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Trip from Essex, MA to Fall River, MA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 51m

Distance

81 mi

130 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 43m ★
6 AM
1h 51m
8 AM
2h 8m
10 AM
1h 57m
12 PM
1h 55m
3 PM
1h 58m
5 PM
2h 7m
8 PM
1h 46m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Essex, MA, MA

Essex, MA

Italo Melo

Trip Overview

This 81-mile journey from Essex, MA, to Fall River, MA, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes to complete. With a projected fuel cost of around $13, it's an economical choice for a quick excursion within the Northeast region. The route primarily utilizes Amvets Highway and the Southeast Expressway, offering a blend of highway and local road driving. Given its relatively short duration and turn-heavy nature, this trip is best suited for a single day of travel, allowing for flexibility without the need for an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

40.5 miles from Essex, MA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Amvets Highway 32.7 mi 37m
Southeast Expressway 8 mi 10m
Yankee Division Highway 6.6 mi 9m
Tobin Bridge 5.8 mi 9m
Broadway 3.8 mi 5m
I 93 3.4 mi 4m
Western Fall River Expressway 3.4 mi 4m
Northeast Expressway 3.1 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Amvets Highway — 32.7 mi, about 37m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Essex, MA and Fall River, MA.

1

Start on MA 22

0.6 mi · 1 min · Martin Street
2

Continue on MA 22

1.4 mi · 2 min · Western Avenue
3

Continue on MA 22

2.5 mi · 4 min · Essex Street
4

Continue on Larch Row

0.4 mi · 50 sec · Larch Row
5

Turn left onto Dodges Row

0.7 mi · 1 min · Dodges Row
6

Continue on Dodge Street

1.3 mi · 2 min · Dodge Street
7

At end of road, turn left onto MA 1A

163 ft · 3 sec · Enon Street
8

Continue on MA 1A

0.6 mi · 1 min · Dodge Street
9

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward MA 128 South: Peabody, Boston
10

Merge onto MA 128

6.6 mi · 9 min · Yankee Division Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Exit 63 Toward US 1: Danvers, Boston Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward US 1 South: Boston Use the slight left lane.
13

Continue on US 1

0.4 mi · 36 sec · Newbury Street
14

Continue on US 1

0.6 mi · 57 sec · Broadway
15

Continue on US 1; MA 129

0.3 mi · 26 sec · Newburyport Turnpike
16

Continue on US 1; MA 129

3.2 mi · 4 min · Broadway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17

Continue on US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Newburyport Turnpike
18

Continue on US 1

1.5 mi · 2 min · Bennett Highway
Toward Boston
19

Continue on US 1

0.8 mi · 1 min · Cutler Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Continue on US 1

3.1 mi · 3 min · Northeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Continue on US 1

5.8 mi · 9 min · Tobin Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3

8.0 mi · 10 min · Southeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight right at fork onto I 93; US 1

3.4 mi · 4 min · I 93; US 1
Toward I 93 South, US 1 South: Providence Rhode Island
24

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 4 Toward MA 24 South: Fall River Use the slight left / straight lanes.
25

Continue on MA 24

33 mi · 37 min · Amvets Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Keep slight right at fork onto MA 79

3.4 mi · 4 min · Western Fall River Expressway
Exit 7 Toward MA 79 South: North Fall River, Somerset
27

Turn left

0.1 mi · 10 sec
28

Turn right onto Durfee Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Durfee Street
29

Turn left onto Bank Street

0.1 mi · 34 sec · Bank Street
30

Turn right onto Purchase Street

361 ft · 15 sec · Purchase Street
31

Continue on Purchase Street

269 ft · 19 sec · Purchase Street
32

Arrive at destination

Purchase Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 1 hour and 51-minute drive, consider departing earlier in the day to avoid potential traffic, especially if traveling on a weekday. Since this is a turn-heavy route and not an extended journey, you won't need to worry about splitting the drive. Take advantage of the flexibility by stopping when you see a convenient spot for a break or a quick bite. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially before heading onto the longer 32.7-mile stretch on Amvets Highway, as services might be less frequent.

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 40.5 miles from Essex, MA, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.7 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 29m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 40.5 miles or 1h 1m 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 35m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fall River, MA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Essex, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Essex, MA

This is one driving day of about 81 miles and 1h 51m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Essex, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Amvets Highway for about 32.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

capital and largest city of Massachusetts, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Boston, MA

41 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

Lynn, MA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Quincy, MA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 40.5 miles from Essex, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · early in the drive

La Famiglia Giorgio's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Boston, Massachusetts

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch · 40min in 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 4–9 pm

+16173676711

Visit website

Sweet Rose Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fall River, Massachusetts

0.7 mi

Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Third St

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cambridge, Massachusetts

1 mi

Best coffee break · early in the drive

2nd Street Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch · 40min in 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16176611311

Visit website

La Famiglia Giorgio's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 4–9 pm

+16173676711

Visit website

Sweet Rose Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Fall River, Massachusetts

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15085671100

Visit website

Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Third St

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–7:30 pm

+16173544200

Visit website

McKenna's Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Dorchester, Massachusetts

