Embark on a straightforward 69-mile journey from Ipswich to Plymouth, Massachusetts, a drive that typically takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes. This route is ideal as a single-day trip, allowing you to complete it without needing an overnight stay. With a projected fuel cost of around $11, it's an economical option for exploring the Northeast region. The drive primarily utilizes local roads, offering a more grounded travel experience compared to highway cruising. Its manageable distance and duration make it a convenient choice for a day excursion within the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
34.5 miles from Ipswich, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MA 3
28.2 mi
35m
Southeast Expressway
8 mi
10m
Tobin Bridge
5.8 mi
9m
Broadway
3.8 mi
5m
Topsfield Road
3.7 mi
7m
I 95
3.3 mi
3m
Northeast Expressway
3.1 mi
3m
Boston Street
2.9 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
MA 3
— 28.2 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ipswich, MA and Plymouth, MA.
1
Start on Washington Street
98 ft·5 sec·Washington Street
2
Turn right onto Depot Square
359 ft·16 sec·Depot Square
3
Turn right onto Topsfield Road
3.7 mi·7 min·Topsfield Road
4
Continue on Ipswich Road
1.8 mi·3 min·Ipswich Road
5
Turn left onto US 1
503 ft·10 sec·Boston Street
6
Continue on US 1
0.6 mi·52 sec·Boston Road
7
Continue on US 1
2.8 mi·4 min·Boston Street
8
Continue on US 1
0.6 mi·1 min·Newbury Street
9
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·53 sec
Toward I 95 South: Boston
10
Merge onto I 95
3.3 mi·3 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 66Toward US 1 South: BostonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn straight onto US 1
195 ft·3 sec·Newburyport Turnpike
13
Continue on US 1
1.4 mi·2 min·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 left at fork onto MA 3
28 mi·35 min·MA 3
Exit 7Toward MA 3 South: Cape CodUse the slight left lane.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·46 sec
Exit 15BToward US 44 West: Samoset Street, Carver
25
Turn straight onto Samoset Street
254 ft·9 sec·Samoset Street
26
Continue on Samoset Street
0.9 mi·2 min·Samoset Street
27
Turn right onto MA 3A
0.2 mi·35 sec·Court Street
Use the right lane.
28
Arrive at destination
MA 3A
Trip Plan
Given this is a relatively short 1 hour and 39-minute drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Consider leaving early to maximize your day in Plymouth, or opt for a mid-morning start to avoid any potential morning rush in Ipswich. Since there are no designated stops indicated and the fuel cost is low at $11, you can easily manage refueling as needed. Keep an eye on local traffic, especially as you pass through populated areas, as the turn-heavy nature of the route means you'll be interacting with local conditions frequently.
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 34.5 miles from Ipswich, MA, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.2 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 15 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 34.5 miles or 53m 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 Plymouth, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ipswich, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Ipswich, MA
This is one driving day of about 69 miles and 1h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Ipswich, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on MA 3 for about 28.2 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 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.1 and 68.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
10.1 mi into trip|~18m in|I 95
Merge onto I 95
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
13.5 mi into trip|~22m in
Take the exit toward US 1 South: Boston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 66
Toward US 1 South: Boston
8
39.5 mi into trip|~1h 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
6
67.7 mi into trip|~1h 35m in
Take the exit toward US 44 West: Samoset Street, Carver
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 15B
Toward US 44 West: Samoset Street, Carver
5
68.8 mi into trip|~1h 38m in|MA 3A / Court Street
Turn right onto MA 3A / Court Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.04 one way
$22.09 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg24 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$12.04
$24.08
premium
$4.82
$13.10
$26.20
diesel
$5.61
$15.23
$30.47
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
$11
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
20.7
0
$7.24
$3.31
Efficient EV
17.3
0
$6.04
$2.76
EV Truck/SUV
27.6
0
$9.66
$4.42
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 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 17, 2026
Origin
Ipswich, MA
Morning
in Ipswich on Sunday
Local time
7:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Plymouth, MA
Morning
in Plymouth on Sunday
Local time
7:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°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
19 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 39m 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.
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 28.6
Park Closure: Dorchester Heights Temporary Public Access Restrictions
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...
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 14.3
. . . 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
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 33.3
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...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 28.6
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...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 16.7
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 for the entirety of this 69-mile route, as it features a 0% highway share. You won't encounter long stretches of uninterrupted driving; instead, plan for frequent adjustments and navigation through town centers and local thoroughfares. The journey begins on roads like Depot Square and Topsfield Road, transitioning into Ipswich Road, indicating a consistent engagement with local traffic patterns. This profile means you'll be actively navigating, making it a more hands-on driving experience from start to finish.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.2 mi on MA 3.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MA 3 and Southeast Expressway. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in near I 95.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 69 miles you will encounter 9 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 10.1 miles (I 95): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.5 miles (MA 3): 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.
On the drive from Ipswich, MA to Plymouth, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Boston along the way.
Plymouth is on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Known as "America's Hometown," Plymouth is most famous for being the final landing place of the Pilgrims who arrived on board the Mayflower in 1620, after storms lead them away from their desired settlement, the Hudson River. The settlement they established, Plimoth Colony, was one of the earliest successful settlements of Europeans in North America.
In addition to its obvious historical draws, modern-day Plymouth is a picturesque seaside town with a bustling summer resident population who come back year after year to enjoy its beaches, ponds, and forests. Although summer is Plymouth's peak tourist season, spring (before Memorial Day) and fall (after Labor Day) can be excellent times to visit. These bumper seasons are less crowded and certainly more comfortable temperature-wise.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 39m. Total distance: 69 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (63%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 28.2 miles on MA 3. 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 Plymouth, 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 10.1 miles (I 95): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.5 miles (MA 3): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Plymouth, MA before heading back.
