This 39.9-mile drive from Uxbridge to Waltham, Massachusetts, can easily be completed in about an hour, making it a perfect day trip. You'll spend a good portion of your time on major highways like the Massachusetts Turnpike and I-495. With an estimated fuel cost of $6, this is a budget-friendly excursion within the Northeast region. The profile is a mixed drive, suggesting you'll experience varied road conditions. Given its short length and manageable duration, an overnight stay isn't necessary; you can focus on your destination upon arrival.
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
19.9 miles from Uxbridge, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 31m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this route, with 59% of it being highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 11.2 miles on the Massachusetts Turnpike, offering a period of consistent speed. The journey incorporates major roadways like I-495 and Turnpike Road, so be prepared for a blend of faster-paced travel and potentially some local road transitions. The character of the drive will shift as you navigate these different types of thoroughfares.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 27 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 11.2 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 18.8 miles in.
Route Complexity10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 39.9 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 18.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
18.8 mi into trip|~29m in
Take the exit toward MA 9 East: Framingham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 59A
Toward MA 9 East: Framingham
8
23.9 mi into trip|~37m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 90 East: Boston, Massachusetts Turnpike East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 90 East: Boston, Massachusetts Turnpik...
8
35.4 mi into trip|~51m in
Take the exit toward I 95: Portsmouth New Hampshire, Providence Rhode Island
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 123
Toward I 95: Portsmouth New Hampshire, Providen...
9
36.7 mi into trip|~54m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MA 30: Newton, Weston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 39A
Toward MA 30: Newton, Weston
8
36.8 mi into trip|~54m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MA 30 East: Newton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward MA 30 East: Newton
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Uxbridge, MA and Waltham, MA, road signs point toward Springfield, Boston, Massachusetts Turnpike East, Providence Rhode Island, Portsmouth New Hampshire and Weston.
Springfield
23.5 mi in|~37m
Boston
23.5 mi in|~37m
Massachusetts Turnpike East
23.9 mi in|~37m
Providence Rhode Island
35.4 mi in|~51m
Portsmouth New Hampshire
36.2 mi in|~53m
Weston
36.7 mi in|~54m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike
11.2 mi
12m
I 495
8.6 mi
9m
Turnpike Road
3.6 mi
5m
Mendon Street
3.5 mi
7m
Uxbridge Road
2.1 mi
3m
Main Street
1.7 mi
2m
Cedar Street
1.4 mi
2m
Moody Street
1.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 11.2 mi, about 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Uxbridge, MA and Waltham, MA.
1
Start on this road
287 ft·24 sec·this road
2
At end of road, turn left onto MA 16
2.3 mi·5 min·Mendon Street
3
Continue on MA 16
2.1 mi·3 min·Uxbridge Road
4
Continue on MA 16
0.3 mi·28 sec·Hastings Street
5
Continue on MA 16
1.0 mi·1 min·Milford Street
6
Continue on MA 16
1.1 mi·2 min·Mendon Street
7
Continue on MA 16
1.6 mi·2 min·Main Street
8
Turn left onto MA 85
1.4 mi·2 min·Cedar Street
Use the left lane.
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward I 495 North: Lowell
10
Merge onto I 495
8.6 mi·9 min·I 495
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·56 sec
Exit 59AToward MA 9 East: FraminghamUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto MA 9
3.6 mi·5 min·Turnpike Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on MA 9
0.8 mi·1 min·Worcester Road
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 90 East, I 90 West: Masspike, Springfield, Boston
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 90 East: Boston, Massachusetts Turnpike EastUse the slight right lane.
16
Merge onto I 90
11 mi·12 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 123Toward I 95: Portsmouth New Hampshire, Providence Rhode IslandUse the slight right lane.
18
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·28 sec·this road
19
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·22 sec·this road
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: Waltham, Portsmouth New Hampshire
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·20 sec
Exit 39AToward MA 30: Newton, WestonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork
132 ft·4 sec
Toward MA 30 East: NewtonUse the left / right lanes.
23
Turn slight right onto MA 30
0.8 mi·1 min·Commonwealth Avenue
Use the left lane.
24
Turn left onto Lexington Street
1.0 mi·1 min·Lexington Street
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on Moody Street
1.1 mi·3 min·Moody Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn right onto US 20
411 ft·8 sec·Main Street
27
Arrive at destination
US 20
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 1-hour drive covering 39.9 miles, flexibility is key. You can depart at your convenience, but consider avoiding peak commuter times if you prefer smoother traffic flow. With no recommended stops, you can push through to your destination or make spontaneous breaks as needed. The estimated fuel cost is low at $6, so you likely won't need to worry about frequent refueling. A specific tip for this route: be aware of potential toll sections on the Massachusetts Turnpike.
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 19.9 miles from Uxbridge, MA, or about 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 11.2 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 39.9 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 19.9 miles or 31m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waltham, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Uxbridge, 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 Uxbridge, MA
This is one driving day of about 39.9 miles and 1h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Uxbridge, 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 Massachusetts Turnpike for about 11.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 19.9 mi from Uxbridge, MA
· 31m into the drive
The midpoint is around 24.7 miles from Uxbridge, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Waltham, MA
The final approach into Waltham, 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 Waltham, 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.
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 39.9
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.
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 39.9
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...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
$15
near mile 38.5
. . . 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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 38.5
The Blackstone River powered America's entry into the Age of Industry. The success of Samuel Slater's cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket, RI touched off a chain reaction that changed how people worked...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 4.1
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...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 39.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$6.39 one way
$12.77 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg14 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$6.96
$13.93
premium
$4.82
$7.58
$15.15
diesel
$5.61
$8.81
$17.62
Estimated Tolls: $0.92
Massachusetts Turnpike
(11.2 mi)$0.67
Turnpike Road
(3.6 mi)$0.25
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
$6
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$32–$57
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 14 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging
· 0 stops
· 64% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
12
0
$4.19
$1.92
Efficient EV
10
0
$3.49
$1.60
EV Truck/SUV
16
0
$5.59
$2.55
Gas CO2
14 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (64% 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 4 days ago
Origin
Uxbridge, MA
Late night
in Uxbridge on Wednesday
Local time
3:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Waltham, MA
Late night
in Waltham on Wednesday
Local time
3:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Brookhaven, NY
20 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
25 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
1h 1m 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 Uxbridge, MA to Waltham, MA covers 39.9 miles and takes about 1h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Massachusetts Turnpike, I 495, Turnpike Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 19.9 miles from Uxbridge, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $6.39 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 16 significant decision points across 39.9 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 18.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Uxbridge, MA and Waltham, MA, road signs point toward Springfield, Boston, Massachusetts Turnpike East, Providence Rhode Island, Portsmouth New Hampshire and Weston.
