Head of Westport, MA to City of Lowell, MA is 83.9 miles and takes about 1h 49m via MA 24, I-95, and US 3, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Massachusetts, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Expect a drive that is predominantly highway, making it a straightforward journey for a single day. This route is practical for anyone needing to get between these two points efficiently, with minimal fuss. Consider this a solid option when time is a factor and you want to minimize travel complications.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
41.9 miles from Head of Westport, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 51m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MA 24
37.4 mi
43m
I 95
22.5 mi
30m
US 3
9.9 mi
11m
Veterans Of Foreign Wars Memorial Drive
3.5 mi
4m
Yankee Division Highway
2.1 mi
2m
Chelmsford Street
1.8 mi
2m
I 195
1 mi
1m
Old County Road
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
MA 24
— 37.4 mi, about 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Head of Westport, MA and City of Lowell, MA.
1
Start on Old County Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Old County Road
2
Turn right onto MA 88
3.5 mi·4 min·Veterans Of Foreign Wars Memorial Drive
3
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 195 West: Providence Rhode Island
4
Merge onto I 195
1.0 mi·1 min·I 195
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 14BToward MA 24 North: Taunton, BostonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto MA 24
37 mi·43 min·MA 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·2 min
Exit 41BToward I 93 South, US 1 SouthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 93; US 1
2.1 mi·2 min·Yankee Division Highway
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
0.6 mi·50 sec·US 1
Exit 1BToward I 95 North, US 1 South: Dedham, Portsmouth New HampshireUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 95
23 mi·30 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 50A-BToward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, Nashua New HampshireUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·49 sec
Exit 50AToward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New HampshireUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·35 sec·this road
Exit 50AToward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
14
Continue on US 3
9.4 mi·10 min·US 3
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3
0.5 mi·32 sec·US 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 81B-CToward MA 110, I 495 South: Chelmsford, MarlboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 81CToward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
19
Turn right onto MA 110
1.8 mi·2 min·Chelmsford Street
20
Turn sharp left onto MA 3A
458 ft·10 sec·Westford Street
21
Turn right onto Grand Street
448 ft·23 sec·Grand Street
22
At end of road, turn left onto Middlesex Street
383 ft·18 sec·Middlesex Street
23
Turn sharp right onto Arch Street
15 ft·5 sec·Arch Street
24
Turn left
0.1 mi·38 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a total duration of under two hours, this is a very manageable one-day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. You likely won't need extensive breaks, but keep in mind the longest stretch without a major road change is 37.4 miles on MA 24. Plan to fuel up before you leave Head of Westport, MA, as the estimated fuel cost is only $13 and dedicated stops aren't specifically recommended. Given the relatively short distance, you can easily start your journey in the morning and arrive in Lowell by midday, leaving your afternoon open.
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 41.9 miles from Head of Westport, MA, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.4 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 18 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 41.9 miles or 51m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near City of Lowell, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Head of Westport, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Head of Westport, MA
This is one driving day of about 83.9 miles and 1h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Head of Westport, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on MA 24 for about 37.4 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.1 and 70.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
6.1 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the exit toward MA 24 North: Taunton, Boston
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 14B
Toward MA 24 North: Taunton, Boston
9
43.9 mi into trip|~53m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 93 South, US 1 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 41B
Toward I 93 South, US 1 South
9
47 mi into trip|~58m in|US 1
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1 toward I 95 North, US 1 South: Dedham, Portsmouth New Hampshire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 1B
Toward I 95 North, US 1 South: Dedham, Portsmou...
8
70.1 mi into trip|~1h 29m in
Take the exit 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 50A-B
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike,...
9
70.3 mi into trip|~1h 30m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 50A
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.43 one way
$26.85 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$14.64
$29.29
premium
$4.82
$15.93
$31.86
diesel
$5.61
$18.52
$37.05
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
25.2
0
$8.81
$4.03
Efficient EV
21
0
$7.34
$3.36
EV Truck/SUV
33.6
0
$11.75
$5.37
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% 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
Head of Westport, MA
Late night
in Head of Westport on Sunday
Local time
12:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
City of Lowell, MA
Late night
in City of Lowell on Sunday
Local time
12:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°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.
Road read
1h 49m 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...
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...
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...
"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...
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 43.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 85% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll experience a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 37.4 miles on MA 24, offering a consistent pace. The character of the drive is defined by its efficiency, prioritizing direct travel over meandering scenery. While primarily highway, the transition between these main roads should be smooth, allowing you to maintain momentum throughout the 83.9-mile trip. Expect a driving experience that is direct and functional.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37.4 mi on MA 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MA 24 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.1 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 83.9 miles you will encounter 22 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 6.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47 miles (US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Head of Westport, MA and City of Lowell, MA, road signs point toward Boston, Portsmouth New Hampshire, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington and Nashua New Hampshire.
Boston
6.1 mi in|~9m
Portsmouth New Hampshire
47 mi in|~58m|via US 1
Middlesex Turnpike
70.1 mi in|~1h 29m
Burlington
70.1 mi in|~1h 29m
Nashua New Hampshire
70.1 mi in|~1h 29m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 49m. Total distance: 83.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 37.4 miles on MA 24. 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 City of Lowell, 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 6.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47 miles (US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Lowell National Historical Park, Minute Man National Historical Park and Adams 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 City of Lowell, MA before heading back.
