How far is Lowell, MA from Cambridge, MA?
Fastest route
Here are some tips and suggestions for your trip from Lowell, Massachusetts, to Cambridge, Massachusetts, covering a distance of approximately 25.9 miles (41.6 kilometers).
Directions
- Head northeast on Hale St toward Howard St.
- Turn right onto Thorndike St.
- Take the ramp to I-495/US-3.
- Follow Lowell Connector and US-3 S to Middlesex Turnpike in Burlington. Take exit 72A from US-3 S.
- Merge onto Lowell Connector, then take exit 72A on the left for I-95 N toward US-3 S/Boston/Peabody.
- Keep right to continue on Exit 50B, and follow signs for Middlesex Tpk/Burlington.
- Use the left 2 lanes to keep left at the fork and continue toward Middlesex Turnpike.
- Get on MA-2 E in Lexington from Adams St, Grant St, and Massachusetts Ave.
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Middlesex Turnpike.
- Turn left onto Emerson Rd, then left onto Massachusetts Ave.
- Turn right onto Pleasant St, which slightly left becomes Watertown St.
- Merge onto MA-2 E via the ramp to Cambridge/Boston.
- Continue on MA-2 E/Concord Turnpike, then keep left to continue on Alewife Brook Pkwy.
- Take Concord Ave and Cambridge St to Ellery St.
- Slight right onto Alewife Brook Pkwy.
- At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Concord Ave.
- At the next traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on Concord Ave.
- Slight right onto Garden St.
- Use the right lane to turn left onto Massachusetts Ave/Peabody St.
- Finally, keep left to continue on Cambridge St, and then turn right onto Ellery St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to check the traffic conditions before starting your journey to avoid congestion.
- ⛽ Plan your gas station stops along the route to ensure a smooth trip.
- 📱 Have a navigation app or GPS device handy to stay on track.
- 🍴 Consider packing snacks and drinks for the road to stay refreshed.
- 🚦 Observe the speed limits and traffic rules for a safe journey.
- 🕑 Allow some extra time for unexpected delays or sightseeing opportunities.
- 🚗 Before leaving, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and has enough fuel for the trip.
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 38m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Rain Likely
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lowell and Cambridge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lowell and Cambridge.
-
1
Start on Hale Street
148 m · 15 sec · Hale Street
-
2
Turn right onto Cambridge Street
96 m · 16 sec · Cambridge Street
-
3
Turn left onto Chelmsford Street
2924 ft · 56 sec · Chelmsford Street
-
4
Turn left onto Plain Street
587 ft · 12 sec · Plain Street
-
5
Take the ramp straight
1210 ft · 30 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Lowell Connector
1 mi · 1 min · Lowell Connector
-
7
Continue on Lowell Connector
1.1 mi · 2 min · Lowell Connector
-
8
Merge slight left
9.1 mi · 11 min
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I 95 North, US 3 South: Boston, Peabody
1 mi · 2 min
-
10
Keep slight left
1528 ft · 43 sec
-
11
Merge slight left onto Yankee Division Highway
1.5 km · 1 min · Yankee Division Highway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward US 3 South: Winchester
1045 ft · 32 sec
-
13
Merge slight left onto Cambridge Street
2354 ft · 35 sec · Cambridge Street
-
14
Continue on Cambridge Road
2 mi · 2 min · Cambridge Road
-
15
Continue on Cambridge Street
1.9 mi · 2 min · Cambridge Street
-
16
Continue on Mystic Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · Mystic Street
-
17
Turn left onto Chestnut Street
849 ft · 32 sec · Chestnut Street
-
18
Turn right onto Warren Street
2806 ft · 2 min · Warren Street
-
19
Turn straight onto Broadway
2555 ft · 51 sec · Broadway
-
20
Turn right onto Alewife Brook Parkway
2340 ft · 1 min · Alewife Brook Parkway
-
21
Turn left onto Massachusetts Avenue
1.2 mi · 3 min · Massachusetts Avenue
-
22
Turn left onto Somerville Avenue
1177 ft · 54 sec · Somerville Avenue
-
23
Turn right onto Beacon Street
1.6 km · 3 min · Beacon Street
-
24
Turn right onto Cooney Street
90 m · 13 sec · Cooney Street
-
25
At the end of the road, turn right onto Line Street
90 m · 19 sec · Line Street
-
26
Turn left onto Leonard Avenue
140 m · 20 sec · Leonard Avenue
-
27
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Leonard Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lowell and Cambridge.
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.
Lowell Connector
Merge slight left
9.15 mi · 00h 11m
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.
Light Rain Likely leaving Lowell and Light Rain Likely near Cambridge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lowell to Cambridge?
The road trip is about 27.3 miles (44 km) and usually takes 00h 38m 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?
Burlington is a useful midpoint, sitting about 12.4 miles from Lowell and 14.9 miles from Cambridge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 20.8 miles (33.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.5 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 7:14 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.73 one way or $7.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Lowell and Light Rain Likely near Cambridge.
Stop Ideas Near Burlington
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Cocobeet - Boston
Boston's Old City Hall
Cambridge City Hall
City Hall Plaza
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Burlington.
Anderson Regional Transportation Center
North Station
Back Bay station
South Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lowell and Cambridge. Straight-line distance: 20.82 mi (33.51 km).
#1 Lowell
The third most populous city in Massachusetts.
| Population | 110,904 |
| Coordinates | 42.6334200, -71.3161700 |
| Altitude | 36 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cambridge
The most populous city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
| Population | 119,192 |
| Coordinates | 42.3751000, -71.1056100 |
| Altitude | 5 |
| Country | United States |
End: Leonard Avenue (-71.105735, 42.375115)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 44 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $3.73 | $7.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.40 | $4.22 | $8.44 |
| Premium | $4.80 | $4.61 | $9.21 |
| Diesel | $4.49 | $4.31 | $8.62 |
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.