Lowell, MA to Onset, MA is 82.7 miles and takes about 1h 47m via Yankee Division Highway and I 495, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Massachusetts, moving from the Northeast region down towards the coast. It's a manageable drive, mostly on major roadways, making it a straightforward option for a single-day excursion. You'll find the road conditions are a mix of highway cruising and surface street driving, so be prepared for varying speeds and traffic patterns as you approach your destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
41.4 miles from City of Lowell, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Yankee Division Highway
22.7 mi
30m
I 495
19 mi
21m
Amvets Highway
17.7 mi
20m
US 3
9.1 mi
10m
US 1
3.1 mi
4m
MA 25
2.9 mi
3m
Lowell Connector
2.1 mi
2m
Onset Avenue
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Yankee Division Highway
— 22.7 mi, about 30m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 295 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~5,831 veh/hr typical
· worst 6,726
Quietest
2 AM
~254 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
23×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between City of Lowell, MA and Onset, MA.
1
Start on this road
0.1 mi·40 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto Arch Street
15 ft·8 sec·Arch Street
3
Turn sharp left onto Middlesex Street
383 ft·12 sec·Middlesex Street
4
Turn right onto Grand Street
0.2 mi·53 sec·Grand Street
5
Turn right onto MA 110
0.7 mi·1 min·Chelmsford Street
6
Turn left onto Plain Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·Plain Street
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
8
Merge onto Lowell Connector
1.0 mi·1 min·Lowell Connector
9
Continue on Lowell Connector
1.1 mi·1 min·Lowell Connector
Exit 1AToward US 3 South: Boston
10
Merge onto US 3
9.1 mi·10 min·US 3
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·54 sec
Exit 72BToward I 95 South: Providence Rhode IslandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 95; MA 128
23 mi·30 min·Yankee Division Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit onto US 1
3.1 mi·4 min·US 1
Exit 26Toward I 93 North, US 1 North: BostonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 4Toward MA 24 South: Fall RiverUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on MA 24
18 mi·20 min·Amvets Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 22AToward I 495 South: Cape CodUse the right lane.
17
Merge onto I 495
19 mi·21 min·I 495
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on MA 25
2.9 mi·3 min·MA 25
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·38 sec
Exit 3Toward US 6, MA 28: Onset, Wareham
20
Keep slight right at fork
414 ft·15 sec
Toward US 6, MA 28: Onset, Wareham
21
Turn straight onto Maple Springs Road
0.1 mi·12 sec·Maple Springs Road
22
Continue on Cranberry Highway
0.5 mi·1 min·Cranberry Highway
23
Turn right onto Depot Street
0.3 mi·43 sec·Depot Street
24
Turn slight left onto Onset Avenue
1.5 mi·2 min·Onset Avenue
25
Arrive at destination
Onset Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 1h 47m duration, this is easily a same-day trip, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning should allow you to avoid the worst of any commuter traffic, especially as you navigate through more populated areas. While there are no specific stops noted, keep in mind that the longest stretch without a significant road change is 22.7 miles, so plan for a quick break if needed before that point. The estimated fuel cost is around $13, so factor that into your budget. Be aware that 41% of the route is on surface roads, which could add time depending on traffic lights and local conditions.
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 41.4 miles from City of Lowell, MA, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.7 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 18 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 41.4 miles or 56m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Onset, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving City of Lowell, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from City of Lowell, MA
This is one driving day of about 82.7 miles and 1h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from City of Lowell, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Yankee Division Highway for about 22.7 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 12.7 and 80.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
12.7 mi into trip|~17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South: Providence Rhode Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 72B
Toward I 95 South: Providence Rhode Island
8
36.1 mi into trip|~49m in|US 1
Take the exit onto US 1 toward I 93 North, US 1 North: Boston
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 26
Toward I 93 North, US 1 North: Boston
7
39.3 mi into trip|~53m in
Take the exit toward MA 24 South: Fall River
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 4
Toward MA 24 South: Fall River
7
57.5 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 495 South: Cape Cod
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 22A
Toward I 495 South: Cape Cod
7
80.3 mi into trip|~1h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 6, MA 28: Onset, Wareham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 6, MA 28: Onset, Wareham
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.67 one way
$29.34 round trip
$4.51/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.90
$15.95
$31.89
premium
$5.29
$17.23
$34.45
diesel
$5.35
$17.42
$34.84
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.8
0
$8.68
$3.97
Efficient EV
20.7
0
$7.24
$3.31
EV Truck/SUV
33.1
0
$11.58
$5.29
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 May 16, 2026
Origin
City of Lowell, MA
Evening
in City of Lowell on Wednesday
Local time
5:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Mostly Clear then Patchy Fog
SW 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Onset, MA
Evening
in Onset on Wednesday
Local time
5:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Patchy Fog
NW 3 mph0% chanceLive 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
2 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 47m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
Lowell National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Lowell’s water-powered textile mills catapulted the nation – including immigrant families and early female factory workers – into an uncertain new industrial era. Nearly 200 years later, the changes t...
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...
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.
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 28.5
. . . 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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 39.9
"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England..nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all t...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 74.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is about 41% highway, with the longest continuous stretch on Yankee Division Highway covering 22.7 miles. You'll experience a shift from highway driving to surface roads as you get closer to Onset. Expect to encounter more traffic signals and intersections once you are off the main highways. The mix of road types means you'll be adjusting your speed and attention more frequently than on an all-highway route.
41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 22.7 mi on Yankee Division Highway.
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 12.7 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 82.7 miles you will encounter 17 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 12.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 36.1 miles (US 1): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
241 ft12 ft
Total Climb
364 ft
Total Descent
447 ft
Highest Point
241 ft
~41.4 mi in
Elevation Range
228 ft
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 47m. Total distance: 82.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (41%). 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 22.7 miles on Yankee Division Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 7 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Onset, 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 12.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 36.1 miles (US 1): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Lowell 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 Onset, MA before heading back.
