Traveling from Cambridge to East Dennis covers 83.2 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 57 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via MA 3, the Pilgrims Highway, and the Mid Cape Highway to reach the Cape. Budgeting around $13 for fuel makes this an accessible excursion for a weekend getaway or a quick change of pace. Since both locations are within the Northeast, you will remain in the same geographic region throughout your journey. This route is a straightforward transition from the urban environment of Cambridge to the coastal setting of East Dennis.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
41.6 miles from Cambridge, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MA 3
31.4 mi
40m
Mid Cape Highway
22.8 mi
31m
Pilgrims Highway
12 mi
15m
Southeast Expressway
8 mi
10m
East West Dennis Road
3.2 mi
6m
John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
2.7 mi
4m
Cambridge Street
1.6 mi
5m
Sagamore Bridge
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
MA 3
— 31.4 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cambridge, MA and East Dennis, MA.
1
Start on Leonard Avenue
267 ft·16 sec·Leonard Avenue
2
Turn left onto Cambridge Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Cambridge Street
Use the straight lane.
3
Continue on Cambridge Street
1.3 mi·4 min·Cambridge Street
Use the straight lane.
4
Merge onto MA 28
0.1 mi·23 sec·Monsignor O'Brien Highway
5
Continue on MA 28
0.3 mi·1 min·Charles River Dam Road
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the exit onto MA 3
0.5 mi·1 min·MA 3
Toward I 93 South: Quincy, Logan Airport
7
Merge onto I 93; US 1; MA 3
2.7 mi·4 min·John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
8.0 mi·10 min·Southeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto MA 3
31 mi·39 min·MA 3
Exit 7Toward MA 3 South: Cape CodUse the slight left lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto MA 3
12 mi·15 min·Pilgrims Highway
11
Continue on MA 3
0.2 mi·19 sec·Pilgrim Highway
12
Continue on US 6
0.4 mi·45 sec·Sagamore Bridge
13
Continue on US 6
23 mi·31 min·Mid Cape Highway
Use the slight right lane.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Exit 78BToward MA 134 North: Dennis
15
Turn straight onto MA 134
3.2 mi·6 min·East West Dennis Road
16
Turn left onto MA 6A
135 ft·11 sec·Cranberry Highway
17
Turn left
49 ft·3 sec
18
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since the total duration is under two hours, you have the flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule rather than worrying about long-distance fatigue. However, keep in mind that traffic can fluctuate significantly on these main corridors, so checking real-time conditions before you head out is a smart move. With zero mandatory stops programmed into the route, you are free to pull over whenever you need a break or a refuel. Given the $13 fuel estimate, you won't need to stress about extensive gas planning, but it is always wise to ensure you have a full tank before leaving the Cambridge area. Prioritize leaving during off-peak hours to ensure your 83.2-mile trek remains as smooth as possible.
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 41.6 miles from Cambridge, MA, or about 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.4 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 18 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 41.6 miles or 59m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Dennis, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cambridge, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Cambridge, MA
This is one driving day of about 83.2 miles and 1h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Cambridge, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on MA 3 for about 31.4 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 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 79.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|Cambridge Street
Turn left onto Cambridge Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
2.1 mi into trip|~7m in|MA 3
Take the exit onto MA 3 toward I 93 South: Quincy, Logan Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 93 South: Quincy, Logan Airport
5
2.6 mi into trip|~8m in|I 93; US 1; MA 3 / John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Merge onto I 93; US 1; MA 3 / John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
13.2 mi into trip|~23m 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
5
79.6 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward MA 134 North: Dennis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 78B
Toward MA 134 North: Dennis
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.32 one way
$26.63 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$14.52
$29.04
premium
$4.82
$15.80
$31.60
diesel
$5.61
$18.37
$36.74
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.1 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
25
0
$8.74
$3.99
Efficient EV
20.8
0
$7.28
$3.33
EV Truck/SUV
33.3
0
$11.65
$5.32
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 16, 2026
Origin
Cambridge, MA
Night
in Cambridge on Saturday
Local time
10:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
East Dennis, MA
Night
in East Dennis on Saturday
Local time
10:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
37°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
25 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 57m 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.
Boston National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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.
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 2.9
Park Closure: Dorchester Heights Temporary Public Access Restrictions
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...
. . . 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...
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...
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
$25
near mile 83.2
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 2.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience that balances high-speed transit with local navigation. Approximately 51% of your journey is spent on highways, providing a consistent pace for the majority of the trip. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on MA 3, where you will cover 31.4 miles of road. As you transition from the highway network onto the Mid Cape Highway, the feel of the drive shifts, requiring you to remain alert for changes in traffic flow. The route offers a practical blend of infrastructure that keeps the drive moving efficiently while you transition toward the coast.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.4 mi on MA 3.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 0.1 miles in near Cambridge Street.
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 83.2 miles you will encounter 9 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 0.1 miles (Cambridge Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.1 miles (MA 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.6 miles (I 93; US 1; MA 3 / John F. Fitzgerald Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
180 ft6 ft
Total Climb
279 ft
Total Descent
267 ft
Highest Point
180 ft
~47.5 mi in
Elevation Range
174 ft
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 57m. Total distance: 83.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (51%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 31.4 miles on MA 3. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 East Dennis, 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 0.1 miles (Cambridge Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.1 miles (MA 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.6 miles (I 93; US 1; MA 3 / John F. Fitzgerald Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Boston National Historical Park, Adams 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 East Dennis, MA before heading back.
