Origin
City of Lowell, MA
Late night in City of Lowell on Sunday
Local time
12:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from City of Lowell, MA to Ware, 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 43m
Distance
70.7 mi
114 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 36m
★
6 AM
1h 43m
8 AM
1h 59m
10 AM
1h 49m
12 PM
1h 47m
3 PM
1h 50m
5 PM
1h 58m
8 PM
1h 39m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
City of Lowell, MA
Phil Evenden
Ware, MA
Aleksander Dumała
Trip Overview
This 70.7-mile drive from Lowell, MA, to Ware, MA, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $11, it's an economical choice for a short getaway within the Northeast region. The route primarily utilizes major highways, making it a straightforward journey. You'll spend about 58% of your time on highways, with a longest uninterrupted stretch of 23.4 miles on I-495. This mixed drive profile suggests a blend of efficient highway travel and potentially some local road segments as you approach your destination. It's well-suited for a single day of travel without the need for an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
35.4 miles from City of Lowell, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 495 | 23.4 mi | 27m |
| I 290 | 12.7 mi | 15m |
| Pleasant Street | 8.5 mi | 15m |
| Old Turnpike Road | 4.9 mi | 8m |
| Barre Paxton Road | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| Lower Road | 3.5 mi | 6m |
| Upper Church Street | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Highland Street | 1.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 495
— 23.4 mi, about 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between City of Lowell, MA and Ware, 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
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Lowell Connector
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 2B-A
Toward I 495 South, US 3 North: Worcester, Nashua New Hampshire
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 2A
Toward I 495 South: Worcester
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 495 South: Marlboro
12
Merge onto I 495
23 mi
·
27 min
·
I 495
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 65B
Toward I 290 West: Worcester
14
Merge onto I 290
13 mi
·
15 min
·
I 290
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 21
Toward Ware, Framingham
16
Turn right onto MA 70
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
Lincoln Street
17
Turn right onto MA 9
158 ft
·
2 sec
·
Lincoln Square
18
Continue on MA 9
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Highland Street
19
Enter roundabout onto Pleasant Street
45 ft
·
1 sec
·
Pleasant Street
20
Continue on Pleasant Street
8.5 mi
·
15 min
·
Pleasant Street
21
Continue on MA 122
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Barre Paxton Road
22
Continue on MA 122
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Worcester Road
23
Turn left onto Old Turnpike Road
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Old Turnpike Road
24
Continue on Ravine Road
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Ravine Road
25
Continue on Hardwick Road
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Hardwick Road
26
Turn left onto MA 32
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Lower Road
27
Continue on MA 32
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
Church Street
28
Continue on MA 32
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
29
Continue on MA 32
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
Ware Road
30
Continue on MA 32
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
·
Gilbertville Road
31
Turn right onto Upper Church Street
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Upper Church Street
32
Continue on Church Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Church Street
33
Turn right onto MA 9; MA 32
28 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
34
Arrive at destination
MA 9; MA 32
Trip Plan
Given this drive is just 70.7 miles and takes under two hours, you have plenty of flexibility. Aiming for an early morning departure can help you avoid any potential traffic, especially as you merge onto I-495. With no designated stops, plan for a brief break as needed; the longest stretch without a major road change is 23.4 miles on I-495, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge. The estimated fuel cost of $11 makes this a budget-friendly trip, but it's always wise to check current gas prices. A key tip for this route is to be aware of the transition from highway to local roads as you get closer to Ware, as speed limits and traffic patterns will change.
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 35.4 miles from City of Lowell, MA, or about 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.4 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 16 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.4 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ware, 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 70.7 miles and 1h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 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 I 495 for about 23.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
35 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 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 35.4 miles from City of Lowell, 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 215 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 39.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Middlesex Street
Turn sharp left onto Middlesex Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
8
2.2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the exit toward I 495 South, US 3 North: Worcester, Nashua New Hampshire
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 2B-A
Toward I 495 South, US 3 North: Worcester, Nash...
8
2.4 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 South: Worcester
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 2A
Toward I 495 South: Worcester
5
2.7 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 South: Marlboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 495 South: Marlboro
6
39.7 mi into trip
|
~49m in
Take the exit toward Ware, Framingham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 21
Toward Ware, Framingham
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.31 one way
$22.63 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
25 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $12.34 | $24.68 |
| premium | $4.82 | $13.42 | $26.85 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $15.61 | $31.22 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.34
Old Turnpike Road
(4.9 mi)
$0.34
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
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.2 | 0 | $7.42 | $3.39 |
| Efficient EV | 17.7 | 0 | $6.19 | $2.83 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 28.3 | 0 | $9.90 | $4.52 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 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.
Destination
Ware, MA
Late night in Ware on Sunday
Local time
12:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
64°F
Worcester, MA
35 mi in
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
24 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 43m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 9.8
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 70.7
View on nps.gov
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.
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 2.4
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...
23 mi from route
~57 min detour
Free
near mile 2.4
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...
28 mi from route
~71 min detour
Free
near mile 2.4
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience on this 70.7-mile route. You'll navigate 58% highway, including a significant 23.4-mile segment on I-495, which offers smooth, uninterrupted travel. As you transition from the interstates to local roads like Pleasant Street, the pace will likely slow, introducing more turns and varying speed limits. This shift from high-speed interstate cruising to more local road driving is characteristic of the 'Mixed drive' profile. The journey is designed to get you to Ware efficiently while still offering a taste of regional road character.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 23.4 mi on I 495.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 Middlesex 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 70.7 miles you will encounter 21 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 (Middlesex Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 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.
On the drive from City of Lowell, MA to Ware, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Framingham along the way.
Framingham
39.7 mi in
|
~49m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 70.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (58%). 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 23.4 miles on I 495. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.34 in tolls one way, starting with Old Turnpike Road. 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 Ware, 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 (Middlesex Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Lowell National Historical Park, Minute Man National Historical Park and New England National Scenic Trail (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 Ware, 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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