How far is Cambridge, MA from Chelsea, MA?
The estimated driving distance from Cambridge, MA to Chelsea, MA is about 5.7 miles (9.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 12m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 3.9 miles (6.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 24m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 12m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
A city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cambridge and Chelsea.
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Cambridge and Sunny near Chelsea.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cambridge to Chelsea?
The road trip is about 5.7 miles (9.1 km) and usually takes 00h 12m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Somerville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 1.9 miles from Cambridge and 3.7 miles from Chelsea.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 3.9 miles (6.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:06 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $0.78 one way or $1.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 1.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cambridge and Sunny near Chelsea.
Stop Ideas Near Somerville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Cocobeet - Boston
Boston's Old City Hall
Salem City Hall
City Hall Plaza
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Somerville.
North Station
South Station
Back Bay station
Anderson Regional Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cambridge and Chelsea. Straight-line distance: 3.89 mi (6.26 km).
#1 Cambridge
The most populous city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
| Population | 119,192 |
| Coordinates | 42.3751000, -71.1056100 |
| Altitude | 5 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Chelsea
City in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States
| Population | 39,230 |
| Coordinates | 42.3917600, -71.0328300 |
| Altitude | 12 |
| Country | United States |
End: Chelsea (-71.03283, 42.39176)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 9 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $0.78 | $1.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.40 | $0.88 | $1.76 |
| Premium | $4.80 | $0.96 | $1.92 |
| Diesel | $4.49 | $0.90 | $1.80 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Massachusetts · Apr 10, 2026