadway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
9.1 mi into trip|~17m in
Take the exit toward US 1 South: Tobin Bridge, Boston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 1 South: Tobin Bridge, Boston
5
9.4 mi into trip|~17m in|US 1 / Northeast Expressway
Merge onto US 1 / Northeast Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
24.5 mi into trip|~39m in|MA 3
Keep slight left at fork onto MA 3 toward MA 3 South: Cape Cod
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 7
Toward MA 3 South: Cape Cod
6
52.7 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Take the exit toward US 44 West: Samoset Street, Carver
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 15B
Toward US 44 West: Samoset Street, Carver
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from South Peabody, MA to Plymouth, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Boston along the way.
Boston
9.1 mi in|~17m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MA 3
28.2 mi
35m
Southeast Expressway
8 mi
10m
Tobin Bridge
5.8 mi
9m
Broadway
3.3 mi
5m
Salem Turnpike
1.7 mi
2m
Western Avenue
1.6 mi
3m
Northeast Expressway
1.4 mi
1m
Lynn Street
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
MA 3
— 28.2 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Peabody, MA and Plymouth, MA.
1
Start on Bay State Boulevard
59 ft·4 sec·Bay State Boulevard
2
Turn right onto Lynn Street
1.1 mi·2 min·Lynn Street
3
Continue on Broadway
0.8 mi·1 min·Broadway
4
Keep slight left at fork onto Broadway
0.5 mi·49 sec·Broadway
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Turn right onto MA 129
0.8 mi·1 min·Boston Street
6
Turn left onto Franklin Street
0.1 mi·17 sec·Franklin Street
7
Turn right onto MA 107
0.5 mi·52 sec·Western Avenue
8
Enter roundabout onto MA 107
178 ft·2 sec·Western Avenue
9
Continue on MA 107
1.0 mi·2 min·Western Avenue
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on MA 107
1.7 mi·2 min·Salem Turnpike
11
Continue on MA 107
0.7 mi·1 min·Broadway
12
Turn slight right onto MA 60; MA 107
328 ft·11 sec·Albert J Brown Circle
13
Turn slight right onto MA 107
148 ft·5 sec·Broadway
14
Continue on MA 107
1.3 mi·2 min·Broadway
15
Turn right
0.2 mi·23 sec
16
Merge onto MA 16
0.3 mi·36 sec·Revere Beach Parkway
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 1 South: Tobin Bridge, BostonUse the right lane.
18
Merge onto US 1
1.4 mi·1 min·Northeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on US 1
5.8 mi·9 min·Tobin Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
8.0 mi·10 min·Southeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto MA 3
28 mi·35 min·MA 3
Exit 7Toward MA 3 South: Cape CodUse the slight left lane.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·46 sec
Exit 15BToward US 44 West: Samoset Street, Carver
23
Turn straight onto Samoset Street
254 ft·9 sec·Samoset Street
24
Continue on Samoset Street
0.9 mi·2 min·Samoset Street
25
Turn right onto MA 3A
0.2 mi·35 sec·Court Street
Use the right lane.
26
Arrive at destination
MA 3A
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing during off-peak hours to minimize potential traffic, especially if crossing the Tobin Bridge. With no recommended stops, you have flexibility to add breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, with an estimated cost of $9 for the 54.1 miles. A practical tip: plan your final destination in Plymouth to be easily accessible from your exit off MA 3 to avoid any unnecessary backtracking.
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 27 miles from South Peabody, MA, or about 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.2 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 54.1 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 27 miles or 42m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Plymouth, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving South Peabody, 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 South Peabody, MA
This is one driving day of about 54.1 miles and 1h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from South Peabody, 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 MA 3 for about 28.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 27 mi from South Peabody, MA
· 42m into the drive
The midpoint is around 27 miles from South Peabody, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Plymouth, MA
The final approach into Plymouth, 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 Plymouth, MA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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.
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...
. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, view historic lighthouses, explore tide pools, hike lush trails, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking, or swimming—all within reach o...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 20.5
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$8.66 one way
$17.32 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg19 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$9.44
$18.88
premium
$4.82
$10.27
$20.55
diesel
$5.61
$11.94
$23.89
Estimated Tolls: $0.12
Salem Turnpike
(1.7 mi)$0.12
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
$9
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$34–$59
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
16.2
0
$5.68
$2.60
Efficient EV
13.5
0
$4.73
$2.16
EV Truck/SUV
21.6
0
$7.57
$3.46
Gas CO2
19 kg
EV CO2
6 kg (68% 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 5 days ago
Origin
South Peabody, MA
Night
in South Peabody on Tuesday
Local time
11:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Plymouth, MA
Night
in Plymouth on Tuesday
Local time
11:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Brookhaven, NY
27 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
5 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 South Peabody, MA to Plymouth, MA covers 54.1 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 MA 3, Southeast Expressway, Tobin Bridge. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 27 miles from South Peabody, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.66 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 13 significant decision points across 54.1 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 1.9 miles (Broadway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.4 miles (US 1 / Northeast Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from South Peabody, MA to Plymouth, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Boston along the way.
