Traveling from Amherst to Fall River covers 105.4 miles of Massachusetts terrain, typically requiring about 2 hours and 23 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey stays well within the Northeast region, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking overnight accommodations. Budgeting approximately $17 for fuel will cover your transit across the state. Whether you are heading to the coast for business or leisure, this route offers a straightforward path between the Pioneer Valley and the South Coast. It is an efficient connection that keeps you moving through the heart of the Commonwealth without unnecessary detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
52.7 miles from Amherst, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 17m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike
30.4 mi
35m
East Providence Expressway
13.5 mi
16m
Providence Pike
7.7 mi
8m
Eddie Dowling Highway
7.5 mi
8m
Worcester Providence Turnpike
7 mi
8m
North Smithfield Expressway
5.7 mi
6m
Federal Street
5.6 mi
10m
North Liberty Street
4.1 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 30.4 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amherst, MA and Fall River, MA.
1
Start on Depot Road
449 ft·20 sec·Depot Road
2
Turn right onto MA 116
0.4 mi·52 sec·South Pleasant Street
3
Turn right onto MA 9
1.0 mi·2 min·College Street
4
Continue on MA 9
2.1 mi·3 min·Belchertown Road
5
Continue on MA 9
391 ft·6 sec·USMC League Highway
6
Continue on MA 9
1.8 mi·2 min·Federal Street
7
Continue on Federal Street
2.5 mi·4 min·Federal Street
8
At end of road, turn right onto MA 9
1.3 mi·2 min·Federal Street
9
Turn right onto US 202
1.2 mi·2 min·North Main Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto North Washington Street
2.1 mi·3 min·North Washington Street
11
Continue on North Liberty Street
4.1 mi·7 min·North Liberty Street
12
Continue on Belchertown Street
0.4 mi·47 sec·Belchertown Street
13
Continue on Bridge Street
0.3 mi·34 sec·Bridge Street
14
Turn left onto Palmer Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Palmer Road
15
Turn right onto MA 181
0.1 mi·14 sec·Sykes Street
16
Continue on MA 181
0.6 mi·1 min·North Main Street
17
Continue on US 20
0.8 mi·1 min·North Main Street
18
Turn left onto US 20
0.8 mi·1 min·Thorndike Street
Use the left lane.
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Use the left lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
308 ft·7 sec
21
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·41 sec·this road
22
Merge onto I 90
30 mi·35 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
23
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 94Toward MA 146, US 20: Worcester, Providence
24
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·33 sec·this road
Toward MA 146, US 20
25
Turn right
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward MA 146
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward MA 146 South
27
Merge onto MA 122A; MA 146
1.6 mi·2 min·Worcester-Providence Turnpike
28
Continue on MA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·Purple Heart Highway
29
Continue on MA 146
7.0 mi·8 min·Worcester Providence Turnpike
30
Continue on MA 146
0.3 mi·22 sec·Purple Heart Highway
31
Continue on MA 146
7.7 mi·8 min·Providence Pike
32
Continue on MA 146
0.2 mi·15 sec·Purple Heart Highway
33
Continue on RI 146
5.7 mi·6 min·North Smithfield Expressway
34
Continue on RI 146
7.5 mi·8 min·Eddie Dowling Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on RI 146
2.9 mi·3 min·Old Louisquisset Pike
36
Merge onto I 95
1.2 mi·1 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit onto US 6
3.3 mi·5 min·US 6
Exit 36AToward I 195 East, US 6 East: East Providence, Cape CodUse the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Keep slight left at fork onto I 195; US 1A; US 6
13 mi·16 min·East Providence Expressway
Toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MAUse the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Take the exit
0.1 mi·14 sec
Exit 12-13Toward MA 81 South: Plymouth Avenue, Hartwell Street
40
Keep slight right at fork
482 ft·12 sec
Exit 12Toward Downtown Fall RiverUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Turn right onto Hartwell Street
0.1 mi·14 sec·Hartwell Street
42
Continue on Troy Street
0.2 mi·21 sec·Troy Street
43
Turn left onto Bedford Street
0.1 mi·20 sec·Bedford Street
44
Turn left onto Purchase Street
269 ft·19 sec·Purchase Street
45
Arrive at destination
Purchase Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. Keep in mind that with no mandatory stops required to reach your destination in under 2.5 hours, you can easily complete the trip in one go. If you prefer to stretch your legs, plan for a quick break once you finish your primary 30.4-mile stint on the Massachusetts Turnpike to reset before the final leg of the journey. Always monitor your fuel gauge before leaving Amherst to ensure you stay within your $17 estimated budget. By keeping a steady pace through the transition between the Turnpike and the Providence Pike, you can maintain a predictable arrival time in Fall River.
