Rhode Island to Massachusetts Roadtrip: Driving Time and Fastest Routes

If you're planning to take a road trip from Apponaug, Rhode Island to New Bedford, Massachusetts, there are a few things you need to know. While it's a short distance, the time it takes to get there can vary due to traffic, day of the week, and which route you take. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Routes: I-195 and I-95

The fastest route to get from Apponaug to New Bedford is taking I-195 W all the way. This route is 46.3 miles long and takes approximately 45 minutes. If you choose to take the I-95 S route, it's 49.5 miles, and it should take an hour to get there.

If you're driving during non-peak traffic times or on weekends when traffic is lighter, you can shave a few minutes off either drive. When driving during rush hours and peak traffic periods, you can expect to add a couple of extra minutes to the drive-time.

Scenic or Traffic Avoiding Routes: CT-138 and RI-136

For those looking to avoid the highways and enjoy a more scenic drive, you can take CT-138, which runs through southeastern Connecticut to Rhode Island, before finally ending up in Route 136 that will eventually take you to Freetown, Massachusetts before you make your way to New Bedford. While this route is longer, at 52.1 miles, it can still take you around 1 hour 15 minutes to get to New Bedford. It's great for those who want to avoid traffic and drive through some of the charming small towns through Rhode Island on their way to Massachusetts.

Alternatively, you can take RI-136 S from RI-117, follow it to the RI-104, which will take you to Route 24 before joining I-195. This route will take you through the charming downtown of Bristol, and it takes a little longer at 52.5miles, which will take around an hour and 20 minutes to complete.

Final Thoughts

The time it takes to travel between Apponaug and New Bedford will depend on your route, traffic, and your travel time. If you're in a hurry, taking the I-195 route will be more convenient. However, if you're not in a hurry, you could take the RI-136 route to enjoy the scenic route. No matter which route you decide to take, you will be able to reach your destination within an hour or so. Just take your time, obey the speed limits, and enjoy the journey!