Plymouth, MA to Pittsfield, MA is 173.3 miles and takes about 3h 38m via Massachusetts Turnpike, I 495, and US 44, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Massachusetts, moving from the Northeast region of the state towards the western part. Given that 80% of this route is highway, expect a fairly direct path with minimal delays. It's a straightforward trip, ideal if you're looking for a no-fuss drive to get you from one side of the state to the other.
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
86.6 miles from Plymouth, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike
82.8 mi
1h 35m
I 495
17.9 mi
20m
US 44
15.5 mi
18m
I 295
8.6 mi
9m
Providence Pike
7.7 mi
8m
Worcester Providence Road
7 mi
9m
North Smithfield Expressway
5.7 mi
6m
I 95
5.5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 82.8 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-495
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 92 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,380 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,129
Quietest
2 AM
~148 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
22.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Plymouth, MA and Pittsfield, MA.
1
Start on MA 3A
0.2 mi·42 sec·Court Street
2
Turn left onto US 44
0.7 mi·1 min·Samoset Street
3
Take the ramp onto US 44
0.3 mi·39 sec·US 44
Toward MA 3 North: Kingston, Boston
4
Merge onto US 44; MA 3
0.5 mi·40 sec·Pilgrims Highway
5
Take the exit onto US 44
15 mi·17 min·US 44
Exit 16Toward US 44 West: Taunton, Providence Rhode IslandUse the left / straight lanes.
6
Enter roundabout onto US 44
256 ft·3 sec·Harding Street
7
Continue on US 44
0.1 mi·13 sec·Harding Street
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward I 495 North: Marlboro, Boston
9
Merge onto I 495
18 mi·20 min·I 495
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 33BToward I 95 South: Providence Rhode IslandUse the straight / right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 95
5.5 mi·6 min·I 95
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi·45 sec
Exit 6Toward I 295 South: Woonsocket Rhode Island, Warwick Rhode IslandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 295
8.6 mi·9 min·I 295
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 18BToward RI 146 North: WoonsocketUse the slight right lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward RI 146 North: Worcester Massachusetts
16
Merge onto RI 146
1.5 mi·1 min·Eddie Dowling Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on RI 146
5.7 mi·6 min·North Smithfield Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on MA 146
0.2 mi·17 sec·Purple Heart Highway
19
Continue on MA 146
7.7 mi·8 min·Providence Pike
20
Continue on MA 146
0.3 mi·18 sec·Purple Heart Highway
21
Continue on MA 146
7.0 mi·9 min·Worcester Providence Road
22
Continue on MA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·Purple Heart Highway
23
Continue on MA 146
1.8 mi·2 min·Worcester-Providence Turnpike
24
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 90, US 20: Boston, Springfield
25
Turn left
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward I 90
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 West
27
Merge onto I 90
15 mi·17 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
68 mi·1 hr 18 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
29
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 10Toward US 20: Lee, Pittsfield
30
Keep slight right at fork
376 ft·9 sec
31
Merge onto US 20
0.5 mi·1 min·Housatonic Street
32
Continue on US 20
0.1 mi·18 sec·Park Street
33
Turn slight right onto US 20
0.4 mi·1 min·Main Street
34
Turn left onto US 20
0.2 mi·12 sec·West Center Street
35
Continue on US 20
1.2 mi·2 min·Laurel Street
36
Continue on US 20
1.2 mi·2 min·Lee Road
37
Continue on US 7; US 20
2.2 mi·2 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
38
Continue on US 7; US 20
2.5 mi·4 min·Pittsfield Road
39
Continue on US 7; US 20
2.9 mi·6 min·South Street
40
Keep slight right at fork onto US 7
0.1 mi·8 sec·Bank Row
41
Continue on US 7; MA 9
0.4 mi·1 min·East Street
42
Turn left onto Fourth Street
0.2 mi·45 sec·Fourth Street
43
Turn left onto Lanckton Court
220 ft·7 sec·Lanckton Court
44
Arrive at destination
Lanckton Court
Trip Plan
For this 3h 38m drive, you can easily complete it in a single day. Aim to depart Plymouth in the morning to take advantage of the full daylight and allow for any unexpected traffic. With a fuel cost estimated at $31, it's a budget-friendly trip, but keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 82.8-mile stretch on the Massachusetts Turnpike, as services can be spaced out. Consider a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs before the final leg into Pittsfield.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 86.6 miles from Plymouth, MA, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.8 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 38 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.6 miles or 1h 48m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pittsfield, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Plymouth, 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 Plymouth, MA
This is one driving day of about 173.3 miles and 3h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Plymouth, 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 82.8 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 92.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
1.7 mi into trip|~3m in|US 44
Take the exit onto US 44 toward US 44 West: Taunton, Providence Rhode Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / straight lanes.
