Traveling from Dennis to Lowell covers 103.4 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, it works perfectly as a straightforward day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. You can expect to budget roughly $15 for fuel, making this an affordable journey across the Northeast. Since the route avoids highways entirely, you should be prepared for a steady pace rather than a quick sprint. It is a practical choice if you prefer a direct, local connection over high-speed travel. Keep in mind that the lack of highway segments means your travel time is heavily dependent on local traffic conditions.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
51.7 miles from Dennis, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pilgrims Highway
42.3 mi
53m
Mid Cape Highway
17.3 mi
23m
US 3
10.9 mi
13m
MA 3
8.4 mi
11m
Main Street
3.9 mi
6m
John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
3.2 mi
5m
I 93
3.1 mi
4m
Cambridge Road
2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Pilgrims Highway
— 42.3 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dennis, MA and Lowell, MA.
1
Start on this road
193 ft·21 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto MA 6A
1.2 mi·2 min·Route 6A
3
Continue on MA 6A
3.4 mi·6 min·Main Street
4
Turn left onto Willow Street
1.0 mi·2 min·Willow Street
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward US 6 West: Boston, Providence, RI
6
Merge onto US 6
17 mi·23 min·Mid Cape Highway
7
Continue on US 6
0.4 mi·45 sec·Sagamore Bridge
8
Continue on US 6
0.3 mi·20 sec·Pilgrim Highway
9
Continue on MA 3
42 mi·53 min·Pilgrims Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on MA 3
8.4 mi·11 min·MA 3
Exit 43BToward I 93 North: BostonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
3.2 mi·5 min·John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 93
3.1 mi·4 min·I 93
Toward I 93 North: Concord NHUse the straight / slight left lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 22Toward MA 16 West: Mystic Valley Parkway, ArlingtonUse the slight right lane.
14
Continue on MA 16
1.1 mi·2 min·Mystic Valley Parkway
15
Turn right onto MA 38
0.1 mi·22 sec·Winthrop Street
Use the right lane.
16
Enter roundabout onto Winthrop Street
117 ft·2 sec·Winthrop Street
17
Continue on Winthrop Street
1.3 mi·1 min·Winthrop Street
18
Continue on MA 38
0.5 mi·46 sec·Main Street
19
Enter roundabout onto Bacon Street
94 ft·1 sec·Bacon Street
20
Continue on Bacon Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Bacon Street
21
Turn left onto Church Street
0.3 mi·38 sec·Church Street
22
Turn right onto US 3
1.1 mi·1 min·Cambridge Street
23
Continue on US 3
2.0 mi·2 min·Cambridge Road
24
Continue on US 3
0.6 mi·47 sec·Cambridge Street
25
Take the exit onto US 3
0.2 mi·27 sec·US 3
Toward I 95 South, US 3 North: Waltham, Lowell
26
Merge onto I 95; US 3; MA 128
1.1 mi·1 min·Yankee Division Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Take the exit onto US 3
0.1 mi·15 sec·US 3
Exit 50B-AToward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, Nashua New HampshireUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3
0.3 mi·34 sec·US 3
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 3
9.8 mi·11 min·US 3
Exit 50AToward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
30
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3
0.5 mi·32 sec·US 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 81B-CToward MA 110, I 495 South: Chelmsford, MarlboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 81CToward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
34
Turn right onto MA 110
1.4 mi·2 min·Chelmsford Street
35
Turn right onto Cambridge Street
314 ft·14 sec·Cambridge Street
36
Turn left onto Hale Street
486 ft·13 sec·Hale Street
37
Arrive at destination
Hale Street
Trip Plan
Since this 2-hour and 22-minute drive involves zero highway travel, your departure time is the most critical factor for avoiding congestion. Plan to leave during off-peak hours to ensure your trip stays within the estimated duration, as local roads can become busy unexpectedly. With no mandatory stops required, you have the flexibility to pull over whenever you need a break, though you should keep your $15 fuel budget in mind if you plan on idling in traffic. Because the route is turn-heavy, double-check your GPS settings before you head out to ensure you are comfortable with the specific local roads selected. Carrying a physical map or having a clear navigation plan is a smart move for this winding, local-only path.
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 51.7 miles from Dennis, MA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.3 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 23 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.7 miles or 1h 11m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lowell, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dennis, 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 Dennis, MA
This is one driving day of about 103.4 miles and 2h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Dennis, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Pilgrims Highway for about 42.3 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 77.7 and 101.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
77.7 mi into trip|~1h 46m in|I 93
Keep slight right at fork onto I 93 toward I 93 North: Concord NH
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 93 North: Concord NH
8
80.8 mi into trip|~1h 50m in
Take the exit toward MA 16 West: Mystic Valley Parkway, Arlington
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 22
Toward MA 16 West: Mystic Valley Parkway, Arlin...
8
90.2 mi into trip|~2h 5m in|US 3
Take the exit onto US 3 toward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, Nashua New Hampshire
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 50B-A
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike,...
8
100.9 mi into trip|~2h 18m in
Take the exit toward MA 110, I 495 South: Chelmsford, Marlboro
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 81B-C
Toward MA 110, I 495 South: Chelmsford, Marlbor...
8
101.6 mi into trip|~2h 19m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 81C
Toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.55 one way
$33.10 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg36 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$18.05
$36.09
premium
$4.82
$19.63
$39.27
diesel
$5.61
$22.83
$45.66
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: 36.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31
0
$10.86
$4.96
Efficient EV
25.9
0
$9.05
$4.14
EV Truck/SUV
41.4
0
$14.48
$6.62
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Dennis, MA
Night
in Dennis on Saturday
Local time
10:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Lowell, MA
Night
in Lowell on Saturday
Local time
10:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Areas Of Fog then Mostly Cloudy
E 3 to 8 mph3% 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
23 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
2h 22m 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.
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.
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
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 103.4
. . . 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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 71.3
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
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 92.7
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. The route relies on local roads like Route 6A, Main Street, and Willow Street, meaning your highway share is a flat zero percent. Navigating these local arteries provides a different rhythm than a standard interstate cruise, as you will be dealing with constant turns and changing street environments. Because there are no long, uninterrupted highway stretches, you will need to stay focused on signage and local intersections throughout the entire 103.4-mile journey. This is a drive defined by its local character, offering a hands-on experience that avoids the monotony of major expressways.
Only 27% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.3 mi on Pilgrims Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 77.7 miles in near I 93.
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 24 significant decision points across 103.4 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 77.7 miles (I 93): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.2 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dennis, MA and Lowell, MA, road signs point toward Arlington, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington and Nashua New Hampshire.
Dennis is in Massachusetts on Cape Cod. It includes the villages of Dennis Port, East Dennis, South Dennis, and West Dennis. Dennis bills itself as the "Cultural Center of Cape Cod", and perhaps rightly so. It boasts the Cape Cod Museum of Art, the Cape Playhouse, and some really excellent art and craft galleries.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 22m. Total distance: 103.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.3 miles on Pilgrims Highway. 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 Lowell, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 77.7 miles (I 93): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.2 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Adams National Historical Park, Boston 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 Lowell, MA before heading back.
