Yarmouth Port, MA to City of Lowell, MA is 99.7 miles and takes about 2h 17m via Pilgrims Highway and US 3, with a fuel budget near $16 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Massachusetts, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Expect a local driving experience with plenty of turns rather than a straightforward highway cruise. With a recommended one-day drive, this route is ideal for a quick trip without needing an overnight stay. It offers a practical way to travel between these two points in the Bay State.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
49.9 miles from Yarmouth Port, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pilgrims Highway
42.3 mi
53m
Mid Cape Highway
17.3 mi
23m
US 3
10.9 mi
13m
MA 3
8.4 mi
11m
John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
3.2 mi
5m
I 93
3.1 mi
4m
Cambridge Road
2 mi
2m
Chelmsford Street
1.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Pilgrims Highway
— 42.3 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Yarmouth Port, MA and City of Lowell, MA.
1
Start on Minden Lane
0.1 mi·34 sec·Minden Lane
2
At end of road, turn left onto MA 6A
0.4 mi·41 sec·Main Street
3
Turn left onto Willow Street
1.0 mi·2 min·Willow Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward US 6 West: Boston, Providence, RI
5
Merge onto US 6
17 mi·23 min·Mid Cape Highway
6
Continue on US 6
0.4 mi·45 sec·Sagamore Bridge
7
Continue on US 6
0.3 mi·20 sec·Pilgrim Highway
8
Continue on MA 3
42 mi·53 min·Pilgrims Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on MA 3
8.4 mi·11 min·MA 3
Exit 43BToward I 93 North: BostonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 93; US 1; MA 3
3.2 mi·5 min·John F. Fitzgerald Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 93
3.1 mi·4 min·I 93
Toward I 93 North: Concord NHUse the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 22Toward MA 16 West: Mystic Valley Parkway, ArlingtonUse the slight right lane.
13
Continue on MA 16
1.1 mi·2 min·Mystic Valley Parkway
14
Turn right onto MA 38
0.1 mi·22 sec·Winthrop Street
Use the right lane.
15
Enter roundabout onto Winthrop Street
117 ft·2 sec·Winthrop Street
16
Continue on Winthrop Street
1.3 mi·1 min·Winthrop Street
17
Continue on MA 38
0.5 mi·46 sec·Main Street
18
Enter roundabout onto Bacon Street
94 ft·1 sec·Bacon Street
19
Continue on Bacon Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Bacon Street
20
Turn left onto Church Street
0.3 mi·38 sec·Church Street
21
Turn right onto US 3
1.1 mi·1 min·Cambridge Street
22
Continue on US 3
2.0 mi·2 min·Cambridge Road
23
Continue on US 3
0.6 mi·47 sec·Cambridge Street
24
Take the exit onto US 3
0.2 mi·27 sec·US 3
Toward I 95 South, US 3 North: Waltham, Lowell
25
Merge onto I 95; US 3; MA 128
1.1 mi·1 min·Yankee Division Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Take the exit onto US 3
0.1 mi·15 sec·US 3
Exit 50B-AToward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, Nashua New HampshireUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3
0.3 mi·34 sec·US 3
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
28
Keep slight right at fork onto US 3
9.8 mi·11 min·US 3
Exit 50AToward US 3 North: Lowell, Nashua New Hampshire
29
Keep slight left at fork onto US 3
0.5 mi·32 sec·US 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 81B-CToward MA 110, I 495 South: Chelmsford, MarlboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
32
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 81CToward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
33
Turn right onto MA 110
1.8 mi·2 min·Chelmsford Street
34
Turn sharp left onto MA 3A
458 ft·10 sec·Westford Street
35
Turn right onto Grand Street
448 ft·23 sec·Grand Street
36
At end of road, turn left onto Middlesex Street
383 ft·18 sec·Middlesex Street
37
Turn sharp right onto Arch Street
15 ft·5 sec·Arch Street
38
Turn left
0.1 mi·38 sec
39
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 17m duration and turn-heavy nature, starting your drive in the morning can help you avoid some local traffic. While the total distance is under 100 miles, the numerous turns mean you won't be covering ground as quickly as on a pure interstate route. It's wise to keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $16 estimated fuel cost is based on highway driving efficiency; local roads might impact this slightly. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as the drive is recommended for a single day with no specific stops noted, allowing for flexibility on when and where you might pause.
