How far is Gardner, MA from Lowell, MA?
Fastest route
The route from Gardner, Massachusetts to Lowell, Massachusetts is approximately 42.5 miles and takes about 46 minutes via MA-2 E and I-495 N. The fastest route may vary depending on traffic conditions.
Directions
To get from Gardner to Lowell, follow these directions:
- Head south on Nichols St toward City Hall Ave.
- Continue onto Timpany Blvd.
- At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto the MA-2 E ramp to Concord/Boston.
- Follow MA-2 E and I-495 N.
- Take exit 5 B from Lowell Connector.
- Keep left to stay on MA-2 E, following signs for Boston.
- Merge onto I-495 N and take exit 89A-B-C for US-3/Lowell Connector toward Burlington/Nashua N H.
- Keep left at the fork to continue toward Lowell Connector.
- Keep right at the fork to continue on Exits 89B-89C and merge onto Lowell Connector.
- Take exit 5 B to merge onto MA-3A N/Thorndike St.
- Merge onto MA-3A N/Thorndike St.
- Take YMCA Dr to Hale St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to check the traffic conditions before starting your journey.
- 🛣️ Follow the signs for MA-2 E, I-495 N, and US-3/Lowell Connector.
- ⚠️ Pay attention to the exit numbers and names to avoid missing your turns.
- 📱 Consider using a GPS navigation app or a map to help you navigate the route.
- ⛽ Plan for any necessary fuel stops along the way.
- 🚦 Be aware of any road closures or construction that may affect the route.
- 🕐 Allow for extra travel time if there are known delays or rush hour traffic.
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 45m.
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.
Town in Massachusetts, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gardner and Lowell.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gardner and Lowell.
-
1
Start on the route
29 m · 12 sec
-
2
Turn left onto Nichols Street
1206 ft · 41 sec · Nichols Street
-
3
Turn left onto Baker Street
550 ft · 15 sec · Baker Street
-
4
Continue on Willow Street
115 m · 13 sec · Willow Street
-
5
Turn right onto Main Street
623 ft · 18 sec · Main Street
-
6
Continue on Timpany Boulevard
636 ft · 13 sec · Timpany Boulevard
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on Timpany Boulevard
537 ft · 11 sec · Timpany Boulevard
-
8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward American Legion Circle
793 ft · 16 sec
-
9
Exit the rotary
1412 ft · 40 sec
-
10
Merge slight left
14.2 mi · 20 min
-
11
Keep slight left to continue on Concord Turnpike
12.3 mi · 17 min · Concord Turnpike
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward I 495 North: Lowell
2445 ft · 59 sec
-
13
Keep slight left to continue on I 495 North: Lowell, Lawrence
974 ft · 24 sec
-
14
Merge slight left
10.2 mi · 12 min
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward MA 110: Chelmsford, Lowell
1311 ft · 34 sec
-
16
Turn right onto Chelmsford Street
2.6 mi · 5 min · Chelmsford Street
-
17
Turn right onto Cambridge Street
96 m · 15 sec · Cambridge Street
-
18
Turn left onto Hale Street
148 m · 13 sec · Hale Street
-
19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Hale Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gardner and Lowell.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
American Legion Circle
Merge slight left
14.2 mi · 00h 20m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Gardner and Partly Sunny near Lowell.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gardner to Lowell?
The road trip is about 42.6 miles (68.5 km) and usually takes 00h 45m 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?
Shirley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.7 miles from Gardner and 21.8 miles from Lowell.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 34.9 miles (56.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.7 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 7:00 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.84 one way or $11.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Gardner and Partly Sunny near Lowell.
Stop Ideas Near Shirley
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall - Internet Backbone Point
Leominster City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Shirley.
Nashua, NH
Union Station
Framingham station
Anderson Regional Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gardner and Lowell. Straight-line distance: 34.91 mi (56.19 km).
#1 Gardner
City in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States
| Population | 20,585 |
| Coordinates | 42.5750900, -71.9981300 |
| Altitude | 324 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lowell
The third most populous city in Massachusetts.
| Population | 110,904 |
| Coordinates | 42.6334200, -71.3161700 |
| Altitude | 36 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hale Street (-71.316165, 42.633415)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $5.84 | $11.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.40 | $6.60 | $13.19 |
| Premium | $4.80 | $7.20 | $14.40 |
| Diesel | $4.49 | $6.73 | $13.46 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.