Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Northfield, MA to Boston, MA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 12m

Distance

87.6 mi

141 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 4m ★
6 AM
2h 13m
8 AM
2h 32m
10 AM
2h 19m
12 PM
2h 18m
3 PM
2h 20m
5 PM
2h 31m
8 PM
2h 7m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
town in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States

Northfield, MA

Wikimedia Commons

capital and largest city of Massachusetts, United States

Boston, MA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 87.6-mile drive from Northfield, MA, to Boston, MA, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete. You'll navigate through local streets, so expect a turn-heavy experience rather than a high-speed journey. With a fuel cost estimated at $15, this route is an economical option for exploring the Northeast region. Since it's a relatively short trip without designated stops, you'll have plenty of flexibility in your timing. The drive offers a straightforward connection between two points within Massachusetts, making it a convenient option for a day trip.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

43.8 miles from Northfield, MA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Mohawk Trail 36.1 mi 50m
Concord Turnpike 19.8 mi 27m
Captain Isaac Davis Highway 6.3 mi 9m
Gulf Road 4.3 mi 7m
Cambridge Turnpike Rte 2 3.5 mi 5m
Concord Highway 3.4 mi 4m
North Street 2.4 mi 4m
I 93 2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Mohawk Trail — 36.1 mi, about 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Northfield, MA and Boston, MA.

1

Start on School Street

0.1 mi · 33 sec · School Street
2

Turn left onto MA 10; MA 63

0.6 mi · 1 min · Main Street
3

Turn left onto Maple Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · Maple Street
4

Continue on Gulf Road

4.3 mi · 7 min · Gulf Road
5

Continue on North Street

2.4 mi · 4 min · North Street
6

Turn left onto MA 2

1.6 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
7

Continue on MA 2

36 mi · 50 min · Mohawk Trail
8

Keep slight left at fork onto MA 2

13 mi · 17 min · Concord Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on MA 2

6.3 mi · 9 min · Captain Isaac Davis Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on MA 2; MA 111

0.6 mi · 1 min · Union Turnpike
11

Enter roundabout onto MA 2; MA 2A

328 ft · 4 sec · Elm Street
12

Continue on MA 2; MA 2A

0.3 mi · 35 sec · Elm Street
13

Continue on MA 2; MA 2A

3.7 mi · 5 min · Concord Turnpike
14

Continue on MA 2

3.5 mi · 5 min · Cambridge Turnpike Rte 2
15

Continue on MA 2

3.4 mi · 4 min · Concord Highway
16

Continue on MA 2

3.5 mi · 4 min · Concord Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

473 ft · 13 sec
Toward MA 16 East, US 3 North: Medford, Woburn Use the straight / left lanes.
18

Merge onto US 3; MA 16

1.0 mi · 2 min · Alewife Brook Parkway
Toward US 3 North, MA 16 East: Arlington, Medford
19

Turn right onto Powder House Boulevard

0.9 mi · 1 min · Powder House Boulevard
Use the right lane.
20

Enter roundabout

234 ft · 4 sec
21

Continue

28 ft · 0 sec
22

Continue on Warner Street

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Warner Street
23

Continue on Harvard Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Harvard Street
24

Turn right onto MA 38

1.3 mi · 2 min · Mystic Avenue
Use the straight lane.
25

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 93 South: Boston
26

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 93 South: Boston
27

Merge onto I 93

2.0 mi · 2 min · I 93
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Exit 17B-A Toward MA 1A Toll: Airport, Government Center Use the slight right lane.
29

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 17A Toward Government Center Use the slight right lane.
30

Turn straight onto John F. Fitzgerald Surface Road

0.1 mi · 26 sec · John F. Fitzgerald Surface Road
31

Turn right onto State Street

0.3 mi · 54 sec · State Street
32

Continue on Court Street

473 ft · 20 sec · Court Street
33

Turn left onto Tremont Street

333 ft · 11 sec · Tremont Street
34

Arrive at destination

Tremont Street

Trip Plan

Given this route's 2 hour and 12-minute duration and 87.6-mile length, it's perfectly suited for a single-day trip. Aim to depart Northfield in the morning to have ample time in Boston upon arrival. The estimated fuel cost is a manageable $15, so ensure your tank is full before you set off. Since there are no designated stops and the drive is turn-heavy, plan to fuel up and take restroom breaks before you leave Northfield or once you reach the outskirts of Boston. Keep an eye on your navigation, as the frequent turns on local roads require consistent attention.

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 43.8 miles from Northfield, MA, or about 1h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.1 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 19 miles or 31m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 43.8 miles or 1h 5m 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 50m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Boston, MA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Northfield, 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 Northfield, MA

This is one driving day of about 87.6 miles and 2h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Northfield, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Mohawk Trail for about 36.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ayer, MA

44 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Ayer, MA to Boston, MA

35.7 mi · 58m

Pacing Suggestions

Orange, MA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fitchburg, MA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.8 miles from Northfield, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

La Famiglia Giorgio's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Boston, Massachusetts

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 87.6

Hours: 4–9 pm

+16173676711

Visit website

Tamper Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Medford, Massachusetts

0.5 mi

Sorelle Bakery & Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Boston, Massachusetts

0.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Corner Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Orange, Massachusetts

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.5

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19786334433

Visit website

2nd Street Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cambridge, Massachusetts

1.2 mi

Oliver’s Café By The Falls

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fitchburg, MA

2.4 mi

La Famiglia Giorgio's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 87.6

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 4–9 pm

+16173676711

Visit website

Tamper Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81.4

Medford, Massachusetts

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

Visit website

Sorelle Bakery & Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.6

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16174265475

Visit website

Montien Thai Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 87.6

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 11:30 am–10:30 pm

+16173385600

Visit website

Cafe Barada

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 81.4

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Hours: 12–8:30 pm

+16173542112

Visit website

Delux Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 87.6

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 5 pm–1 am

+16173385258

Visit website

The Hen House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.3

Gardner, Massachusetts

Hours: 6 am–12:45 pm

+19786326322

Visit website

Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Pier 4

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.6

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+16177657600

Visit website

Corner Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.5

Orange, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19786334433

Visit website

2nd Street Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.6

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16176611311

Visit website

Oliver’s Café By The Falls

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.6

Fitchburg, MA

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+19786963420

Visit website

Identity Coffee Co.