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 49.9 miles from Yarmouth Port, MA, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.3 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 22 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 49.9 miles or 1h 6m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near City of Lowell, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Yarmouth Port, 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 Yarmouth Port, MA
This is one driving day of about 99.7 miles and 2h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Yarmouth Port, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Pilgrims Highway for about 42.3 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 73.5 and 97.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
73.5 mi into trip|~1h 38m in|I 93
Keep slight right at fork onto I 93 toward I 93 North: Concord NH
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 93 North: Concord NH
8
76.6 mi into trip|~1h 42m in
Take the exit toward MA 16 West: Mystic Valley Parkway, Arlington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 22
Toward MA 16 West: Mystic Valley Parkway, Arlin...
8
86 mi into trip|~1h 57m in|US 3
Take the exit onto US 3 toward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, Nashua New Hampshire
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 50B-A
Toward US 3 North: Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike,...
8
96.7 mi into trip|~2h 11m in
Take the exit toward MA 110, I 495 South: Chelmsford, Marlboro
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 81B-C
Toward MA 110, I 495 South: Chelmsford, Marlbor...
8
97.4 mi into trip|~2h 12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 81C
Toward MA 110: Lowell, Chelmsford
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.96 one way
$31.91 round trip
$4.07/gal25.4 MPG avg35 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.43
$17.40
$34.80
premium
$4.82
$18.93
$37.86
diesel
$5.61
$22.01
$44.03
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 34.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
29.9
0
$10.47
$4.79
Efficient EV
24.9
0
$8.72
$3.99
EV Truck/SUV
39.9
0
$13.96
$6.38
Gas CO2
35 kg
EV CO2
12 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 Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Yarmouth Port, MA
Late night
in Yarmouth Port on Sunday
Local time
12:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
City of Lowell, MA
Late night
in City of Lowell on Sunday
Local time
12:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°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.
Road read
2h 17m 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
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.
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 72.2
Park Closure: Dorchester Heights Temporary Public Access Restrictions
Lowell’s water-powered textile mills catapulted the nation – including immigrant families and early female factory workers – into an uncertain new industrial era. Nearly 200 years later, the changes t...
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...
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 89.4
. . . 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 68.8
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...
13 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 75.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a profile best described as a turn-heavy local drive, with only 27% of the journey on highways. You'll navigate through Pilgrims Highway and Mid Cape Highway before transitioning to US 3. The longest continuous stretch without a significant turn or change in road type is 42.3 miles on Pilgrims Highway. Be prepared for frequent adjustments in direction and speed as you move through various local road segments, making it a more engaging, hands-on driving experience.
Only 27% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.3 mi on Pilgrims Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 73.5 miles in near I 93.
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 27 significant decision points across 99.7 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 73.5 miles (I 93): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 76.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 86 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Yarmouth Port, MA and City of Lowell, MA, road signs point toward Arlington, Lowell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington and Nashua New Hampshire.
Arlington
76.6 mi in|~1h 42m
Lowell
84.7 mi in|~1h 55m|via US 3
Middlesex Turnpike
86 mi in|~1h 57m|via US 3
Burlington
86 mi in|~1h 57m|via US 3
Nashua New Hampshire
86 mi in|~1h 57m|via US 3
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 17m. Total distance: 99.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.3 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 City of Lowell, 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 73.5 miles (I 93): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 76.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 86 miles (US 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Boston National Historical Park, Lowell National Historical Park and Adams 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 City of Lowell, MA before heading back.
