Spanning 169.2 miles, this trip from Williamstown to Fall River takes you across the state of Massachusetts in approximately 3 hours and 4 minutes. Because the route relies entirely on local roads like Walden Street, Hoxsey Street, and Main Street rather than interstates, it is best suited as a dedicated day trip. You should budget about $23 for fuel to cover the distance. While the journey is manageable in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the drive means you will spend your time navigating local infrastructure rather than cruising at highway speeds. It is a practical route for those who prefer avoiding major thoroughfares, provided you are prepared for a consistent pace throughout the journey.
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
84.6 miles from Williamstown, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike
82.4 mi
1h 35m
East Providence Expressway
13.5 mi
16m
Providence Pike
7.7 mi
8m
Eddie Dowling Highway
7.5 mi
8m
Worcester Providence Turnpike
7 mi
8m
North Smithfield Expressway
5.7 mi
6m
Cold Spring Road
4.2 mi
7m
Williamstown Road
3.8 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 82.4 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 74 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~4,668 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,410
Quietest
2 AM
~406 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 44 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 Williamstown, MA and Fall River, MA.
1
Start on Spring Street
0.2 mi·25 sec·Spring Street
2
Turn right onto Walden Street
0.2 mi·37 sec·Walden Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto Hoxsey Street
0.2 mi·47 sec·Hoxsey Street
4
Turn left onto MA 2
0.2 mi·42 sec·Main Street
5
Turn straight onto MA 2; US 7
4.2 mi·7 min·Cold Spring Road
6
Continue on US 7
2.3 mi·3 min·New Ashford Road
7
Continue on US 7
2.2 mi·3 min·Route 7
8
Continue on US 7
1.2 mi·1 min·New Ashford Road
9
Continue on US 7
3.8 mi·5 min·Williamstown Road
10
Continue on US 7
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
11
Continue on US 7
1.8 mi·3 min·South Main Street
12
Continue on US 7
1.4 mi·3 min·North Street
13
Turn right onto Wahconah Street
1.4 mi·3 min·Wahconah Street
14
Turn right onto North Street
0.7 mi·2 min·North Street
15
Continue on US 7
2.9 mi·6 min·South Street
16
Continue on US 7; US 20
2.4 mi·4 min·Pittsfield Road
17
Continue on US 7; US 20
2.3 mi·2 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
18
Continue on US 20
1.2 mi·2 min·Lee Road
19
Continue on US 20
1.2 mi·2 min·Laurel Street
20
Continue on US 20
0.2 mi·12 sec·West Center Street
21
At end of road, turn right onto US 20
0.4 mi·1 min·Main Street
22
At end of road, turn left onto US 20
0.1 mi·26 sec·Park Street
23
Continue on US 20
0.5 mi·1 min·Housatonic Street
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·52 sec
26
Merge onto I 90
82 mi·1 hr 35 min·Massachusetts Turnpike
27
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 94Toward MA 146, US 20: Worcester, Providence
28
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·33 sec·this road
Toward MA 146, US 20
29
Turn right
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward MA 146
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward MA 146 South
31
Merge onto MA 122A; MA 146
1.6 mi·2 min·Worcester-Providence Turnpike
32
Continue on MA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·Purple Heart Highway
33
Continue on MA 146
7.0 mi·8 min·Worcester Providence Turnpike
34
Continue on MA 146
0.3 mi·22 sec·Purple Heart Highway
35
Continue on MA 146
7.7 mi·8 min·Providence Pike
36
Continue on MA 146
0.2 mi·15 sec·Purple Heart Highway
37
Continue on RI 146
5.7 mi·6 min·North Smithfield Expressway
38
Continue on RI 146
7.5 mi·8 min·Eddie Dowling Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Continue on RI 146
2.9 mi·3 min·Old Louisquisset Pike
40
Merge onto I 95
1.2 mi·1 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Take the exit onto US 6
3.3 mi·5 min·US 6
Exit 36AToward I 195 East, US 6 East: East Providence, Cape CodUse the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Keep slight left at fork onto I 195; US 1A; US 6
13 mi·16 min·East Providence Expressway
Toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MAUse the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Take the exit
0.1 mi·14 sec
Exit 12-13Toward MA 81 South: Plymouth Avenue, Hartwell Street
44
Keep slight right at fork
482 ft·12 sec
Exit 12Toward Downtown Fall RiverUse the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Turn right onto Hartwell Street
0.1 mi·14 sec·Hartwell Street
46
Continue on Troy Street
0.2 mi·21 sec·Troy Street
47
Turn left onto Bedford Street
0.1 mi·20 sec·Bedford Street
48
Turn left onto Purchase Street
269 ft·19 sec·Purchase Street
49
Arrive at destination
Purchase Street
Trip Plan
Since this 3-hour and 4-minute trip involves no highway travel, leave early to ensure you have plenty of daylight for the more technical, turn-heavy portions of the route. Planning for at least one stop is a smart way to break up the drive, especially given the lack of long, straight stretches to maintain momentum. Keep your fuel budget of $23 in mind, and consider filling up before you depart Williamstown to avoid searching for stations during the middle of the drive. The flexibility of a 1-day trip is a major advantage, allowing you to pace yourself comfortably without the pressure of a long-haul schedule. Stay alert on the local roads, as navigation will require more frequent attention than a standard highway route.
