Origin
Worcester, MA
Afternoon in Worcester on Sunday
Local time
3:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Worcester, MA to Waltham, MA
Drive Time
48m
Distance
36.1 mi
58 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 45m
★
6 AM
0h 49m
8 AM
0h 57m
10 AM
0h 51m
12 PM
0h 51m
3 PM
0h 52m
5 PM
0h 56m
8 PM
0h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Waltham, MA
Pixabay
Trip Overview
If you are looking to get from Worcester to Waltham, this 36.1-mile journey is an efficient trip that typically takes about 48 minutes. It is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, meaning you will not need to worry about overnight accommodations. You can expect to spend roughly $6 on fuel, making it a budget-friendly commute or quick getaway within the Northeast region. By utilizing the Massachusetts Turnpike for the majority of the trip, you will find a straightforward path connecting these two Massachusetts hubs. Whether you are heading out for business or a visit, this direct route provides a reliable way to navigate between these cities without unnecessary complications.
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
18 miles from Worcester, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 23m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 72% of your travel spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a consistent rhythm during the longest stretch of the drive, which covers 26.1 miles along the Massachusetts Turnpike. The experience transitions from the local feel of Grafton Street in Worcester to the more structured environment of the interstate, eventually concluding near the Moody Street area in Waltham. Expect a steady, functional pace rather than a winding scenic tour. Because the majority of the drive is spent on major thoroughfares, you can anticipate a predictable journey that prioritizes speed and efficiency over technical driving.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 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 26.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Massachusetts Turnpike and Grafton Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 31.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 36.1 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 31.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
31.6 mi into trip
|
~39m 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...
8
32.4 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Waltham, Portsmouth New Hampshire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 95 North: Waltham, Portsmouth New Hamp...
9
32.9 mi into trip
|
~41m 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
33 mi into trip
|
~42m 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
6
33.9 mi into trip
|
~43m in
|
Lexington Street
Turn left onto Lexington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Worcester, MA and Waltham, MA, road signs point toward Providence Rhode Island, Portsmouth New Hampshire and Weston.
Providence Rhode Island
31.6 mi in
|
~39m
Portsmouth New Hampshire
32.4 mi in
|
~40m
Weston
32.9 mi in
|
~41m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Turnpike | 26.1 mi | 30m |
| Grafton Street | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| Moody Street | 1.1 mi | 3m |
| Lexington Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Commonwealth Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Front Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Grafton Road | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Main Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 26.1 mi, about 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Worcester, MA and Waltham, MA.
1
Start on Main Street
293 ft
·
12 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn right onto Front Street
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
Front Street
3
Enter roundabout onto Grafton Street
24 ft
·
0 sec
·
Grafton Street
4
Continue on Grafton Street
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Grafton Street
5
Continue on MA 122
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
Grafton Street
6
Enter roundabout onto MA 122
39 ft
·
0 sec
·
Grafton Street
7
Continue on MA 122
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Grafton Street
8
Continue on MA 122
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Grafton Road
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
11
Merge onto I 90
26 mi
·
30 min
·
Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the none lane.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Exit 123
Toward I 95: Portsmouth New Hampshire, Providence Rhode Island
Use the slight right lane.
13
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
this road
14
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
this road
Use the none lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 North: Waltham, Portsmouth New Hampshire
Use the none lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 39A
Toward MA 30: Newton, Weston
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
132 ft
·
4 sec
Toward MA 30 East: Newton
Use the left / right lanes.
18
Turn slight right onto MA 30
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Commonwealth Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Turn left onto Lexington Street
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Lexington Street
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on Moody Street
1.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Moody Street
Use the none lane.
21
Turn right onto US 20
411 ft
·
8 sec
·
Main Street
22
Arrive at destination
US 20
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, 48-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though keeping an eye on typical traffic patterns on the Massachusetts Turnpike is always a smart move. You will not need to plan for any formal stops, as the duration is manageable in one go. Keep your $6 fuel budget in mind, and ensure you are fueled up before hitting the highway to avoid unnecessary deviations. A key tip for this route is to be prepared for the transition from the Turnpike's high-speed lanes to the more localized traffic flow as you approach Moody Street. By staying attentive during this final leg, you will ensure a smooth 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 18 miles from Worcester, MA, or about 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.1 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 36.1 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 18 miles or 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 38m
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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, MA
This is one driving day of about 36.1 miles and 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Worcester, 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 26.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 18 mi from Worcester, MA · 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
18 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
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$5.75 one way
$11.49 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
13 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $6.25 | $12.50 |
| premium | $4.80 | $6.82 | $13.64 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $8.02 | $16.04 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.57
Massachusetts Turnpike
(26.1 mi)
$1.57
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
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$32–$57
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 12.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.8 | 0 | $3.79 | $1.73 |
| Efficient EV | 9 | 0 | $3.16 | $1.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.4 | 0 | $5.05 | $2.31 |
Gas CO2
13 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (69% 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
Waltham, MA
Afternoon in Waltham on Sunday
Local time
3:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°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
1 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
48m 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 Worcester, MA to Waltham, MA covers 36.1 miles and takes about 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Massachusetts Turnpike, Grafton Street, Moody Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 18 miles from Worcester, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.75 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 14 significant decision points across 36.1 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 31.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Worcester, MA and Waltham, MA, road signs point toward Providence Rhode Island, Portsmouth New Hampshire and Weston.
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