Exit 16
Toward US 44 West: Taunton, Providence Rhode Is...
7
35.4 mi into trip|~43m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Providence Rhode Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 33B
Toward I 95 South: Providence Rhode Island
8
41.3 mi into trip|~50m in
Take the exit toward I 295 South: Woonsocket Rhode Island, Warwick Rhode Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 6
Toward I 295 South: Woonsocket Rhode Island, Wa...
7
50.4 mi into trip|~1h in
Take the exit toward RI 146 North: Woonsocket
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 18B
Toward RI 146 North: Woonsocket
6
92.6 mi into trip|~1h 55m in|I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.29 one way
$60.57 round trip
$4.44/gal25.4 MPG avg61 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.90
$33.45
$66.90
premium
$5.31
$36.24
$72.47
diesel
$6.18
$42.16
$84.32
Estimated Tolls: $5.09
Massachusetts Turnpike
(82.8 mi)$4.96
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
$30
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
52
0
$18.20
$8.32
Efficient EV
43.3
0
$15.16
$6.93
EV Truck/SUV
69.3
0
$24.26
$11.09
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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 Oct 16, 2026
Origin
Plymouth, MA
Late night
in Plymouth on Saturday
Local time
5:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Rain Showers
S 13 to 16 mph93% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Pittsfield, MA
Late night
in Pittsfield on Saturday
Local time
5:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
S 12 mph97% chanceLive forecast
38°F
Worcester, MA
87 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
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
3h 38m 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.
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 47.8
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 119.5
"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...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 17.9
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...
20 mi from route
~50 min detour
$15
near mile 29.9
. . . 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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 23.9
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.
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 35.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 80% of the 173.3 miles on high-speed roads like the Massachusetts Turnpike and I 495. You'll experience a longest stretch of 82.8 miles on the Massachusetts Turnpike, which means extended periods of consistent cruising. Expect to transition to surface roads as you approach your destination in Pittsfield, likely noticing more frequent exits and a change in speed limits.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.8 mi on Massachusetts Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 1.7 miles in near US 44.
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 25 significant decision points across 173.3 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 1.7 miles (US 44): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,622 ft49 ft
Total Climb
2,368 ft
Total Descent
1,424 ft
Highest Point
1,622 ft
~148.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,572 ft
Notable High Points
1,622 ft at ~148.5 miles+704 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Plymouth, MA and Pittsfield, MA, road signs point toward Boston, Warwick Rhode Island and Springfield.
Plymouth is on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Known as "America's Hometown," Plymouth is most famous for being the final landing place of the Pilgrims who arrived on board the Mayflower in 1620, after storms lead them away from their desired settlement, the Hudson River. The settlement they established, Plimoth Colony, was one of the earliest successful settlements of Europeans in North America.
In addition to its obvious historical draws, modern-day Plymouth is a picturesque seaside town with a bustling summer resident population who come back year after year to enjoy its beaches, ponds, and forests. Although summer is Plymouth's peak tourist season, spring (before Memorial Day) and fall (after Labor Day) can be excellent times to visit. These bumper seasons are less crowded and certainly more comfortable temperature-wise.
Top landmarks
•Plymouth Rock — Historical important rock in Ply-mouth, Massachusetts, USA
•Plimoth Patuxet — museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA
•Mayflower II — replica of the 17th-century ship Mayflower
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 38m. Total distance: 173.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 82.8 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.09 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 14 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 Pittsfield, 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. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles (US 44): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, New England National Scenic Trail and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Pittsfield, MA, but most travelers stay overnight.
