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Trip from South Amherst, MA to Lynn, 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 21m

Distance

102.5 mi

165 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 12m ★
6 AM
2h 22m
8 AM
2h 41m
10 AM
2h 28m
12 PM
2h 26m
3 PM
2h 29m
5 PM
2h 40m
8 PM
2h 16m

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

Downtown South Amherst, MA, MA

South Amherst, MA

Phil Evenden

city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States

Lynn, MA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Planning a trip from South Amherst, MA to Lynn, MA? This 101.4-mile journey will take you about 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete, making it a perfect day trip. You'll navigate primarily on local roads, with a 0% highway share, so expect a more engaged driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $16. This route stays within the Northeast region, traversing Massachusetts from start to finish. Given its manageable distance and duration, you won't need to plan for an overnight stay, offering plenty of flexibility for your schedule.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

51.3 miles from South Amherst, MA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 14m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike 73.6 mi 1h 28m
North Liberty Street 4.1 mi 7m
Bay Road 3.9 mi 7m
North Shore Road 2.7 mi 4m
North Main Street 2.6 mi 4m
North Washington Street 2.1 mi 3m
South East Street 1.9 mi 4m
Lynnway 1.7 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Massachusetts Turnpike — 73.6 mi, about 1h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Amherst, MA and Lynn, MA.

1

Start on Pomeroy Lane

290 ft · 9 sec · Pomeroy Lane
2

Turn slight right onto South East Street

1.9 mi · 4 min · South East Street
3

Turn left onto Bay Road

3.9 mi · 7 min · Bay Road
4

Turn left onto Allen Street

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Allen Street
5

Turn right onto MA 9

1.0 mi · 2 min · Federal Street
6

Turn right onto US 202

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto North Washington Street

2.1 mi · 3 min · North Washington Street
8

Continue on North Liberty Street

4.1 mi · 7 min · North Liberty Street
9

Continue on Belchertown Street

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Belchertown Street
10

Continue on Bridge Street

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Bridge Street
11

Turn left onto Palmer Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · Palmer Road
12

Turn right onto MA 181

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Sykes Street
13

Continue on MA 181

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
14

Continue on US 20

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
15

Turn left onto US 20

0.8 mi · 1 min · Thorndike Street
Use the left lane.
16

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Use the left lane.
17

Keep slight right at fork

308 ft · 7 sec
18

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 41 sec · this road
19

Merge onto I 90

73 mi · 1 hr 26 min · Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
20

Continue on I 90

1.6 mi · 2 min · Ted Williams Tunnel
21

Continue on I 90

1.1 mi · 1 min · Massachusetts Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Merge onto MA 1A

0.3 mi · 34 sec · East Boston Expressway
23

Continue on MA 1A

1.0 mi · 1 min · McClellan Highway
24

Continue on MA 1A

1.0 mi · 2 min · Lee Burbank Highway
25

Take the exit onto MA 1A

366 ft · 11 sec · MA 1A
26

Enter roundabout onto MA 1A

7 ft · 0 sec · Veterans of Foreign Wars Parkway
27

Continue on MA 1A

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Veterans of Foreign Wars Parkway
28

Enter roundabout onto MA 1A

375 ft · 4 sec · North Shore Road
29

Continue on MA 1A

2.6 mi · 4 min · North Shore Road
30

Continue on MA 1A

1.7 mi · 2 min · Lynnway
31

Turn left onto MA 1A

504 ft · 12 sec · MA 1A
Use the left lane.
32

Continue on Market Street

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Market Street
33

Turn right onto Liberty Street

0.3 mi · 43 sec · Liberty Street
34

Turn left onto Essex Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Essex Street
35

Turn right onto Rogers Avenue

66 ft · 2 sec · Rogers Avenue
36

Arrive at destination

Rogers Avenue

Trip Plan

For this turn-heavy, 101.4-mile drive from South Amherst to Lynn, MA, consider departing earlier in the day to avoid potential local traffic congestion, especially if you're traveling on a weekday. Since there are no designated long stretches, plan to take short breaks as needed, perhaps every hour or so, to stay refreshed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as local driving can sometimes consume more fuel than highway cruising, and the estimated cost is $16. A practical tip for this route: pay close attention to posted speed limits in the numerous town centers you'll pass through to ensure a smooth and legal journey.

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 51.3 miles from South Amherst, MA, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.6 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 23 miles or 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 51.3 miles or 1h 14m 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 53m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving South Amherst, 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 South Amherst, MA

This is one driving day of about 102.5 miles and 2h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from South Amherst, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Massachusetts Turnpike for about 73.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Massachusetts, US

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Grafton, MA

51 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

Grafton, MA to Lynn, MA

54.4 mi · 1h 17m

Pacing Suggestions

Palmer, MA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Grafton, MA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 51.3 miles from South Amherst, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Massachusetts Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.6 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 17.8 and 96.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
17.8 mi into trip | ~33m in | US 20 / Thorndike Street

Turn left onto US 20 / Thorndike Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
18.6 mi into trip | ~35m in

Take the ramp

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
18.9 mi into trip | ~35m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
19.2 mi into trip | ~36m in | I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike

Merge onto I 90 / Massachusetts Turnpike

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
96.9 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | MA 1A / Veterans of Foreign Wars Parkway

Enter roundabout onto MA 1A / Veterans of Foreign Wars Parkway

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.40 one way

$32.81 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.43 $17.89 $35.78
premium $4.82 $19.46 $38.93
diesel $5.61 $22.63 $45.26

Estimated Tolls: $4.41

Massachusetts Turnpike (73.6 mi) $4.41

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

$16

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 35.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.8 0 $10.76 $4.92
Efficient EV 25.6 0 $8.97 $4.10
EV Truck/SUV 41 0 $14.35 $6.56

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 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 16, 2026

Origin

South Amherst, MA

Late night in South Amherst on Sunday

Local time

12:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lynn, MA

Late night in Lynn on Sunday

Local time

12:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°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

11 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 21m 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.

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 91.9
Park Closure: Dorchester Heights Temporary Public Access Restrictions
View on nps.gov
New England National Scenic Trail

New England National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

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...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free
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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 102.5
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...

6 mi from route ~16 min detour $15 near mile 91.9
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...

6 mi from route ~14 min detour Free near mile 91.9
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...

8 mi from route ~21 min detour Free near mile 77.8
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is characterized as 'turn-heavy' and entirely on local roads, meaning you'll be actively navigating through towns and intersections for the majority of the trip. With a 0% highway share, you won't encounter any high-speed interstate stretches. While there's no specified longest uninterrupted stretch, the profile suggests a continuous engagement with local traffic patterns and road layouts. Be prepared for a hands-on driving experience that requires constant attention to your surroundings as you make your way across Massachusetts.

73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.6 mi on Massachusetts Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Massachusetts Turnpike and North Liberty Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.8 miles in near US 20 / Thorndike Street.

Driving Effort 8/10

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 102.5 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 17.8 miles (US 20 / Thorndike Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 18.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 21m. Total distance: 102.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 73.6 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $4.41 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 Lynn, 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 17.8 miles (US 20 / Thorndike Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 18.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes — Boston National Historical Park, New England National Scenic Trail and Salem Maritime 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 Lynn, 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.

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