Origin
Cambridge, MA
Late night in Cambridge on Sunday
Local time
12:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cambridge, MA to Wales, MA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 30m
Distance
67.3 mi
108 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 24m
★
6 AM
1h 31m
8 AM
1h 45m
10 AM
1h 36m
12 PM
1h 34m
3 PM
1h 36m
5 PM
1h 44m
8 PM
1h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cambridge, MA
Wikimedia Commons
Wales, MA
Lisa from Pexels
Trip Overview
Cambridge, MA to Wales, MA is 67.3 miles and takes about 1h 30m via Massachusetts Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Massachusetts, moving from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. It's a straightforward trip, primarily on major highways, making it a convenient option for a quick getaway or an easy commute. If you're looking for a direct route with minimal fuss, this journey fits the bill, offering a predictable travel experience.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
33.7 miles from Cambridge, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Turnpike | 51.7 mi | 1h 1m |
| Sturbridge Road | 4 mi | 5m |
| Main Street | 3.8 mi | 7m |
| Wales Road | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Wilbur Cross Highway | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Brimfield Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| Charlton Road | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Memorial Drive | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 51.7 mi, about 1h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cambridge, MA and Wales, MA.
1
Start on Leonard Avenue
267 ft
·
13 sec
·
Leonard Avenue
2
Turn right onto Cambridge Street
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
Cambridge Street
3
Turn left onto Ellery Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Ellery Street
4
Turn right onto Harvard Street
0.2 mi
·
59 sec
·
Harvard Street
5
Turn left onto Bow Street
475 ft
·
20 sec
·
Bow Street
6
Continue on DeWolfe Street
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
DeWolfe Street
Use the straight lane.
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 3; MA 2
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
·
Memorial Drive
Use the left lane.
8
Turn right onto Western Avenue
478 ft
·
18 sec
·
Western Avenue
Toward I 90: Western Avenue, Mass Pike
9
Turn left onto Soldiers Field Road
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Soldiers Field Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I 90: Mass Pike
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 90 West: Worcester
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 90
52 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 84
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Wilbur Cross Highway
Exit 78
Toward I 84: Hartford, New York City
Use the slight right lane.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 6B
Toward US 20 West: Sturbridge, Palmer
15
Merge onto US 20
436 ft
·
8 sec
·
Charlton Road
16
Take the exit
392 ft
·
14 sec
17
Continue on US 20
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Charlton Road
18
Continue on US 20
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Main Street
19
Continue on US 20
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Brimfield Road
20
Continue on US 20
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Sturbridge Road
21
Continue on US 20
366 ft
·
10 sec
·
Sturbridge Road
22
Turn left onto MA 19
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Wales Road
23
Continue on MA 19
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Main Street
24
Arrive at destination
MA 19
Trip Plan
Given the short 1h 30m duration and 67.3-mile distance, this route offers a lot of flexibility for departure times; consider leaving mid-morning to avoid peak commuter traffic. With a fuel cost estimated at $11, you won't need to worry too much about frequent refueling, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. There are no designated stops in the data, so plan any necessary breaks around your comfort level; the longest stretch on the Massachusetts Turnpike is over 50 miles, so factor that into your need for a pause. As you get closer to Wales, MA, pay attention to the transition from highway to local roads for a smoother arrival.
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 33.7 miles from Cambridge, MA, or about 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.7 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 15 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 33.7 miles or 44m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wales, 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 67.3 miles and 1h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Cambridge, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Massachusetts Turnpike for about 51.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
34 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 33.7 miles from Cambridge, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 55.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Cambridge Street
Turn right onto Cambridge Street
Navigation decision point
6
1 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
US 3; MA 2 / Memorial Drive
At end of road, turn left onto US 3; MA 2 / Memorial Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
1.8 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 90 West: Worcester
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 90 West: Worcester
9
54 mi into trip
|
~1h 8m in
|
I 84 / Wilbur Cross Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 84 / Wilbur Cross Highway toward I 84: Hartford, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 78
Toward I 84: Hartford, New York City
6
55.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 10m in
Take the exit toward US 20 West: Sturbridge, Palmer
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 6B
Toward US 20 West: Sturbridge, Palmer
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.77 one way
$21.54 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
24 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $11.75 | $23.49 |
| premium | $4.82 | $12.78 | $25.56 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $14.86 | $29.72 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.10
Massachusetts Turnpike
(51.7 mi)
$3.10
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
$11
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 23.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 20.2 | 0 | $7.07 | $3.23 |
| Efficient EV | 16.8 | 0 | $5.89 | $2.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 26.9 | 0 | $9.42 | $4.31 |
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (67% 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
Wales, MA
Late night in Wales on Sunday
Local time
12:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
40°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
22 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 30m 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.
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
Park Closure: Dorchester Heights Temporary Public Access Restrictions
Park Closure: Great Hall of Faneuil Hall
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 9.3
View on nps.gov
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
$15
near mile 2.3
View on nps.gov
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
. . . 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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Salem Maritime National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
New England National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
From the Sound to the summits: the New England Trail covers 235 miles from Long Island Sound across long ridges to scenic mountain summits in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The trail offers panoramic...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 62.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip leans heavily into highway driving, with 77% of the route utilizing major roadways like the Massachusetts Turnpike. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 51.7 miles on the Massachusetts Turnpike, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. While the bulk of the drive is highway-focused, you'll transition to local roads like Sturbridge Road and Main Street as you approach your destination, providing a change of scenery from the faster-paced sections. Expect a driving experience characterized by efficiency and speed for most of the 67.3 miles.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.7 mi on Massachusetts Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Massachusetts Turnpike and Sturbridge Road. 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 Effort
9/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 67.3 miles you will encounter 16 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): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (US 3; MA 2 / Memorial Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cambridge, MA and Wales, MA, road signs point toward New York City and Palmer.
New York City
54 mi in
|
~1h 8m
|
via I 84
Palmer
55.6 mi in
|
~1h 10m
About the Cities
Arriving in Wales, MA
Full guide →Holland is a small town in Hampden County in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts. It borders on Central Massachusetts and Connecticut.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 30m. Total distance: 67.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 51.7 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.10 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 Wales, 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): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (US 3; MA 2 / Memorial Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Boston National Historical Park, Minute Man National Historical Park and Adams National Historical Park (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 Wales, MA before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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