The Drive from Arlington, MA to Newton, MA: Best and Worst Routes

If you are ever in Arlington, MA, looking to travel to Newton, MA, you may wonder about the fastest and slowest routes. The distance between these two towns is approximately 7 miles, but the time it will take you to make the journey varies depending on the route you choose and the time of day.

Fastest Route

The fastest route to get to Newton from Arlington is via the Massachusetts Turnpike, also known as the I-90W. This route takes you through the Ted Williams Tunnel. The distance covered through this route is about 8.8 miles. The journey should take you about 15-20 minutes in low traffic. However, during peak hours, it can take anywhere from 30-40 minutes.

Slowest Route

The slowest route to get to Newton from Arlington is via Route 2 and Route 16. This route takes you through Cambridge and Watertown. The distance covered through this route is about 9.3 miles. This route takes you through neighborhoods with frequent stops and intersections, and it can be congested even during off-peak hours. The journey should take you about 25 minutes in low traffic. However, during peak hours, it can take anywhere from 45-60 minutes.

Alternative Routes

Suppose you want to avoid the highway and avoid the dense traffic of Cambridge and Watertown. The best alternative route to take is along Route 2 and Alewife Brook Parkway. The journey should take you about 25 minutes in light traffic, but during peak hours, it can take anywhere from 30-40 minutes. Another alternative is to go through Mystic Valley Parkway, which takes about 30 minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting to Newton depends on your comfort and what you’re in the mood for. If you’re in a hurry, then avoiding the local routes is ideal, and the fastest route is the Turnpike. However, if you do not mind a more leisurely drive and you want to enjoy the beautiful sights of Cambridge and Watertown, you can try the local routes, but you have to consider the traffic. Whatever route you choose, always think ahead and consider the traffic, if you're driving during the rush hour, then have an extra 10-15 minutes your travel time.