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 84.6 miles from Williamstown, MA, or about 2h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.4 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 37 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.6 miles or 2h in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fall River, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Williamstown, 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 Williamstown, MA
This is one driving day of about 169.2 miles and 3h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Williamstown, 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 82.4 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 115.6 and 168.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
115.6 mi into trip|~2h 36m in
Take the exit toward MA 146, US 20: Worcester, Providence
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 94
Toward MA 146, US 20: Worcester, Providence
6
116.5 mi into trip|~2h 38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MA 146 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward MA 146 South
8
151.7 mi into trip|~3h 20m in|US 6
Take the exit onto US 6 toward I 195 East, US 6 East: East Providence, Cape Cod
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 36A
Toward I 195 East, US 6 East: East Providence,...
8
155.1 mi into trip|~3h 26m in|I 195; US 1A; US 6 / East Providence Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 195; US 1A; US 6 / East Providence Expressway toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MA
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MA
9
168.6 mi into trip|~3h 43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Downtown Fall River
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12
Toward Downtown Fall River
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.01 one way
$60.02 round trip
$4.51/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.90
$32.63
$65.26
premium
$5.29
$35.25
$70.49
diesel
$5.35
$35.64
$71.28
Estimated Tolls: $5.55
Massachusetts Turnpike
(82.4 mi)$4.95
Worcester Providence Turnpike
(7 mi)$0.49
Worcester-Providence Turnpike
(1.6 mi)$0.11
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
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.8
0
$17.77
$8.12
Efficient EV
42.3
0
$14.81
$6.77
EV Truck/SUV
67.7
0
$23.69
$10.83
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Williamstown, MA
Afternoon
in Williamstown on Wednesday
Local time
3:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Patchy Fog
0 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Fall River, MA
Afternoon
in Fall River on Wednesday
Local time
3:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
W 5 mph19% chanceLive 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
7 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
3h 44m 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...
3 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 145.8
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 75.8
"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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 169.2
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...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 116.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect an engaging, turn-heavy experience behind the wheel, as this 169.2-mile route features a 0% highway share. You will not find any monotonous interstate stretches here; instead, the road requires your full attention as you transition between Walden Street, Hoxsey Street, and Main Street. Because the longest uninterrupted stretch on Walden Street is 0 miles, the drive maintains a constant, active feel that demands frequent adjustments. This is a technical, local-road-focused journey that contrasts sharply with the typical high-speed transit found on major state corridors. If you enjoy a hands-on driving style, the constant movement keeps the trip from feeling stagnant.
69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.4 mi on Massachusetts Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Massachusetts Turnpike and East Providence Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 115.6 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 22 significant decision points across 169.2 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 115.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 151.7 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,444 ft63 ft
Total Climb
1,658 ft
Total Descent
2,221 ft
Highest Point
1,444 ft
~48.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,381 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Williamstown, MA and Fall River, MA, road signs point toward Providence, Cape Cod and Seekonk.
Williamstown is a town in the Berkshires at the northwest corner of Massachusetts. It shares a border with New York and Vermont. It is a true college town, having hosted Williams College since 1793.
Top landmarks
•Williams College Museum of Art — art museum in Williamstown, Massachusetts
In the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts, where the Taunton River empties into Mount Hope Bay, stands Fall River- the "Spindle City". Not to be overshadowed by nearby Boston and Providence, Fall River offers visitors unique attractions that are absent from its two larger neighbors. Fall River is famous for Battleship Cove, the largest museum of its kind in the world; a rich Portuguese-American culture, featuring authentic food; and the accused axe murderess Lizzie Borden.
Top landmarks
•USS Massachusetts — 1941 South Dakota-class battleship
•USS Lionfish — 1943 Balao-class submarine
•USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. — 1945 Gearing-class destroyer
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 44m. Total distance: 169.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 82.4 miles on Massachusetts Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.55 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 13 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 Fall River, 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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 115.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 151.7 miles (US 6): 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 (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Fall River, MA, but most travelers stay overnight.
