Montague, MA to New Bedford, MA is 130.3 miles and takes about 3 hours via the Massachusetts Turnpike and I-195, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Massachusetts, taking you from the Northeast region down towards the coast. Expect a route that involves a mix of highway driving and more urban, turn-heavy sections as you approach your destination. It's a manageable one-day trip, perfect for a direct journey without needing an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
65.2 miles from Montague, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 38m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike
30.4 mi
35m
East Providence Expressway
15.4 mi
19m
I 195
10.2 mi
12m
Providence Pike
7.7 mi
8m
Eddie Dowling Highway
7.5 mi
8m
Worcester Providence Turnpike
7 mi
8m
Federal Street
5.7 mi
10m
North Smithfield Expressway
5.7 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 30.4 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Montague, MA and New Bedford, MA.
1
Start on Center Street
354 ft·10 sec·Center Street
2
Keep slight right at fork onto Worth Street
0.1 mi·13 sec·Worth Street
3
Turn straight onto Main Street
1.1 mi·1 min·Main Street
4
Turn left onto MA 47
0.2 mi·18 sec·North Leverett Road
5
Turn slight right onto MA 63
0.1 mi·12 sec·Federal Street
6
Continue on MA 63
0.5 mi·45 sec·North Amherst Road
7
Continue on MA 63
4.4 mi·6 min·Long Plain Road
8
Turn left onto Depot Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Depot Road
9
Turn right onto Amherst Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Amherst Road
10
Continue on Leverett Road
0.9 mi·1 min·Leverett Road
11
At end of road, turn right onto Bridge Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Bridge Street
12
Turn left onto Hypotenuse Way
334 ft·16 sec·Hypotenuse Way
13
Turn left onto Pine Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·Pine Street
14
Turn right onto Henry Street
0.9 mi·1 min·Henry Street
15
Continue on North East Street
2.1 mi·4 min·North East Street
16
Turn left onto MA 9
2.1 mi·3 min·Belchertown Road
17
Continue on MA 9
391 ft·6 sec·USMC League Highway
18
Continue on MA 9
1.8 mi·2 min·Federal Street
19
Continue on Federal Street
2.5 mi·4 min·Federal Street
20
At end of road, turn right onto MA 9
1.3 mi·2 min·Federal Street
21
Turn right onto US 202
1.2 mi·2 min·North Main Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto North Washington Street
2.1 mi·3 min·North Washington Street
23
Continue on North Liberty Street
4.1 mi·7 min·North Liberty Street
24
Continue on Belchertown Street
0.4 mi·47 sec·Belchertown Street
25
Continue on Bridge Street
0.3 mi·34 sec·Bridge Street
26
Turn left onto Palmer Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Palmer Road
27
Turn right onto MA 181
0.1 mi·14 sec·Sykes Street
28
Continue on MA 181
0.6 mi·1 min·North Main Street
29
Continue on US 20
0.8 mi·1 min·North Main Street
30
Turn left onto US 20
0.8 mi·1 min·Thorndike Street
Use the left lane.
31
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Use the left lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork
308 ft·7 sec
33
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·41 sec·this road
34
Merge onto I 90
30 mi·35 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
35
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 94Toward MA 146, US 20: Worcester, Providence
36
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·33 sec·this road
Toward MA 146, US 20
37
Turn right
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward MA 146
38
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward MA 146 South
39
Merge onto MA 122A; MA 146
1.6 mi·2 min·Worcester-Providence Turnpike
40
Continue on MA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·Purple Heart Highway
41
Continue on MA 146
7.0 mi·8 min·Worcester Providence Turnpike
42
Continue on MA 146
0.3 mi·22 sec·Purple Heart Highway
43
Continue on MA 146
7.7 mi·8 min·Providence Pike
44
Continue on MA 146
0.2 mi·15 sec·Purple Heart Highway
45
Continue on RI 146
5.7 mi·6 min·North Smithfield Expressway
46
Continue on RI 146
7.5 mi·8 min·Eddie Dowling Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Continue on RI 146
2.9 mi·3 min·Old Louisquisset Pike
48
Merge onto I 95
1.2 mi·1 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
49
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.
