New Bedford, MA to South Ashburnham, MA is 98.8 miles and takes about 2h 14m via I 195 and I 190, with a fuel budget near $16 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Massachusetts, moving from the Southeast region to the more central part of the state. It's a fairly direct route that balances highway speeds with some surface road cruising, making it a manageable one-day excursion. With minimal stops recommended, you can focus on getting to your destination efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
49.4 miles from New Bedford, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 195
28.1 mi
35m
I 190
8.4 mi
9m
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
Redemption Rock Trail
4.8 mi
7m
Purple Heart Highway
3.7 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 195
— 28.1 mi, about 35m
Traffic on I-195
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 170 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,478 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,151
Quietest
2 AM
~179 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
19.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 South Ashburnham, 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
2.1 mi·3 min·Worcester-Providence Turnpike
23
Continue on MA 122A; MA 146
2.2 mi·2 min·Purple Heart Highway
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 13Toward I 290 East: Shrewsbury, Marlboro
25
Merge onto I 290
2.7 mi·4 min·I 290
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Exit 19; 20Toward I 190 North, MA 70: Sterling, Leominster, Burncoat Street, Lincoln Street
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·32 sec
Exit 22Toward I 190 North: Sterling, Leominster
28
Continue on I 190
8.4 mi·9 min·I 190
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 9Toward MA 140: West Boylston, Princeton
30
Turn left onto MA 140
4.8 mi·7 min·Redemption Rock Trail
31
Continue on MA 140
1.1 mi·1 min·Main Street
32
Enter roundabout onto MA 31; MA 140
34 ft·0 sec·Redemption Rock Trail North
33
Continue on MA 31; MA 140
2.9 mi·5 min·Redemption Rock Trail North
34
Continue on MA 140
2.1 mi·4 min·Worcester Road
35
Continue on MA 140
0.7 mi·1 min·Hager Park Road
36
Turn left onto Main Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Main Street
37
Turn right onto Elliott Street
0.2 mi·59 sec·Elliott Street
38
Turn right onto Bacon Street
0.4 mi·44 sec·Bacon Street
39
Continue on North Common Road
0.5 mi·55 sec·North Common Road
40
Continue on Oakmont Avenue
1.7 mi·2 min·Oakmont Avenue
41
Turn straight onto South Ashburnham Road
1.8 mi·3 min·South Ashburnham Road
42
Continue on Westminster Street
0.4 mi·51 sec·Westminster Street
43
Turn left onto South Main Street
0.8 mi·1 min·South Main Street
44
Arrive at destination
South Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2h 14m, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Leaving New Bedford in the morning, perhaps after breakfast, should allow you to arrive in South Ashburnham with plenty of time. The estimated fuel cost is around $16, so factor that into your budget. While no specific stops are mandated by the route data, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading onto the longer highway segments, and plan for a break if needed. The flexibility of a one-day trip means you can depart on your schedule.
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 49.4 miles from New Bedford, MA, or about 1h 1m 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 49.4 miles or 1h 1m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Ashburnham, 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 98.8 miles and 2h 14m.
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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 12.6 and 71.7 — 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
7
71.7 mi into trip|~1h 31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 190 North: Sterling, Leominster
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 22
Toward I 190 North: Sterling, Leominster
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.27 one way
$34.53 round trip
$4.44/gal25.4 MPG avg35 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.90
$19.07
$38.14
premium
$5.31
$20.66
$41.32
diesel
$6.18
$24.03
$48.07
Estimated Tolls: $0.15
Worcester-Providence Turnpike
(2.1 mi)$0.15
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
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 34.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
29.6
0
$10.37
$4.74
Efficient EV
24.7
0
$8.65
$3.95
EV Truck/SUV
39.5
0
$13.83
$6.32
Gas CO2
35 kg
EV CO2
12 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 Oct 18, 2026
Origin
New Bedford, MA
Morning
in New Bedford on Tuesday
Local time
8:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Sunny
NE 8 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
South Ashburnham, MA
Morning
in South Ashburnham on Tuesday
Local time
8:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Sunny
SW 5 mph0% 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
3 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 14m 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...
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...
25 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 81.7
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...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 85.1
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 49% highway share, meaning you'll experience a mix of faster-paced travel and slower surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 28.1 miles on I 195. Expect to transition from highway driving to surface roads, likely noticing more frequent exits as you approach and navigate through more populated areas before heading into less dense zones.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
44 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 21 significant decision points across 98.8 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
Gently rolling terrain
981 ft47 ft
Total Climb
1,175 ft
Total Descent
255 ft
Highest Point
981 ft
~98.8 mi in
Elevation Range
935 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 South Ashburnham, MA, road signs point toward Marlboro, Leominster and Princeton.
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
•New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park — national Historical Park of the United States
•Central New Bedford Historic District — historic district in Massachusetts, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 14m. Total distance: 98.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (49%). 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 $0.15 in tolls one way, starting with Worcester-Providence 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 6 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 South Ashburnham, 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 6 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 Minute Man National Historical Park (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 South Ashburnham, MA before heading back.
