Charlton Service Plaza Westbound
0 mi from route
Trip from Lowell, MA to Ludlow, MA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 46m
Distance
84.2 mi
136 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$13
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
10 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 38m
★
6 AM
1h 46m
8 AM
2h 2m
10 AM
1h 52m
12 PM
1h 50m
3 PM
1h 52m
5 PM
2h 1m
8 PM
1h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lowell, MA
Phil Evenden
Ludlow, MA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Lowell to Ludlow is 84.2 miles and takes about 1h 46m via the Massachusetts Turnpike, I 495, and I 290, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward trip entirely within Massachusetts, connecting two points in the Northeast region. Given its mostly highway profile and relatively short duration, it's a practical option for a single-day excursion. You'll spend the bulk of your time on major interstates, making for an efficient transit between these two cities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
42.1 miles from Lowell, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Turnpike | 35.1 mi | 40m |
| I 495 | 23.4 mi | 27m |
| I 290 | 19.6 mi | 24m |
| Lowell Connector | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Chelmsford Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| Center Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Sewall Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Oak Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 35.1 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lowell, MA and Ludlow, MA.
1
Start on Hale Street
486 ft
·
14 sec
·
Hale Street
2
Turn right onto Cambridge Street
314 ft
·
16 sec
·
Cambridge Street
3
Turn left onto MA 110
0.6 mi
·
56 sec
·
Chelmsford Street
4
Turn left onto Plain Street
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Plain Street
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
6
Merge onto Lowell Connector
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Lowell Connector
7
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 2B-A
Toward I 495 South, US 3 North: Worcester, Nashua New Hampshire
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 2A
Toward I 495 South: Worcester
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 495 South: Marlboro
10
Merge onto I 495
23 mi
·
27 min
·
I 495
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 65B
Toward I 290 West: Worcester
12
Merge onto I 290
20 mi
·
24 min
·
I 290
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
Exit 12B
Toward MA 12 South: Webster
14
Turn left onto Oxford Street
466 ft
·
10 sec
·
Oxford Street
15
At end of road, turn right onto MA 12
446 ft
·
9 sec
·
Southbridge Street
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 90
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 90 West
18
Merge onto I 90
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Massachusetts Turnpike
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
24 mi
·
27 min
·
Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
20
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 54
Toward MA 21: Ludlow, Belchertown
21
Turn left onto MA 21
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
·
Center Street
Use the straight lane.
22
Turn left onto Sewall Street
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Sewall Street
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto Howard Street
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
Howard Street
24
Turn right onto Oak Street
0.1 mi
·
38 sec
·
Oak Street
25
Turn left onto Walnut Street
219 ft
·
12 sec
·
Walnut Street
26
Turn right
115 ft
·
10 sec
27
Turn left
303 ft
·
22 sec
28
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this drive is just under two hours, it’s ideal for a same-day trip. Aim to leave in the morning to avoid potential rush hour congestion on the I 495 and I 290 interchanges. You won't need to break this into two days, so flexibility is key. With a fuel cost estimated at $13, it’s an economical trip, but be sure to top off your tank before leaving Lowell, as the longest stretch without a significant exit area is over 35 miles on the Turnpike. Plan for one quick stop if needed for a break, perhaps before you merge onto the Massachusetts Turnpike.
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 42.1 miles from Lowell, MA, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.1 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 19 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 42.1 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 Ludlow, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lowell, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lowell, MA
This is one driving day of about 84.2 miles and 1h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Lowell, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Massachusetts Turnpike for about 35.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
42 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 42.1 miles from Lowell, 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.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Ludlow Service Plaza Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Ludlow Service Plaza Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Charlton Service Plaza Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 265 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 83.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
1.8 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the exit toward I 495 South, US 3 North: Worcester, Nashua New Hampshire
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 2B-A
Toward I 495 South, US 3 North: Worcester, Nash...
8
2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 South: Worcester
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 2A
Toward I 495 South: Worcester
6
58.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
|
I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
82.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward MA 21: Ludlow, Belchertown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 54
Toward MA 21: Ludlow, Belchertown
6
83.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
|
Sewall Street
Turn left onto Sewall Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.48 one way
$26.95 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
30 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $14.70 | $29.39 |
| premium | $4.82 | $15.99 | $31.98 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $18.59 | $37.18 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.10
Massachusetts Turnpike
(35.1 mi)
$2.10
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
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
10 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Lowell, MA - Tesla Supercharger
Lowell, MA
Tesla
12 DCFC
Fairfield Inn - Tewksbury
Tewksbury, MA
CHARGESMART_EV
10 DCFC
Farley White
Lowell, MA
RED_E
6 DCFC
Chelmsford Town Hall
Chelmsford, MA
RED_E
6 DCFC
Autel - Eco Auto
Tewksbury, MA
AUTEL
4 DCFC
Walmart 2222 (Tewksbury, MA)
Tewksbury, MA
Electrify America
4 DCFC
Lowell Quick Mart
Lowell, MA
RED_E
4 DCFC
Chelmsford Mobil Mart
Chelmsford, MA
RED_E
2 DCFC
RED_E: 4
ChargePoint Network: 2
CHARGESMART_EV: 1
AUTEL: 1
Electrify America: 1
Tesla: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 25.3 | 0 | $8.84 | $4.04 |
| Efficient EV | 21.1 | 0 | $7.37 | $3.37 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 33.7 | 0 | $11.79 | $5.39 |
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.
Origin
Lowell, MA
Late night in Lowell on Sunday
Local time
12:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Ludlow, MA
Late night in Ludlow on Sunday
Local time
12:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
64°F
Worcester, MA
42 mi in
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
22 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
New England National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
From the Sound to the summits: the New England Trail covers 235 miles from Long Island Sound across long ridges to scenic mountain summits in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The trail offers panoramic...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 81.3
View on nps.gov
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 8.7
View on nps.gov
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.
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 2.9
View on nps.gov
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...
23 mi from route
~58 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
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...
29 mi from route
~74 min detour
$15
near mile 2.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is predominantly highway driving, with 93% of the route on major roads. You'll encounter a long stretch of 35.1 miles on the Massachusetts Turnpike, which is typical of such a high highway share. Expect frequent exits and merges as you navigate the interstate system, particularly on I 495 and I 290 before reaching the Massachusetts Turnpike for the final segment. Surface roads will only become a factor as you approach your destination in Ludlow.
93% 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: 35.1 mi on Massachusetts Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Massachusetts Turnpike and I 495. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 84.2 miles you will encounter 26 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 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.7 miles (I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 46m. Total distance: 84.2 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 (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 35.1 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.10 in tolls one way, starting with Massachusetts 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 Ludlow, 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 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.7 miles (I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Ludlow, 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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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