Traveling from Barnstable to Lynn covers 81.5 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes. Given the manageable duration, this journey is perfectly suited as a simple one-day trip, requiring no overnight stops. You can expect to spend roughly $13 on fuel for the trek, which stays entirely within the Northeast region. While the route relies on a combination of the Mid Cape Highway, Pilgrims Highway, and MA 3, you should be prepared for a drive that transitions from Cape Cod’s main arteries into more technical local roads. Whether you are heading north for business or a change of scenery, this route offers a straightforward path between these two Massachusetts hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
40.7 miles from Barnstable, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pilgrims Highway
42.3 mi
53m
Mid Cape Highway
13.1 mi
17m
MA 3
8.4 mi
11m
Broadway
3.2 mi
5m
John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
3.2 mi
5m
US 1
2.6 mi
3m
Salem Turnpike
1.7 mi
2m
Iyannough Road
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Pilgrims Highway
— 42.3 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Barnstable, MA and Lynn, MA.
1
Start on Bow Lane
185 ft·12 sec·Bow Lane
2
Turn left onto Hyannis Road
0.5 mi·55 sec·Hyannis Road
3
Continue on Phinneys Lane
1.3 mi·2 min·Phinneys Lane
4
Turn right onto MA 132
1.5 mi·2 min·Iyannough Road
Use the right lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward US 6 West: Boston, Providence, RI
6
Merge onto US 6
13 mi·17 min·Mid Cape Highway
7
Continue on US 6
0.4 mi·45 sec·Sagamore Bridge
8
Continue on US 6
0.3 mi·20 sec·Pilgrim Highway
9
Continue on MA 3
42 mi·53 min·Pilgrims Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on MA 3
8.4 mi·11 min·MA 3
Exit 43BToward I 93 North: BostonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
3.2 mi·5 min·John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
2.6 mi·3 min·US 1
Exit 19Toward US 1 North: Tobin Bridge, RevereUse the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Take the exit
275 ft·8 sec
Toward Fourth StreetUse the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn right onto Fourth Street
0.1 mi·22 sec·Fourth Street
15
Continue on Fourth Street
104 ft·5 sec·Fourth Street
16
Turn straight onto Hawthorn Street
0.1 mi·10 sec·Hawthorn Street
17
Continue on Broadway
2.5 mi·4 min·Broadway
18
Continue on MA 107
158 ft·5 sec·Broadway
19
Merge onto MA 60; MA 107
52 ft·1 sec·Albert J Brown Circle
20
Keep slight left at fork onto MA 107
237 ft·7 sec·Albert J Brown Circle
21
Turn slight right onto MA 107
0.7 mi·1 min·Broadway
22
Continue on MA 107
1.7 mi·2 min·Salem Turnpike
23
Continue on MA 107
1.0 mi·2 min·Western Avenue
Use the straight lane.
24
Enter roundabout onto Market Square
110 ft·2 sec·Market Square
25
Continue on Market Square
0.2 mi·13 sec·Market Square
26
Continue on South Common Street
0.5 mi·49 sec·South Common Street
27
Continue on City Hall Square
0.1 mi·11 sec·City Hall Square
28
Continue on Central Avenue
0.1 mi·10 sec·Central Avenue
29
Turn left onto Liberty Street
0.2 mi·31 sec·Liberty Street
30
Turn left onto Essex Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Essex Street
31
Turn right onto Rogers Avenue
66 ft·2 sec·Rogers Avenue
32
Arrive at destination
Rogers Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip of under two hours, you have significant flexibility in your departure time. However, because this is a turn-heavy route involving local roads, try to avoid peak commuting hours to ensure a smoother, less stressful experience. You will not need to plan for any formal stops along the way, though keeping your fuel budget of $13 in mind is a good practical habit before you head out. Use the 42.3-mile stretch on the Pilgrims Highway to make your best time, as the remainder of the drive requires more navigation through local turns. Staying focused during the transition from the highway to local streets will help you navigate the final leg into Lynn with ease.
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 40.7 miles from Barnstable, MA, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.3 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 18 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.7 miles or 55m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lynn, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Barnstable, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Barnstable, MA
This is one driving day of about 81.5 miles and 1h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Barnstable, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Pilgrims Highway for about 42.3 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 81.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.8 mi into trip|~3m in|MA 132 / Iyannough Road
Turn right onto MA 132 / Iyannough Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
9
71.3 mi into trip|~1h 35m in|US 1
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1 toward US 1 North: Tobin Bridge, Revere
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 19
Toward US 1 North: Tobin Bridge, Revere
6
73.9 mi into trip|~1h 39m in
Take the exit toward Fourth Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Fourth Street
5
76.7 mi into trip|~1h 44m in|MA 107 / Albert J Brown Circle
Keep slight left at fork onto MA 107 / Albert J Brown Circle
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
81.3 mi into trip|~1h 52m in|Essex Street
Turn left onto Essex Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.04 one way
$26.09 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$14.22
$28.45
premium
$4.82
$15.48
$30.95
diesel
$5.61
$17.99
$35.99
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
$13
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.5
0
$8.56
$3.91
Efficient EV
20.4
0
$7.13
$3.26
EV Truck/SUV
32.6
0
$11.41
$5.22
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% 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
Barnstable, MA
Late night
in Barnstable on Sunday
Local time
12:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
Lynn, MA
Late night
in Lynn on Sunday
Local time
12:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°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.
Road read
1h 53m 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.
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.
. . . 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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 64.6
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 81.5
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 73.1
The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a varied experience behind the wheel, as this 81.5-mile journey is defined as a turn-heavy local drive. You will spend only about 20 percent of your time on highways, meaning much of your focus will be on navigating local roads as you move toward your destination. The longest uninterrupted portion of the trip occurs on the Pilgrims Highway, where you can settle into a 42.3-mile stretch of consistent driving. Because the highway share is relatively low, the pace shifts frequently, requiring you to remain alert for turns. This mix of fast highway stretches and more technical, winding local segments gives the route a distinct personality that keeps you engaged throughout the duration.
Only 20% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.3 mi on Pilgrims Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in near MA 132 / Iyannough Road.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 81.5 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles (MA 132 / Iyannough Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 71.3 miles (US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Barnstable, MA to Lynn, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Revere along the way.
Revere
71.3 mi in|~1h 35m|via US 1
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 53m. Total distance: 81.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.3 miles on Pilgrims Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.12 in tolls one way, starting with Salem 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 Lynn, MA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles (MA 132 / Iyannough Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 71.3 miles (US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Adams National Historical Park, Boston National Historical Park and Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Lynn, MA before heading back.
