Williamstown, MA to New Bedford, MA is 182.5 miles and takes about 4h 1m via Massachusetts Turnpike and I 195, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Massachusetts, taking you from the western part of the state across to the southeastern coast. Expect a predominantly highway experience, making it a straightforward drive for a single day. It’s a practical option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently between these two points without significant detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
91.2 miles from Williamstown, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Massachusetts Turnpike
82.4 mi
1h 35m
East Providence Expressway
15.4 mi
19m
I 195
10.2 mi
12m
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
Longest stretch:
Massachusetts Turnpike
— 82.4 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-195
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 82 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,647 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~170 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
21.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 New Bedford, 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
15 mi·19 min·East Providence Expressway
Toward US 6: Pawtucket Avenue, Seekonk MAUse the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Keep slight right at fork onto I 195
10 mi·12 min·I 195
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
44
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Exit 25Toward Penniman StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Continue on Penniman Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·Penniman Street
46
At end of road, turn right onto Purchase Street
1.0 mi·1 min·Purchase Street
47
Continue on Pleasant Street
432 ft·10 sec·Pleasant Street
48
Continue on Sixth Street
0.2 mi·31 sec·Sixth Street
49
Turn left onto Market Street
237 ft·15 sec·Market Street
50
Turn left onto Pleasant Street
172 ft·3 sec·Pleasant Street
51
Arrive at destination
Pleasant Street
Trip Plan
Given this is a 4-hour drive, leaving mid-morning should allow you to arrive with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop, you can choose a convenient point along the Massachusetts Turnpike for a break. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you near New Bedford, as highway services can sometimes be spread out. The $30 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but always check current prices. Because this is a manageable one-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart a bit later if needed.
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 91.2 miles from Williamstown, MA, or about 2h 8m 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 40 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.2 miles or 2h 8m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New Bedford, 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 182.5 miles and 4h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 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 180.7 — 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
7
180.7 mi into trip|~3h 57m in
Take the exit toward Penniman Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 25
Toward Penniman Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.37 one way
$64.74 round trip
$4.51/gal25.4 MPG avg64 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.90
$35.19
$70.38
premium
$5.29
$38.02
$76.03
diesel
$5.35
$38.44
$76.88
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
$32
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
54.8
0
$19.16
$8.76
Efficient EV
45.6
0
$15.97
$7.30
EV Truck/SUV
73
0
$25.55
$11.68
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Williamstown, MA
Afternoon
in Williamstown on Wednesday
Local time
3:06 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Patchy Fog
0 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
New Bedford, MA
Afternoon
in New Bedford on Wednesday
Local time
3:06 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
W 5 mph22% 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
4h 1m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
National Historical Park
"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...
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...
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 75.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 71% of this 182.5-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch on the Massachusetts Turnpike is 82.4 miles. The route begins with highway driving and transitions later in the trip. Be prepared for the dense exit environment common on major interstates as you approach the end of your drive.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
51 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?
10/10
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 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 22 significant decision points across 182.5 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 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
1,376 ft33 ft
Total Climb
1,277 ft
Total Descent
1,900 ft
Highest Point
1,376 ft
~39.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,344 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 New Bedford, MA, road signs point toward Providence, Cape Cod and Seekonk.
Providence
115.6 mi in|~2h 36m
Cape Cod
151.7 mi in|~3h 20m|via US 6
Seekonk
155.1 mi in|~3h 26m|via I 195; US 1A; US 6
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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
New Bedford is in Massachusetts on the southern coast. New Bedford's excellent harbor made it a natural fishing and whaling center. It was the world's premier whaling port in the 19th century, and, for a time, "the richest city in the world" and "the city that lit the world" because of whale oil production.
New Bedford neighbor Acushnet is the birthplace of the Titleist golf ball.
Top landmarks
•Effie M. Morrissey — museum ship in Massachusetts
•New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park — national Historical Park of the United States
•Central New Bedford Historic District — historic district in Massachusetts, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 1m. Total distance: 182.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 New Bedford, 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 — New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and New England National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at New Bedford, MA, but most travelers stay overnight.