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.8

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+19787907125

Visit website

Rise & Grind Cafe Fitchburg

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.8

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19785030899

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 62.6

Acton, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 56.3

Littleton, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 56.3

Ayer, MA

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 62.6

Boxborough, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 56.3

Littleton, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 56.3

Littleton, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 62.6

Acton, Massachusetts

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 56.3

Littleton, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Museum of Science

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 87.6

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16177232500

Visit website

Soldiers and Sailors Monument

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 87.6

Boston, Massachusetts

Hours: 6 am–11:30 pm

+16176354505

Visit website

Boston National Historical Park - Charlestown Navy Yard

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 87.6

Boston, MA

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16172425601

Visit website

USS Constitution Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 87.6

Charlestown, Massachusetts

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+16174261812

Visit website

Lexington Battle Green

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 75.1

Lexington, Massachusetts

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17812748300

Visit website

Mystic Lakes State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 81.4

Medford, Massachusetts

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16177275380

Visit website

Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 81.4

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16174961027

Visit website

Lexington Visitors Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 75.1

Lexington, Massachusetts

Hours: 9:30 am–3:30 pm

+17818621450

Visit website

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 46.2 and 86.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
46.2 mi into trip | ~1h 8m in | MA 2 / Concord Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto MA 2 / Concord Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
80.1 mi into trip | ~1h 57m in

Take the exit toward MA 16 East, US 3 North: Medford, Woburn

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / left lanes. Toward MA 16 East, US 3 North: Medford, Woburn
6
81.2 mi into trip | ~2h in | Powder House Boulevard

Turn right onto Powder House Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
8
86.7 mi into trip | ~2h 10m in

Take the exit toward MA 1A Toll: Airport, Government Center

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 17B-A Toward MA 1A Toll: Airport, Government Center
9
86.9 mi into trip | ~2h 10m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Government Center

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 17A Toward Government Center

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.02 one way

$28.04 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 31 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.43 $15.29 $30.58
premium $4.82 $16.63 $33.27
diesel $5.61 $19.34 $38.68

Estimated Tolls: $1.67

Concord Turnpike (16.1 mi) $1.12
Concord Turnpike (3.7 mi) $0.26
Cambridge Turnpike Rte 2 (3.5 mi) $0.25
Union Turnpike (0.6 mi) $0.04

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

$14

Tolls

$2

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26.3 0 $9.20 $4.20
Efficient EV 21.9 0 $7.66 $3.50
EV Truck/SUV 35 0 $12.26 $5.61

Gas CO2

31 kg

EV CO2

10 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Northfield, MA

Night in Northfield on Saturday

Local time

10:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Boston, MA

Night in Boston on Saturday

Local time

10:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°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.

Temperature spread

22 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

2h 12m 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.

Boston National Historical Park

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 87.6
View on nps.gov
Minute Man National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

1 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 69.5
View on nps.gov
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

. . . 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...

7 mi from route ~18 min detour Free near mile 87.6
View on nps.gov
Adams National Historical Park

Adams National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

8 mi from route ~19 min detour $15 near mile 87.6
View on nps.gov
Lowell National Historical Park

Lowell National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

13 mi from route ~32 min detour Free near mile 60.4
View on nps.gov
Salem Maritime National Historical Park

Salem Maritime National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

13 mi from route ~34 min detour Free near mile 84.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a local, turn-heavy drive as you make your way from Northfield to Boston. With zero highway share, you'll be on surface streets like Main Street, Maple Street, and Gulf Road for the entire 87.6 miles. This means you'll be constantly engaging with the road, making frequent turns and adjustments. There's no longest uninterrupted stretch to speak of, as the nature of local roads keeps you in a state of continuous navigation. The character of the drive remains consistent, focusing on navigating local infrastructure rather than covering long distances quickly.

31% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 36.1 mi on Mohawk Trail.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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 46.2 miles in near MA 2 / Concord Turnpike.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 17 significant decision points across 87.6 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 46.2 miles (MA 2 / Concord Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.2 miles (Powder House Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Northfield, MA and Boston, MA, road signs point toward Woburn and Medford.

Woburn

80.1 mi in | ~1h 57m

Medford

80.2 mi in | ~1h 57m | via US 3; MA 16

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 12m. Total distance: 87.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (31%). 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 36.1 miles on Mohawk Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.67 in tolls one way, starting with Concord 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 Boston, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 46.2 miles (MA 2 / Concord Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.2 miles (Powder House Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Boston National Historical Park, Minute Man 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.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Boston, MA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Boston, MA

New York City, NY 214.1 mi · 4h 40m Springfield, MA 89.3 mi · 1h 51m Ludlow, MA 81.4 mi · 1h 42m East Dennis, MA 79.9 mi · 1h 49m

More trips to Boston, MA

Williamstown, MA 157.8 mi Pittsfield, MA 137.4 mi Lenox, MA 130.3 mi Lee, MA 126.1 mi Provincetown, MA 115.2 mi Whately, MA 113.6 mi
Escape planner: Northfield, MA Scenic drives in MA

Explore more options from Northfield, MA or browse trips ending in Boston, MA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MA road trips.