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 52.7 miles from Amherst, MA, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.4 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 23 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 52.7 miles or 1h 17m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fall River, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Amherst, 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 Amherst, MA
This is one driving day of about 105.4 miles and 2h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Amherst, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Massachusetts Turnpike for about 30.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 19.9 and 104.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
19.9 mi into trip|~37m in|US 20 / Thorndike Street
Turn left onto US 20 / Thorndike Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
51.8 mi into trip|~1h 15m in
Take the exit toward MA 146, US 20: Worcester, Providence
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 94
Toward MA 146, US 20: Worcester, Providence
8
88 mi into trip|~1h 59m in|US 6
Take the exit onto US 6 toward I 195 East, US 6 East: East Providence, Cape Cod
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 36A
Toward I 195 East, US 6 East: East Providence,...
8
91.3 mi into trip|~2h 5m in|I 195; US 1A; US 6 / East Providence Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 195; US 1A; US 6 / East Providence Expressway toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MA
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MA
9
104.9 mi into trip|~2h 21m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Downtown Fall River
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12
Toward Downtown Fall River
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.87 one way
$33.74 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg37 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$18.40
$36.79
premium
$4.82
$20.01
$40.03
diesel
$5.61
$23.27
$46.54
Estimated Tolls: $2.43
Massachusetts Turnpike
(30.4 mi)$1.83
Worcester Providence Turnpike
(7 mi)$0.49
Worcester-Providence Turnpike
(1.6 mi)$0.11
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
$17
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31.6
0
$11.07
$5.06
Efficient EV
26.4
0
$9.22
$4.22
EV Truck/SUV
42.2
0
$14.76
$6.75
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Amherst, MA
Night
in Amherst on Saturday
Local time
10:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fall River, MA
Night
in Fall River on Saturday
Local time
10:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
64°F
Worcester, MA
53 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.
Road read
2h 23m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip features a mixed drive profile, balancing fast-paced highway travel with local connectors. You will spend about 59% of your time on major highways, including the Massachusetts Turnpike, the East Providence Expressway, and the Providence Pike. Expect a smooth flow for the majority of the trip, with your longest uninterrupted stretch lasting 30.4 miles while navigating the Massachusetts Turnpike. The character of the road shifts as you transition from the inland western region toward the coastal landscape, moving from high-speed interstate cruising into the more localized traffic patterns near your destination.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.4 mi on Massachusetts Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 19.9 miles in near US 20 / Thorndike Street.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 105.4 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 19.9 miles (US 20 / Thorndike Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
896 ft23 ft
Total Climb
1,185 ft
Total Descent
1,300 ft
Highest Point
896 ft
~30.7 mi in
Elevation Range
873 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Amherst, MA and Fall River, MA, road signs point toward Providence, Cape Cod and Seekonk.
Amherst is a town in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. Amherst is home to about 35,000 residents as well as the campuses of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, and Hampshire College. A usually pleasant mix of students, academics, and retirees makes it a quintessential New England college town.
Amherst is at the center of a vibrant academic consortium comprising UMass, Amherst College, Hampshire College, and two more colleges in neighboring towns: Smith College in Northampton and Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley. Because of this the area is frequently referred to as the "Five College Area."
In the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts, where the Taunton River empties into Mount Hope Bay, stands Fall River- the "Spindle City". Not to be overshadowed by nearby Boston and Providence, Fall River offers visitors unique attractions that are absent from its two larger neighbors. Fall River is famous for Battleship Cove, the largest museum of its kind in the world; a rich Portuguese-American culture, featuring authentic food; and the accused axe murderess Lizzie Borden.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 23m. Total distance: 105.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (59%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30.4 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.43 in tolls one way, starting with Massachusetts Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Fall River, MA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 19.9 miles (US 20 / Thorndike Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Fall River, MA before heading back.
