Palmer, MA to Quincy, MA is 81.7 miles and takes about 1h 44m via Massachusetts Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route focuses on highway travel, taking you from the Northeast region of Massachusetts to another part of the same state. Expect a relatively quick journey dominated by major roadways, making it a straightforward option for a one-day trip. Given its short duration and highway focus, it's ideal for those prioritizing speed and efficiency over leisurely exploration.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
40.8 miles from Palmer, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike
71.2 mi
1h 24m
Southeast Expressway
3.8 mi
5m
Newport Avenue Extension
2.3 mi
5m
Thorndike Street
0.7 mi
1m
John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
0.7 mi
1m
MA 3A
0.5 mi
1m
Hancock Street
0.4 mi
1m
Adams Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 71.2 mi, about 1h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palmer, MA and Quincy, MA.
1
Start on Pleasant Street
189 ft·8 sec·Pleasant Street
2
Merge onto US 20
0.7 mi·1 min·Thorndike Street
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Use the left lane.
4
Keep slight right at fork
308 ft·7 sec
5
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·41 sec·this road
6
Merge onto I 90
71 mi·1 hr 24 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
512 ft·12 sec
Exit 134C-B-AToward I 93: South Station, Concord New Hampshire, QuincyUse the slight left / straight lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
453 ft·10 sec
Exit 134C-BToward I 93 South, I 93 North: Quincy, Concord New Hampshire
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 134CToward I 93 South: QuincyUse the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 93; US 1; MA 3
0.7 mi·1 min·John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
3.8 mi·5 min·Southeast Expressway
12
Take the exit onto MA 3A
0.2 mi·39 sec·MA 3A
Exit 12Toward MA 3A South: Neponset, QuincyUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto MA 3A
0.1 mi·8 sec·Gallivan Boulevard
14
Take the exit onto MA 3A
0.3 mi·32 sec·MA 3A
15
Keep slight right at fork onto MA 3A
0.2 mi·25 sec·Hancock Street
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn slight right onto Newport Avenue Extension
2.3 mi·5 min·Newport Avenue Extension
Use the right lane.
17
Turn left onto Adams Street
0.3 mi·41 sec·Adams Street
18
Turn straight onto Hancock Street
0.3 mi·37 sec·Hancock Street
19
Turn left onto Coddington Street
265 ft·8 sec·Coddington Street
Use the left lane.
20
Turn left onto Faxon Avenue
362 ft·15 sec·Faxon Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
Faxon Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, one-day trip covering just 81.7 miles, you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning should allow you to reach Quincy with plenty of daylight remaining. The primary roads are highways, so plan for potential traffic, especially as you approach the Boston metropolitan area on the Southeast Expressway. With a fuel cost estimated at $13, filling up before you depart Palmer is a sensible approach, as there are no designated stops in the provided data. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Quincy, as services can become more spread out.
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 40.8 miles from Palmer, MA, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.2 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 18 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.8 miles or 49m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Quincy, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Palmer, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Palmer, MA
This is one driving day of about 81.7 miles and 1h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Palmer, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Massachusetts Turnpike for about 71.2 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 72.6 and 78.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
72.6 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward I 93: South Station, Concord New Hampshire, Quincy
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 134C-B-A
Toward I 93: South Station, Concord New Hampshi...
8
72.7 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 93 South, I 93 North: Quincy, Concord New Hampshire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 134C-B
Toward I 93 South, I 93 North: Quincy, Concord...
8
72.8 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 93 South: Quincy
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 134C
Toward I 93 South: Quincy
8
77.9 mi into trip|~1h 35m in|MA 3A
Take the exit onto MA 3A toward MA 3A South: Neponset, Quincy
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 12
Toward MA 3A South: Neponset, Quincy
7
78.5 mi into trip|~1h 36m in|MA 3A / Hancock Street
Keep slight right at fork onto MA 3A / Hancock Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.08 one way
$26.15 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$14.26
$28.52
premium
$4.82
$15.51
$31.03
diesel
$5.61
$18.04
$36.08
Estimated Tolls: $4.27
Massachusetts Turnpike
(71.2 mi)$4.27
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
$13
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.5
0
$8.58
$3.92
Efficient EV
20.4
0
$7.15
$3.27
EV Truck/SUV
32.7
0
$11.44
$5.23
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 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 Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Palmer, MA
Late night
in Palmer on Sunday
Local time
12:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Quincy, MA
Late night
in Quincy on Sunday
Local time
12:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
1h 44m 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.
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...
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.
. . . 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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 81.7
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...
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...
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 73.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is heavily focused on highways, with 93% of the journey on major roads. You'll spend the majority of your time on the Massachusetts Turnpike, experiencing a consistent, fast-paced travel environment. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 71.2 miles, all on the Massachusetts Turnpike, so be prepared for a long period of highway driving. While the Southeast Expressway and Newport Avenue Extension mark the later stages of your trip, the character remains largely highway-centric until you reach your destination.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.2 mi on Massachusetts Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Massachusetts Turnpike and Southeast Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 72.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 81.7 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 72.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
On the drive from Palmer, MA to Quincy, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Concord New Hampshire along the way.
Concord New Hampshire
72.6 mi in|~1h 27m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 44m. Total distance: 81.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 71.2 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.27 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 Quincy, MA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 72.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Adams National Historical Park, Boston 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 Quincy, MA before heading back.
