Traveling from Somerville to Falmouth covers 75.6 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 46 minutes under normal conditions. This straightforward journey transitions you from the Greater Boston area down to the Cape Cod region, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. With fuel costs estimated at around $12, it is a budget-friendly excursion that doesn't require an overnight stay to enjoy. You will rely primarily on I-93, MA 3, and the Pilgrims Highway to reach your destination. Because the route is compact and direct, you have plenty of flexibility to head out early and return by evening if you choose.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
37.8 miles from City of Somerville, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MA 3
30.9 mi
39m
I 93
12.5 mi
17m
Pilgrims Highway
12 mi
15m
MA 28
9.5 mi
13m
General MacArthur Boulevard
4.1 mi
6m
Sandwich Road
3 mi
5m
MA 6A
0.5 mi
1m
Sagamore Bridge
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
MA 3
— 30.9 mi, about 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between City of Somerville, MA and Falmouth, MA.
1
Start on Pembroke Street
90 ft·7 sec·Pembroke Street
2
Turn left onto Tennyson Street
449 ft·24 sec·Tennyson Street
3
Turn right onto Medford Street
0.3 mi·54 sec·Medford Street
4
Turn slight left onto Pearl Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Pearl Street
5
Turn left onto MA 28
0.4 mi·55 sec·McGrath Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
Take the exit
206 ft·5 sec
Toward I 93, MA 38: Medford, Boston
7
Keep slight right at fork
313 ft·8 sec
Toward I 93 South: Boston
8
Turn slight right
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward I 93 South: Boston
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 93 South: Boston
10
Merge onto I 93
12 mi·17 min·I 93
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
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.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto MA 3
12 mi·15 min·Pilgrims Highway
13
Continue on MA 3
0.2 mi·19 sec·Pilgrim Highway
14
Continue on US 6
0.4 mi·45 sec·Sagamore Bridge
15
Continue on US 6
0.3 mi·22 sec·Mid Cape Highway
16
Take the exit onto MA 6A
0.5 mi·1 min·MA 6A
Exit 55Toward MA 6A: SagamoreUse the straight lane.
17
At end of road, turn left onto Sandwich Road
2.8 mi·4 min·Sandwich Road
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on Sandwich Road
0.2 mi·30 sec·Sandwich Road
19
Enter roundabout onto MA 28
466 ft·15 sec·General MacArthur Boulevard
Toward MA 28 South: Woods Hole, Joint Base Cape Cod, National Cemetery
20
Continue on MA 28
4.0 mi·5 min·General MacArthur Boulevard
Toward MA 28 South: Woods Hole, Joint Base Cape Cod, National Cemetery
21
Enter roundabout onto MA 28
0.1 mi·15 sec·MA 28
22
Continue on MA 28
9.4 mi·13 min·MA 28
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn straight onto MA 28
0.2 mi·40 sec·Palmer Avenue
24
Turn left onto MA 28
0.2 mi·35 sec·Main Street
25
Turn right onto Elm Arch Way
185 ft·13 sec·Elm Arch Way
26
Turn left
94 ft·6 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short 1 hour and 46-minute drive, you have the advantage of being able to plan your departure around local traffic patterns to avoid potential congestion on the highway segments. You won't need to worry about formal stops, as the duration is manageable without a planned break. Keep the $12 fuel estimate in mind when budgeting, and ensure your tank is topped off before leaving Somerville to keep the transit seamless. Because you are spending the majority of your time on I-93 and the Pilgrims Highway, stay alert for merging traffic as you transition between these major arteries. Flexibility is your best asset here, so feel free to time your departure to maximize your time once you arrive in Falmouth.
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 37.8 miles from City of Somerville, MA, or about 52m 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 17 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 37.8 miles or 52m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Falmouth, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving City of Somerville, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from City of Somerville, MA
This is one driving day of about 75.6 miles and 1h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from City of Somerville, 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 61.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.2 mi into trip|~3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 93 South: Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 93 South: Boston
8
14.2 mi into trip|~22m 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
7
58 mi into trip|~1h 18m in|MA 6A
Take the exit onto MA 6A toward MA 6A: Sagamore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 55
Toward MA 6A: Sagamore
7
58.5 mi into trip|~1h 19m in|Sandwich Road
At end of road, turn left onto Sandwich Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
61.5 mi into trip|~1h 24m in|MA 28 / General MacArthur Boulevard
Enter roundabout onto MA 28 / General MacArthur Boulevard toward MA 28 South: Woods Hole, Joint Base Cape Cod, National Cemetery
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MA 28 South: Woods Hole, Joint Base Cape...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.10 one way
$24.20 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$13.19
$26.39
premium
$4.82
$14.36
$28.71
diesel
$5.61
$16.69
$33.38
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22.7
0
$7.94
$3.63
Efficient EV
18.9
0
$6.61
$3.02
EV Truck/SUV
30.2
0
$10.58
$4.84
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% 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
City of Somerville, MA
Late night
in City of Somerville on Sunday
Local time
12:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Falmouth, MA
Late night
in Falmouth on Sunday
Local time
12:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°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
17 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 46m 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.
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...
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.
. . . 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...
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 2.6
"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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as roughly 70% of this 75.6-mile trip keeps you on major thoroughfares. The road maintains a steady pace, highlighted by a longest uninterrupted stretch of 30.9 miles along MA 3. While the drive is efficient, you will notice the transition from the dense infrastructure of the Northeast corridor into the coastal environment of Falmouth. The route is designed for utility and speed rather than winding, technical driving, allowing you to settle into a consistent rhythm behind the wheel. It serves as a functional, no-nonsense connection between these two Massachusetts points.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 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?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MA 3 and I 93. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 75.6 miles you will encounter 19 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 1.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 14.2 miles (MA 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 58 miles (MA 6A): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
161 ft16 ft
Total Climb
247 ft
Total Descent
300 ft
Highest Point
161 ft
~48.6 mi in
Elevation Range
145 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 Somerville, MA and Falmouth, MA, road signs point toward Joint Base Cape Cod and National Cemetery.
Joint Base Cape Cod
61.5 mi in|~1h 24m|via MA 28
National Cemetery
61.5 mi in|~1h 24m|via MA 28
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 46m. Total distance: 75.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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.
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 Falmouth, 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 1.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 14.2 miles (MA 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 58 miles (MA 6A): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Adams National Historical Park, Boston 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 Falmouth, MA before heading back.
