Nantucket, MA to Cambridge, MA is 103.2 miles and takes about 4h 3m via Pilgrims Highway and Mid Cape Highway, with a fuel budget near $17 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Massachusetts, moving from the coastal region of Nantucket to the urban area of Cambridge. The majority of this drive is on surface roads, offering a more local feel than a pure highway trip. With a recommended one-day duration, you have flexibility in when you depart and how you structure your stops along the way.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
51.6 miles from Nantucket, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 51m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pilgrims Highway
42.3 mi
53m
Hyannis - Nantucket
28.3 mi
2h 14m
Mid Cape Highway
13.1 mi
17m
MA 3
8.9 mi
12m
Iyannough Road
3.7 mi
7m
John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
2.5 mi
4m
Cambridge Street
1.5 mi
4m
Sagamore Bridge
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Pilgrims Highway
— 42.3 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nantucket, MA and Cambridge, MA.
1
Start on Centre Street
223 ft·10 sec·Centre Street
2
Turn right onto India Street
0.1 mi·29 sec·India Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto South Water Street
79 ft·5 sec·South Water Street
4
Turn left onto Cambridge Street
183 ft·13 sec·Cambridge Street
5
Turn left onto Easy Street
476 ft·12 sec·Easy Street
6
Turn right onto Steamboat Wharf
244 ft·13 sec·Steamboat Wharf
7
Continue on Steamboat Wharf
67 ft·5 sec·Steamboat Wharf
8
Turn right onto Slip 1
143 ft·10 sec·Slip 1
9
Continue on Hyannis - Nantucket
28 mi·2 hr 14 min·Hyannis - Nantucket
10
Continue on Slip 1
197 ft·14 sec·Slip 1
11
Turn slight right
385 ft·30 sec
12
Turn right onto South Street
0.1 mi·19 sec·South Street
13
At end of road, turn left onto Lewis Bay Road
0.2 mi·23 sec·Lewis Bay Road
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on Camp Street
0.3 mi·29 sec·Camp Street
15
Turn slight right onto Yarmouth Road
117 ft·7 sec·Yarmouth Road
16
Turn left onto MA 28
0.7 mi·1 min·Iyannough Road
17
Enter roundabout onto MA 132
310 ft·5 sec·Iyannough Road
18
Continue on MA 132
3.0 mi·5 min·Iyannough Road
Use the left lane.
19
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward US 6 West: Boston, Providence, RI
20
Merge onto US 6
13 mi·17 min·Mid Cape Highway
21
Continue on US 6
0.4 mi·45 sec·Sagamore Bridge
22
Continue on US 6
0.3 mi·20 sec·Pilgrim Highway
23
Continue on MA 3
42 mi·53 min·Pilgrims Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on MA 3
8.4 mi·11 min·MA 3
Exit 43BToward I 93 North: BostonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
2.5 mi·4 min·John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit onto MA 3
0.5 mi·58 sec·MA 3
Exit 18Toward Storrow Drive
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·15 sec
Toward MA 28 North: Leverett Circle, North Station
28
Keep slight left at fork
213 ft·9 sec
Toward MA 28 North: O'Brien HighwayUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on MA 28
0.3 mi·1 min·Charles River Dam Road
Use the straight lane.
30
Continue on MA 28
0.2 mi·34 sec·Monsignor O'Brien Highway
Toward MA 28 North: O'Brien Highway, SomervilleUse the straight lane.
31
Turn left onto Cambridge Street
1.4 mi·4 min·Cambridge Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
32
Turn right onto Line Street
0.2 mi·51 sec·Line Street
33
Turn left onto Leonard Avenue
460 ft·19 sec·Leonard Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
Leonard Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 4h 3m duration, you can easily complete this trip in one day. Consider an early morning departure from Nantucket to maximize your daylight hours and avoid potential afternoon traffic closer to Cambridge. With only one recommended stop, you have the freedom to decide when and where to take breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $17, and plan your refueling accordingly before heading into more populated areas.
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 51.6 miles from Nantucket, MA, or about 2h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.3 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 23 miles or 1h 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.6 miles or 2h 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 3h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cambridge, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Nantucket, 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 Nantucket, MA
This is one driving day of about 103.2 miles and 4h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Nantucket, 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 Pilgrims Highway for about 42.3 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 0 and 101.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|India Street
Turn right onto India Street
Navigation decision point
8
28.9 mi into trip|~2h 17m in|Lewis Bay Road
At end of road, turn left onto Lewis Bay Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
100.9 mi into trip|~3h 55m in
Keep slight left at fork toward MA 28 North: Leverett Circle, North Station
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MA 28 North: Leverett Circle, North Stat...
8
101 mi into trip|~3h 56m in
Keep slight left at fork toward MA 28 North: O'Brien Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward MA 28 North: O'Brien Highway
6
101.5 mi into trip|~3h 57m in|Cambridge Street
Turn left onto Cambridge Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.52 one way
$33.03 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg36 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$18.01
$36.02
premium
$4.82
$19.60
$39.19
diesel
$5.61
$22.79
$45.57
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31
0
$10.84
$4.95
Efficient EV
25.8
0
$9.03
$4.13
EV Truck/SUV
41.3
0
$14.45
$6.60
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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 21, 2026
Origin
Nantucket, MA
Morning
in Nantucket on Tuesday
Local time
6:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
Cambridge, MA
Morning
in Cambridge on Tuesday
Local time
6:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°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
4h 3m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 99.7
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...
. . . 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 96.1
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 103.2
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 99.7
The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive involves 11% highway driving, with the longest stretch on Pilgrims Highway measuring 42.3 miles. You'll transition from potentially island ferry access to main roadways like the Mid Cape Highway before shifting to predominantly surface roads. Expect varied conditions as you move from more open stretches to potentially denser areas closer to Cambridge.
Only 11% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.3 mi on Pilgrims Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 early in the drive near India Street.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 103.2 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: near the start (India Street): Navigation decision point; at 28.9 miles (Lewis Bay Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 100.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 3m. Total distance: 103.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.3 miles on Pilgrims Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Cambridge, 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. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (India Street): Navigation decision point; at 28.9 miles (Lewis Bay Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 100.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Boston National Historical Park, Adams National Historical Park and Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Cambridge, MA, but most travelers stay overnight.
