West Tisbury to Quincy is 81.2 miles and takes about 2h 32m via Pilgrims Highway, West Falmouth Highway, and Woods Hole - Vineyard Haven Ferry, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Massachusetts, transitioning from island life to the mainland. Expect a drive with frequent turns, characteristic of local roads rather than a straight highway shot. With a recommended single day of travel, this route is best suited for those who prefer a more engaged driving experience over covering ground quickly. It's a straightforward journey that doesn't require extensive planning.
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
40.6 miles from West Tisbury, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pilgrims Highway
41.7 mi
52m
West Falmouth Highway
8.3 mi
11m
Woods Hole - Vineyard Haven Ferry
7.9 mi
45m
State Road
7.2 mi
12m
General MacArthur Boulevard
4.1 mi
6m
Sandwich Road Connector
3.5 mi
6m
Woods Hole Road
3.3 mi
7m
Burgin Parkway
1.2 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Pilgrims Highway
— 41.7 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Tisbury, MA and Quincy, MA.
1
Start on State Road
1.6 mi·2 min·State Road
2
Keep slight right at fork onto State Road
5.5 mi·9 min·State Road
3
Continue on Beach Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·Beach Street
4
Turn left onto Water Street
388 ft·11 sec·Water Street
5
Turn right
369 ft·27 sec
6
Continue on Woods Hole - Vineyard Haven Ferry
7.9 mi·45 min·Woods Hole - Vineyard Haven Ferry
7
Continue
203 ft·18 sec
8
At end of road, turn left onto Railroad Avenue
416 ft·21 sec·Railroad Avenue
9
Merge onto Woods Hole Road
3.3 mi·7 min·Woods Hole Road
10
Continue on Locust Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Locust Street
11
At end of road, turn left onto MA 28
0.1 mi·9 sec·North Main Street
12
Continue on MA 28
1.0 mi·2 min·Palmer Avenue
13
Continue on MA 28
8.3 mi·11 min·West Falmouth Highway
14
Enter roundabout onto MA 28
0.1 mi·17 sec·General MacArthur Boulevard
15
Continue on MA 28
4.0 mi·5 min·General MacArthur Boulevard
16
Enter roundabout onto Sandwich Road Connector
171 ft·5 sec·Sandwich Road Connector
17
Continue on Sandwich Road Connector
3.5 mi·6 min·Sandwich Road Connector
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn right onto Adams Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·Adams Street
19
Turn right onto MA 6A
239 ft·5 sec·Cranberry Highway
20
Take the ramp onto MA 6A
0.2 mi·21 sec·MA 6A
21
Merge onto US 6
0.4 mi·47 sec·Sagamore Bridge
22
Continue on US 6
0.3 mi·20 sec·Pilgrim Highway
23
Continue on MA 3
42 mi·52 min·Pilgrims Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Exit 42Toward Quincy Center, MBTA Station, Burgin ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on this road
413 ft·10 sec·this road
Exit 19Toward Quincy Center, MBTA Station
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward Burgin Parkway, Quincy Center, MBTA Drop-OffUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on Burgin Parkway
1.2 mi·1 min·Burgin Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn slight right onto Granite Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·Granite Street
Use the right lane.
29
At end of road, turn left onto Hancock Street
0.1 mi·16 sec·Hancock Street
Use the left lane.
30
Continue on Coddington Street
265 ft·8 sec·Coddington Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Turn left onto Faxon Avenue
362 ft·15 sec·Faxon Avenue
Use the left lane.
32
Arrive at destination
Faxon Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 32m estimated duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to make the most of daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. The route involves frequent turns, so staying alert and checking your navigation regularly is key. With a fuel cost estimated at $13, you likely won't need to make frequent stops for gas, but it's always wise to top off before you leave West Tisbury. The Woods Hole - Vineyard Haven Ferry is a critical part of this journey, so confirm ferry schedules in advance.
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 40.6 miles from West Tisbury, MA, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.7 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 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.6 miles or 1h 40m 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 15m
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 West Tisbury, 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 West Tisbury, MA
This is one driving day of about 81.2 miles and 2h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from West Tisbury, 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 Pilgrims Highway for about 41.7 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 15.4 and 81.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
15.4 mi into trip|~58m in|Railroad Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto Railroad Avenue
Navigation decision point
8
79 mi into trip|~2h 28m in
Take the exit toward Quincy Center, MBTA Station, Burgin Parkway
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 42
Toward Quincy Center, MBTA Station, Burgin Park...
9
79.5 mi into trip|~2h 29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Burgin Parkway, Quincy Center, MBTA Drop-Off
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Burgin Parkway, Quincy Center, MBTA Drop...
7
80.9 mi into trip|~2h 32m in|Hancock Street
At end of road, turn left onto Hancock Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
81.1 mi into trip|~2h 32m in|Faxon Avenue
Turn left onto Faxon Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.00 one way
$25.99 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$14.17
$28.34
premium
$4.82
$15.42
$30.84
diesel
$5.61
$17.93
$35.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 64% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.4
0
$8.53
$3.90
Efficient EV
20.3
0
$7.10
$3.25
EV Truck/SUV
32.5
0
$11.37
$5.20
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (64% 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 Jun 21, 2022
Origin
West Tisbury, MA
Late night
in West Tisbury on Sunday
Local time
12:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Quincy, MA
Late night
in Quincy on Sunday
Local time
12:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
42°F
Sandwich, MA
41 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
13 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 32m 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...
. . . 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 81.2
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.
9 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 81.2
"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...
15 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 22.4
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...
19 mi from route
~49 min detour
Free
near mile 81.2
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 81.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is a turn-heavy local drive, meaning you'll be navigating a series of roads rather than cruising on a single highway. With a highway share of only 1, most of your time will be spent on more intimate local routes. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 41.7 miles on Pilgrims Highway, offering a brief period of more consistent driving before you resume navigating. This drive will feel more like exploring the local landscape than a high-speed transit.
Only 1% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.7 mi on Pilgrims Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.4 miles in near Railroad Avenue.
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 20 significant decision points across 81.2 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 15.4 miles (Railroad Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 79 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 81.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 41.7 miles on Pilgrims Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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.
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 15.4 miles (Railroad Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 79 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Adams National Historical Park, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area and Boston 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 Quincy, MA before heading back.
