If you are planning to travel from Monson to Fall River, you are looking at a 83.9-mile journey across Massachusetts. This trip typically takes about 1 hour and 33 minutes to complete, making it a manageable day trip that does not require an overnight stay. Since the route avoids highways entirely, you will spend your time navigating local roads like Main Street, Chestnut Street, and Bethany Road. Budgeting approximately $13 for fuel should be sufficient to cover the distance in a standard vehicle. Because this is an entirely local drive, it offers a distinct alternative to the typical interstate experience for those moving across the Northeast region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
42 miles from Monson, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike
14.8 mi
17m
East Providence Expressway
13.5 mi
16m
Providence Pike
7.7 mi
8m
Eddie Dowling Highway
7.5 mi
8m
Worcester Providence Turnpike
7 mi
8m
North Smithfield Expressway
5.7 mi
6m
Sturbridge Road
4 mi
5m
US 6
3.3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 14.8 mi, about 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monson, MA and Fall River, MA.
1
Start on Harrison Avenue
233 ft·14 sec·Harrison Avenue
2
Turn left onto MA 32
0.4 mi·55 sec·Main Street
3
Turn right onto Chestnut Street
0.2 mi·43 sec·Chestnut Street
4
Continue on Bethany Road
0.1 mi·23 sec·Bethany Road
5
Continue on Brimfield Road
2.0 mi·3 min·Brimfield Road
6
Continue on Monson Road
1.2 mi·2 min·Monson Road
7
Continue on Main Palmer Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Main Palmer Road
8
Turn slight right onto US 20
2.3 mi·2 min·Palmer Road
9
Continue on US 20
0.3 mi·23 sec·Main Street
10
Continue on US 20
4.0 mi·5 min·Sturbridge Road
11
Continue on US 20
1.0 mi·1 min·Brimfield Road
12
Continue on US 20
1.6 mi·3 min·Main Street
13
Continue on US 20
0.6 mi·1 min·Charlton Road
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
15
Merge onto I 84
1.4 mi·2 min·Wilbur Cross Highway
16
Merge onto I 90
15 mi·17 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 94Toward MA 146, US 20: Worcester, Providence
18
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·33 sec·this road
Toward MA 146, US 20
19
Turn right
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward MA 146
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward MA 146 South
21
Merge onto MA 122A; MA 146
1.6 mi·2 min·Worcester-Providence Turnpike
22
Continue on MA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·Purple Heart Highway
23
Continue on MA 146
7.0 mi·8 min·Worcester Providence Turnpike
24
Continue on MA 146
0.3 mi·22 sec·Purple Heart Highway
25
Continue on MA 146
7.7 mi·8 min·Providence Pike
26
Continue on MA 146
0.2 mi·15 sec·Purple Heart Highway
27
Continue on RI 146
5.7 mi·6 min·North Smithfield Expressway
28
Continue on RI 146
7.5 mi·8 min·Eddie Dowling Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on RI 146
2.9 mi·3 min·Old Louisquisset Pike
30
Merge onto I 95
1.2 mi·1 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit onto US 6
3.3 mi·5 min·US 6
Exit 36AToward I 195 East, US 6 East: East Providence, Cape CodUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto I 195; US 1A; US 6
13 mi·16 min·East Providence Expressway
Toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MAUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.1 mi·14 sec
Exit 12-13Toward MA 81 South: Plymouth Avenue, Hartwell Street
34
Keep slight right at fork
482 ft·12 sec
Exit 12Toward Downtown Fall RiverUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Turn right onto Hartwell Street
0.1 mi·14 sec·Hartwell Street
36
Continue on Troy Street
0.2 mi·21 sec·Troy Street
37
Turn left onto Bedford Street
0.1 mi·20 sec·Bedford Street
38
Turn left onto Purchase Street
269 ft·19 sec·Purchase Street
39
Arrive at destination
Purchase Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Keep in mind that because the entire 83.9-mile distance consists of local roads, you should factor in potential traffic delays that are common on non-highway routes. There are no mandatory stops scheduled, but you should plan for the fact that navigating turns will be the primary activity for the duration of your 1 hour and 33-minute drive. Before you head out from Monson, ensure your fuel tank is ready, as the $13 cost estimate assumes a steady flow of travel. A helpful tip for this specific route is to double-check your navigation apps for real-time construction updates, as local roads like Bethany Road can sometimes be subject to unexpected delays that wouldn't affect major highways.
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 miles from Monson, MA, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.8 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 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 42 miles or 58m 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 34m
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 Monson, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Monson, MA
This is one driving day of about 83.9 miles and 1h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Monson, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Massachusetts Turnpike for about 14.8 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 30.4 and 83.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
30.4 mi into trip|~42m in
Take the exit toward MA 146, US 20: Worcester, Providence
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 94
Toward MA 146, US 20: Worcester, Providence
6
31.2 mi into trip|~44m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MA 146 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward MA 146 South
8
66.5 mi into trip|~1h 26m in|US 6
Take the exit onto US 6 toward I 195 East, US 6 East: East Providence, Cape Cod
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 36A
Toward I 195 East, US 6 East: East Providence,...
8
69.8 mi into trip|~1h 32m in|I 195; US 1A; US 6 / East Providence Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 195; US 1A; US 6 / East Providence Expressway toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MA
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MA
9
83.4 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Downtown Fall River
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12
Toward Downtown Fall River
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
Estimated Tolls: $1.49
Massachusetts Turnpike
(14.8 mi)$0.89
Worcester Providence Turnpike
(7 mi)$0.49
Worcester-Providence Turnpike
(1.6 mi)$0.11
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
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
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 13, 2026
Origin
Monson, MA
Morning
in Monson on Tuesday
Local time
8:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Chance Rain Showers
S 10 to 14 mph30% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Fall River, MA
Morning
in Fall River on Tuesday
Local time
8:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
S 10 to 14 mph24% 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
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 50m 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.
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
National Historical Park
The Blackstone River powered America's entry into the Age of Industry. The success of Samuel Slater's cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket, RI touched off a chain reaction that changed how people worked...
"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 83.9
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...
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...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 31.8
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 experience rather than a high-speed interstate grind. With 0% of the trip spent on highways, your focus will remain on maneuvering through local streets and intersections. The route maintains a consistent, technical pace as you transition between Main Street, Chestnut Street, and Bethany Road. You won't find any long, uninterrupted stretches here, as the journey requires constant engagement with the road's layout. It is a drive that demands your full attention, providing a very different feel compared to the monotonous cruising found on major Massachusetts turnpikes.
56% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 14.8 mi on Massachusetts Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 30.4 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 17 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 30.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 66.5 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
687 ft64 ft
Total Climb
394 ft
Total Descent
700 ft
Highest Point
687 ft
~18 mi in
Elevation Range
623 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Monson, MA and Fall River, MA, road signs point toward Providence, Cape Cod and Seekonk.
Monson is a small town in Maine, with a population of 609 according to the 2020 census. It was incorporated in 1822, and named after Monson, Massachusetts. Monson is primarily known for its slate quarries and it being the last town before the 100 mile wilderness on the Appalachian Trail. Today it has become something of an artist's town featuring galleries and several restaurants while still catering to thru hikers of the AT.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 50m. Total distance: 83.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (56%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 14.8 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.49 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 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 30.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 66.5 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and New England National Scenic Trail (4 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.
