The City of Lowell, MA to Osterville, MA is 96 miles and takes about 2h 13m via MA 3 and US 3, with a fuel budget near $16 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Massachusetts, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. You'll experience a mix of highway driving and surface streets, making it a straightforward trip. With only a single day recommended, it's a manageable drive for most weekend travelers.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48 miles from City of Lowell, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MA 3
30.9 mi
39m
Pilgrims Highway
12 mi
15m
US 3
10.7 mi
13m
Mid Cape Highway
10.1 mi
13m
Southeast Expressway
8 mi
10m
John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
3 mi
4m
Interstate 93 HOV lane
2.5 mi
3m
Lowell Connector
2.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
MA 3
— 30.9 mi, about 39m
Traffic on I-93
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 360 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
1 PM
~5,164 veh/hr typical
· worst 6,085
Quietest
2 AM
~518 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 89 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 Osterville, 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 left at fork onto US 3
1.0 mi·2 min·US 3
Exit 72AToward I 95 North, US 3 South: Boston, PeabodyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3
0.3 mi·43 sec·US 3
13
Merge onto I 95; US 3; MA 128
0.9 mi·1 min·Yankee Division Highway
14
Take the exit onto US 3
0.2 mi·31 sec·US 3
Exit 51AToward US 3 South: WinchesterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto US 3
0.4 mi·34 sec·Cambridge Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Continue on US 3
2.0 mi·2 min·Cambridge Road
17
Continue on US 3
1.1 mi·1 min·Cambridge Street
18
Turn left onto Church Street
0.3 mi·38 sec·Church Street
Use the left lane.
19
Turn right onto Bacon Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Bacon Street
20
Enter roundabout onto MA 38
37 ft·0 sec·Main Street
21
Continue on MA 38
0.5 mi·45 sec·Main Street
22
Continue on MA 38
1.3 mi·1 min·Winthrop Street
23
Enter roundabout onto MA 38
100 ft·4 sec·Winthrop Street
24
Continue on MA 38
0.1 mi·27 sec·Winthrop Street
25
Turn left onto MA 16; MA 38
0.5 mi·1 min·Mystic Valley Parkway
26
Continue on MA 16
0.1 mi·10 sec·Mystic Valley Parkway
Toward MA 16 East: Everett, Revere
27
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward I 93: Boston, Concord New Hampshire
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward I 93 South: BostonUse the slight right lane.
29
Merge onto I 93
1.1 mi·1 min·I 93
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 93
1.7 mi·1 min·Interstate 93 HOV lane
Use the slight left lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 93
0.8 mi·1 min·Interstate 93 HOV lane
32
Merge onto I 93; US 1
3.0 mi·4 min·John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
8.0 mi·10 min·Southeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
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.
35
Keep slight right at fork onto MA 3
12 mi·15 min·Pilgrims Highway
36
Continue on MA 3
0.2 mi·19 sec·Pilgrim Highway
37
Continue on US 6
0.4 mi·45 sec·Sagamore Bridge
38
Continue on US 6
10 mi·13 min·Mid Cape Highway
39
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Exit 65Toward MA 149: Marston Mills, West BarnstableUse the slight right lane.
40
Enter roundabout onto Prospect Street
52 ft·1 sec·Prospect Street
Toward MA 149 South: Osterville, Marstons Mills
41
Continue on Prospect Street
0.2 mi·18 sec·Prospect Street
Toward MA 149 South: Osterville, Marstons Mills
42
Keep slight left at fork onto Osterville-West Barnstable Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Osterville-West Barnstable Road
43
At end of road, turn left onto Race Lane
109 ft·2 sec·Race Lane
44
Turn right onto Osterville-West Barnstable Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Osterville-West Barnstable Road
45
Continue on Osterville West Barnstable Road
1.8 mi·4 min·Osterville West Barnstable Road
46
Turn left onto South County Road
147 ft·2 sec·South County Road
47
Continue on Main Street
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street
48
Turn right onto Parker Road
174 ft·5 sec·Parker Road
49
Arrive at destination
Parker Road
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive of just over 2 hours, you have the flexibility to leave whenever it suits you, though an early start can help you avoid any potential commuter traffic. You won't need to worry about splitting the drive, but plan for one quick stop for fuel or a stretch if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $16, and it’s always wise to top off before you leave Lowell, MA, especially since MA 3 is the longest continuous stretch you'll be on.
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 48 miles from City of Lowell, MA, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.9 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 21 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48 miles or 1h 7m 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Osterville, 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.
+
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 City of Lowell, MA
This is one driving day of about 96 miles and 2h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 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 MA 3 for about 30.9 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 35
5 decision points cluster between mile 12.7 and 90.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
12.7 mi into trip|~17m in|US 3
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3 toward I 95 North, US 3 South: Boston, Peabody
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward I 95 North, US 3 South: Boston, Peabody
7
15 mi into trip|~21m in|US 3
Take the exit onto US 3 toward US 3 South: Winchester
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 51A
Toward US 3 South: Winchester
8
22.5 mi into trip|~33m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 93 South: Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 93 South: Boston
8
37.3 mi into trip|~54m 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
8
90.9 mi into trip|~2h 3m in
Take the exit toward MA 149: Marston Mills, West Barnstable
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 65
Toward MA 149: Marston Mills, West Barnstable
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.78 one way
$33.55 round trip
$4.44/gal25.4 MPG avg34 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.90
$18.53
$37.06
premium
$5.31
$20.07
$40.15
diesel
$6.18
$23.35
$46.71
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
28.8
0
$10.08
$4.61
Efficient EV
24
0
$8.40
$3.84
EV Truck/SUV
38.4
0
$13.44
$6.14
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 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 Oct 18, 2026
Origin
City of Lowell, MA
Morning
in City of Lowell on Tuesday
Local time
10:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
SW 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Osterville, MA
Morning
in Osterville on Tuesday
Local time
10:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Sunny
NE 8 to 12 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 13m 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.
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.
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...
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 13.2
. . . 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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 33.1
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...
13 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 23.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive has a 59% highway share, with the longest stretch on MA 3 covering 30.9 miles. You'll spend a good portion of your time on major roadways before transitioning to surface roads. Expect to encounter a typical number of exits and merges as you navigate through populated areas before reaching your destination.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.9 mi on MA 3.
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 near US 3.
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 35 significant decision points across 96 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 12.7 miles (US 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
191 ft14 ft
Total Climb
402 ft
Total Descent
461 ft
Highest Point
191 ft
~13.7 mi in
Elevation Range
176 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between City of Lowell, MA and Osterville, MA, road signs point toward Peabody, Revere, Concord New Hampshire, Barnstable and Marstons Mills.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 13m. Total distance: 96 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (59%). 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 30.9 miles on MA 3. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 9 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 Osterville, 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. There are 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 12.7 miles (US 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Boston National Historical Park, Adams National Historical Park and Lowell 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 Osterville, MA before heading back.