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

+16178258218

Visit website

Sorelle Bakery & Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16174265475

Visit website

Montien Thai Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 11:30 am–10:30 pm

+16173385600

Visit website

Delux Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 5 pm–1 am

+16173385258

Visit website

Granite Street Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Quincy, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16173287774

Visit website

2nd Street Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16176611311

Visit website

Museum of Science

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16177232500

Visit website

Boston National Historical Park - Charlestown Navy Yard

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Boston, MA

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16172425601

Visit website

USS Constitution Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Charlestown, Massachusetts

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+16174261812

Visit website

Soldiers and Sailors Monument

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 6 am–11:30 pm

+16176354505

Visit website

Rumney Marsh Reservation

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Saugus, Massachusetts

+16177275350

Visit website

Boda Borg Boston

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Malden, Massachusetts

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+17813211081

Visit website

LEGO® Discovery Center Boston

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Somerville, Massachusetts

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16177025593

Visit website

Salem Museum of Torture

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Salem, Massachusetts

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+19782199582

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 14.4 and 76.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
14.4 mi into trip | ~23m in

Take the exit toward US 1: Danvers, Boston

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 63 Toward US 1: Danvers, Boston
7
14.7 mi into trip | ~23m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 1 South: Boston

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward US 1 South: Boston
6
39.8 mi into trip | ~1h in | I 93; US 1

Keep slight right at fork onto I 93; US 1 toward I 93 South, US 1 South: Providence Rhode Island

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 93 South, US 1 South: Providence Rhode...
7
43.2 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in

Take the exit toward MA 24 South: Fall River

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 4 Toward MA 24 South: Fall River
7
76.6 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in | MA 79 / Western Fall River Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto MA 79 / Western Fall River Expressway toward MA 79 South: North Fall River, Somerset

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 7 Toward MA 79 South: North Fall River, Somerset

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.96 one way

$25.93 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.43 $14.14 $28.27
premium $4.82 $15.38 $30.76
diesel $5.61 $17.88 $35.77

Estimated Tolls: $0.05

Newburyport Turnpike (0.7 mi) $0.05

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

$13

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 28.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 24.3 0 $8.50 $3.89
Efficient EV 20.3 0 $7.09 $3.24
EV Truck/SUV 32.4 0 $11.34 $5.18

Gas CO2

28 kg

EV CO2

9 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Essex, MA

Morning in Essex on Tuesday

Local time

8:43 AM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fall River, MA

Morning in Fall River on Tuesday

Local time

8:43 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Areas Of Fog

NE 8 mph 5% chance 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

9 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 51m 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

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.

0 mi from route ~1 min detour Free near mile 32.9
Park Closure: Dorchester Heights Temporary Public Access Restrictions
View on nps.gov
Adams National Historical Park

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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $15 near mile 46.1
View on nps.gov
Salem Maritime National Historical Park

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 13.2
View on nps.gov
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

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...

6 mi from route ~14 min detour Free near mile 39.5
View on nps.gov
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

National Historical Park

"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...

13 mi from route ~32 min detour Free near mile 95.5
View on nps.gov
Minute Man National Historical Park

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...

14 mi from route ~35 min detour Free near mile 32.9
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 'turn-heavy local drive' for most of this 81-mile trip, with only 23% of the route on the highway. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 32.7 miles along Amvets Highway. This means you'll experience a dynamic driving experience, transitioning between faster highway segments and more intricate local roads. The Yarkee Division Highway will also play a role, contributing to the varied landscape of this Massachusetts drive.

Only 23% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 32.7 mi on Amvets Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

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 14.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 81 miles you will encounter 13 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 14.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.8 miles (I 93; US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Essex, MA and Fall River, MA, road signs point toward Boston and Somerset.

Boston

7.7 mi in | ~13m

Somerset

76.6 mi in | ~1h 44m | via MA 79

About the Cities

Starting in Essex, MA

Full guide →

Essex is a town in on Cape Ann in the North Shore region of Massachusetts. Settled by direct descendants of the Mayflower passengers in the early 1600s, it was later world-renowned as North America's fishing schooner construction center. Today, history permeates the town, enhanced by its many antique stores. Its population was shy of 4k during the 2020 census.

Arriving in Fall River, MA

Full guide →

Founded 1670

In the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts, where the Taunton River empties into Mount Hope Bay, stands Fall River- the "Spindle City". Not to be overshadowed by nearby Boston and Providence, Fall River offers visitors unique attractions that are absent from its two larger neighbors. Fall River is famous for Battleship Cove, the largest museum of its kind in the world; a rich Portuguese-American culture, featuring authentic food; and the accused axe murderess Lizzie Borden.

Top landmarks

  • • USS Massachusetts — 1941 South Dakota-class battleship
  • • USS Lionfish — 1943 Balao-class submarine
  • • USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. — 1945 Gearing-class destroyer

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 51m. Total distance: 81 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 32.7 miles on Amvets Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.05 in tolls one way, starting with Newburyport Turnpike. 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 Fall River, 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 14.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.8 miles (I 93; US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Boston National Historical Park, Adams National Historical Park and Salem Maritime 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 Fall River, 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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