50
Keep slight left at fork onto I 195; US 1A; US 6
15 mi·19 min·East Providence Expressway
Toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MAUse the straight / slight right lanes.
51
Keep slight right at fork onto I 195
10 mi·12 min·I 195
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
52
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Exit 25Toward Penniman StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
53
Continue on Penniman Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·Penniman Street
54
At end of road, turn right onto Purchase Street
1.0 mi·1 min·Purchase Street
55
Continue on Pleasant Street
432 ft·10 sec·Pleasant Street
56
Continue on Sixth Street
0.2 mi·31 sec·Sixth Street
57
Turn left onto Market Street
237 ft·15 sec·Market Street
58
Turn left onto Pleasant Street
172 ft·3 sec·Pleasant Street
59
Arrive at destination
Pleasant Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration, leaving in the morning allows ample time to reach New Bedford without feeling rushed. Plan for one stop, perhaps midway, to stretch your legs or refuel if needed, though the $21 fuel cost suggests it's not a major concern. Keep an eye on traffic, particularly as you merge onto East Providence Expressway and I-195, as congestion can build. Since this is a relatively short, same-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best. A good tip is to familiarize yourself with the final approach into New Bedford, as the "turn-heavy" nature means navigating city streets.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 65.2 miles from Montague, MA, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.4 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 29 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 65.2 miles or 1h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New Bedford, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Montague, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Montague, MA
This is one driving day of about 130.3 miles and 3h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Montague, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Massachusetts Turnpike for about 30.4 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 31.6 and 128.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
31.6 mi into trip|~57m in|US 20 / Thorndike Street
Turn left onto US 20 / Thorndike Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
63.5 mi into trip|~1h 35m 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
8
99.6 mi into trip|~2h 19m 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
102.9 mi into trip|~2h 25m 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
7
128.6 mi into trip|~2h 56m in
Take the exit toward Penniman Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 25
Toward Penniman Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.85 one way
$41.71 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg46 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$22.74
$45.48
premium
$4.82
$24.74
$49.48
diesel
$5.61
$28.77
$57.54
Estimated Tolls: $2.43
Massachusetts Turnpike
(30.4 mi)$1.83
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
$21
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
39.1
0
$13.68
$6.25
Efficient EV
32.6
0
$11.40
$5.21
EV Truck/SUV
52.1
0
$18.24
$8.34
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 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 15, 2026
Origin
Montague, MA
Night
in Montague on Saturday
Local time
9:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New Bedford, MA
Night
in New Bedford on Saturday
Local time
9:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
64°F
Worcester, MA
65 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
35 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
3h 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.
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a "turn-heavy local drive" profile, meaning you'll encounter a fair amount of navigating through towns and intersections, especially outside of the main highway stretches. Approximately 57% of the drive is on highways, offering periods of faster travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 30.4 miles on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Be prepared for the road to transition from more open highway to busier, more complex local roads as you get closer to New Bedford.
Only 57% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
59 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.4 mi on Massachusetts Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 31.6 miles in near US 20 / Thorndike Street.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 30 significant decision points across 130.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 31.6 miles (US 20 / Thorndike Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 63.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 99.6 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Montague, MA and New Bedford, MA, road signs point toward Providence, Cape Cod and Seekonk.
New Bedford is in Massachusetts on the southern coast. New Bedford's excellent harbor made it a natural fishing and whaling center. It was the world's premier whaling port in the 19th century, and, for a time, "the richest city in the world" and "the city that lit the world" because of whale oil production.
New Bedford neighbor Acushnet is the birthplace of the Titleist golf ball.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h. Total distance: 130.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30.4 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.43 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 New Bedford, MA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 31.6 miles (US 20 / Thorndike Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 63.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 99.6 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and New England National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.0 hours — manageable with a long break at New Bedford, MA, but most travelers stay overnight.
