This 122.6-mile drive from Otis, MA to the City of Lowell, MA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes. Your journey will primarily follow major arteries like the Massachusetts Turnpike and I-495, with a portion on US 20, making it a highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $20, this route offers an economical way to travel within the Northeast region. The drive is designed for efficiency, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Consider this a straightforward and practical option for getting from point A to point B in Massachusetts.
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
61.3 miles from Otis, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike
65.3 mi
1h 15m
I 495
30.1 mi
34m
US 20
5.7 mi
10m
Otis Stage Road
5.5 mi
8m
East Otis Road
4.1 mi
6m
Chelmsford Street
2.9 mi
5m
Blandford Road
2.8 mi
4m
Woronoco Road
1.7 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 65.3 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Otis, MA and City of Lowell, MA.
1
Start on MA 23
3.7 mi·5 min·East Otis Road
2
Continue on MA 23
0.4 mi·37 sec·East Otis Road
3
Continue on MA 23
5.5 mi·8 min·Otis Stage Road
4
Continue on MA 23
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
5
Continue on MA 23
1.7 mi·3 min·Woronoco Road
6
Continue on MA 23
2.8 mi·4 min·Blandford Road
7
Turn right onto US 20
5.7 mi·10 min·US 20
8
Turn left onto Maple Street
0.1 mi·26 sec·Maple Street
9
At end of road, turn right onto Orange Street
279 ft·14 sec·Orange Street
10
Turn left onto US 202; MA 10
343 ft·11 sec·Elm Street
11
Turn slight right onto US 202; MA 10
0.4 mi·1 min·Union Avenue
12
Merge onto US 202; MA 10
0.8 mi·2 min·North Elm Street
13
Turn right
0.1 mi·22 sec
14
Turn left onto Friendlys Way
355 ft·12 sec·Friendlys Way
15
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·19 sec·this road
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
17
Merge onto I 90
65 mi·1 hr 15 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·38 sec
Exit 106Toward I 495: Portsmouth New Hampshire, TauntonUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·34 sec
Toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth New Hampshire
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth NHUse the slight left lane.
21
Merge onto I 495
30 mi·34 min·I 495
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 88Toward MA 110: Chelmsford, Lowell
23
Turn right onto MA 110
2.9 mi·5 min·Chelmsford Street
24
Turn sharp left onto MA 3A
458 ft·10 sec·Westford Street
25
Turn right onto Grand Street
448 ft·23 sec·Grand Street
26
At end of road, turn left onto Middlesex Street
383 ft·18 sec·Middlesex Street
27
Turn sharp right onto Arch Street
15 ft·5 sec·Arch Street
28
Turn left
0.1 mi·38 sec
29
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 1-day, 2-hour and 39-minute trip, you have the flexibility to depart at a time that suits you best, though an early start can help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Boston metropolitan area. With only one suggested stop, you can plan for a brief break on the Massachusetts Turnpike to refuel or stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $20 for the 122.6 miles. A practical tip for this route is to monitor real-time traffic conditions on I-495 as you approach Lowell, as congestion can sometimes impact travel times.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 61.3 miles from Otis, MA, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.3 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 27 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 61.3 miles or 1h 24m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near City of Lowell, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Otis, 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 Otis, MA
This is one driving day of about 122.6 miles and 2h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Otis, 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 65.3 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 87.9 and 122.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
87.9 mi into trip|~1h 55m in
Take the exit toward I 495: Portsmouth New Hampshire, Taunton
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 106
Toward I 495: Portsmouth New Hampshire, Taunton
7
88.1 mi into trip|~1h 55m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth New Hampshire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth New Hamp...
8
88.3 mi into trip|~1h 56m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth NH
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 495 North: Lowell, Portsmouth NH
6
119 mi into trip|~2h 32m in
Take the exit toward MA 110: Chelmsford, Lowell
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 88
Toward MA 110: Chelmsford, Lowell
6
122.5 mi into trip|~2h 39m in|Arch Street
Turn sharp right onto Arch Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.62 one way
$39.24 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg43 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$21.40
$42.79
premium
$4.82
$23.28
$46.56
diesel
$5.61
$27.07
$54.14
Estimated Tolls: $3.92
Massachusetts Turnpike
(65.3 mi)$3.92
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
$20
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
36.8
0
$12.87
$5.88
Efficient EV
30.7
0
$10.73
$4.90
EV Truck/SUV
49
0
$17.16
$7.85
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
14 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 17, 2026
Origin
Otis, MA
Night
in Otis on Saturday
Local time
9:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
City of Lowell, MA
Night
in City of Lowell on Saturday
Local time
9:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Chance Light Rain
NE 1 to 8 mph42% chanceLive forecast
40°F
Wales, MA
61 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
27 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 39m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 122.6
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 33.8
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 114.1
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.
22 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 118.3
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...
24 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
near mile 122.6
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...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 84.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 82% of the route utilizing high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 65.3 miles on the Massachusetts Turnpike, offering a chance to settle in and cover significant ground. While the majority of your time will be spent on these faster roads, there will be transitions onto other main routes like I-495 and US 20. This creates a driving personality that is efficient and direct, minimizing slower, more winding sections.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 65.3 mi on Massachusetts Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Massachusetts Turnpike and I 495. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 87.9 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 122.6 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 87.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Otis, MA and City of Lowell, MA, road signs point toward Taunton, Portsmouth New Hampshire and Portsmouth.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 39m. Total distance: 122.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 65.3 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.92 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.
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 City of Lowell, 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 87.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Lowell National Historical Park, New England National Scenic Trail and Minute Man National Historical Park (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 City of Lowell, MA before heading back.
