New Bedford to Monson is 97.9 miles and takes about 2 hours 9 minutes via I 195 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $17 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Massachusetts, transitioning from the coastal Northeast region to a more inland setting. Expect a mix of highway cruising and surface roads as you make your way across the state. Given the relatively short drive time, this is a straightforward route for a single day.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.9 miles from New Bedford, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 195
28.1 mi
35m
Massachusetts Turnpike
14.7 mi
17m
Providence Pike
7.7 mi
8m
Eddie Dowling Highway
7.5 mi
8m
Worcester Providence Road
7 mi
9m
North Smithfield Expressway
5.7 mi
6m
Sturbridge Road
4 mi
5m
Brimfield Road
3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 195
— 28.1 mi, about 35m
Traffic on I-195
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 82 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,647 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~170 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
21.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Bedford, MA and Monson, MA.
1
Start on Pleasant Street
0.3 mi·32 sec·Pleasant Street
2
Continue on Purchase Street
0.8 mi·1 min·Purchase Street
3
Turn left onto Linden Street
0.1 mi·28 sec·Linden Street
4
Turn right onto County Street
0.3 mi·35 sec·County Street
5
Turn left onto Cedar Grove Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·Cedar Grove Street
6
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward I 195 West: Fall River
7
Merge onto I 195
11 mi·13 min·I 195
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 195
17 mi·22 min·I 195
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.1 mi·16 sec·US 6
Toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston MassachusettsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 6
1.0 mi·1 min·US 6
Toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachusetts
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
0.1 mi·12 sec·I 95
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·45 sec
Exit 38A-BToward RI 146 North: State OfficesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on RI 146
3.0 mi·3 min·Old Louisquisset Pike
Exit 38AToward RI 146 North: WoonsocketUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on RI 146
4.7 mi·5 min·Eddie Dowling Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto RI 146
2.8 mi·2 min·Eddie Dowling Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on RI 146
5.7 mi·6 min·North Smithfield Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on MA 146
0.2 mi·17 sec·Purple Heart Highway
18
Continue on MA 146
7.7 mi·8 min·Providence Pike
19
Continue on MA 146
0.3 mi·18 sec·Purple Heart Highway
20
Continue on MA 146
7.0 mi·9 min·Worcester Providence Road
21
Continue on MA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·Purple Heart Highway
22
Continue on MA 146
1.8 mi·2 min·Worcester-Providence Turnpike
23
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 90, US 20: Boston, Springfield
24
Turn left
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward I 90
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 West
26
Merge onto I 90
15 mi·17 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 84
1.6 mi·2 min·Wilbur Cross Highway
Exit 78Toward I 84: Hartford, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Exit 6BToward US 20 West: Sturbridge, Palmer
29
Merge onto US 20
436 ft·8 sec·Charlton Road
30
Take the exit
392 ft·14 sec
31
Continue on US 20
0.3 mi·40 sec·Charlton Road
32
Continue on US 20
1.6 mi·3 min·Main Street
33
Continue on US 20
1.0 mi·1 min·Brimfield Road
34
Continue on US 20
4.0 mi·5 min·Sturbridge Road
35
Continue on US 20
366 ft·6 sec·Sturbridge Road
36
Continue on US 20; MA 19
0.3 mi·21 sec·Main Street
37
Continue on US 20
2.3 mi·2 min·Palmer Road
38
Turn left
49 ft·3 sec
39
Turn right onto Main Palmer Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Main Palmer Road
40
Continue on Monson Road
1.2 mi·2 min·Monson Road
41
Continue on Brimfield Road
2.0 mi·3 min·Brimfield Road
42
Continue on Bethany Road
0.1 mi·23 sec·Bethany Road
43
Continue on Chestnut Street
0.2 mi·44 sec·Chestnut Street
44
Continue on MA 32
0.4 mi·56 sec·Main Street
45
Turn right onto Harrison Avenue
233 ft·10 sec·Harrison Avenue
46
Arrive at destination
Harrison Avenue
Trip Plan
This 2 hour 9 minute drive is easily manageable in one day, so you can leave New Bedford at your leisure. Consider departing mid-morning to avoid the worst of rush hour traffic out of New Bedford. The route's $17 fuel cost is modest, so you likely won't need many fuel stops, but it's wise to top off before you leave or when you hit the Massachusetts Turnpike. Keep an eye on your GPS as you transition from highway to surface roads to ensure you stay on track for Monson.
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 48.9 miles from New Bedford, MA, or about 1h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.1 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 22 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.9 miles or 1h 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Monson, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Bedford, 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 New Bedford, MA
This is one driving day of about 97.9 miles and 2h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from New Bedford, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 195 for about 28.1 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 12.6 and 82 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
12.6 mi into trip|~16m in|I 195
Keep slight left at fork onto I 195
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
29.9 mi into trip|~38m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachusetts
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachuse...
6
30 mi into trip|~39m in|US 6
Keep slight left at fork onto US 6 toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachusetts
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachuse...
8
31.1 mi into trip|~40m in
Keep slight right at fork toward RI 146 North: State Offices
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 38A-B
Toward RI 146 North: State Offices
9
82 mi into trip|~1h 43m in|I 84 / Wilbur Cross Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 84 / Wilbur Cross Highway toward I 84: Hartford, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 78
Toward I 84: Hartford, New York City
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.36 one way
$34.73 round trip
$4.51/gal25.4 MPG avg34 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.90
$18.88
$37.76
premium
$5.29
$20.39
$40.79
diesel
$5.35
$20.62
$41.24
Estimated Tolls: $1.01
Massachusetts Turnpike
(14.7 mi)$0.88
Worcester-Providence Turnpike
(1.8 mi)$0.13
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
$17
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 34.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
29.4
0
$10.28
$4.70
Efficient EV
24.5
0
$8.57
$3.92
EV Truck/SUV
39.2
0
$13.71
$6.27
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
New Bedford, MA
Afternoon
in New Bedford on Wednesday
Local time
4:09 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Rain Showers Likely
W 3 to 7 mph63% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Monson, MA
Afternoon
in Monson on Wednesday
Local time
4:09 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 3 to 7 mph50% 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
4 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
2h 9m 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.
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...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 97.9
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
~75 min detour
Free
near mile 64.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 53% of this 97.9-mile route is on highways, including I 195 and the Massachusetts Turnpike. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 28.1 miles on I 195. You'll experience highway driving for a significant portion before transitioning to surface roads like Providence Pike. Be prepared for merging traffic as you enter and exit the highway segments.
53% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.1 mi on I 195.
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 12.6 miles in near I 195.
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 23 significant decision points across 97.9 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 12.6 miles (I 195): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
839 ft42 ft
Total Climb
965 ft
Total Descent
599 ft
Highest Point
839 ft
~76.9 mi in
Elevation Range
798 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between New Bedford, MA and Monson, MA, road signs point toward Springfield, New York City and Palmer.
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.
Top landmarks
•Effie M. Morrissey — museum ship in Massachusetts
•New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park — national Historical Park of the United States
•Central New Bedford Historic District — historic district in Massachusetts, United States
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.
Top landmarks
•Jacob Thompson House — historic house in Massachusetts, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 9m. Total distance: 97.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (53%). 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 28.1 miles on I 195. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.01 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.
Yes — we found about 9 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 Monson, 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. There are 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 12.6 miles (I 195): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 (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 Monson, MA before heading back.
