The Great Massachusetts Escape: Travel Time from Billerica to Orleans
Are you ready for a getaway from suburban life in Billerica? Do you have a sudden urge for a beach day in Orleans? We've got you covered! Take a break and buckle up for this fun-filled journey as we explore the different routes and recommended stops between Billerica and Orleans.
The Scenic Route
Looking to take the scenic route for a leisurely and picturesque ride? You can take I-495 S to the famous Route 6A to reach Orleans, MA. The 6A route is also known as the Old King's Highway, and it's not just a beautiful drive, it's an accurate historical record of the early days of Massachusetts.
This picturesque route runs a total of 95 miles and is the perfect route for enjoying the magnificent scenery of Massachusetts. The 6A route gives you everything you could want in a scenic drive, from historic landmarks, fishing villages, and delightful tea shops all along the way.
Allow yourself an estimated driving time of about 3 hours to cover this route, but it’s definitely a journey you don't want to rush through.
The Expressway
Taking the expressway to Orleans will make for the quickest drive and is recommended for those in a hurry. Take I-95 S from Billerica and then transfer onto I-195 E, connecting to MA-25 E upon reaching Wareham, which will take you directly into Orleans.
This route is not only the shortest; it's only 104 miles, which means you can reach Orleans in just two hours. But if you're in no hurry and want to make some stops along the way, add about an hour to allow you to visit some tourist spots in-between, including the quaint Massachusetts town of Plymouth.
The Coastal Route
If you feel like taking a scenic drive but don’t want to spend three hours on the road, you can take the coastal route, which is about midway between taking the expressway and the scenic route. Start by taking I-93 S from Billerica to U.S. Route 3 S. Proceed south until you come across MA-3A towards Plymouth. This route will lead you straight to Route 6 which takes you directly into Orleans.
This 136-mile route has fewer tourist traps than the scenic route but still offers an oceanside vista along the way. Make sure to stop in the stunning seaside town of Hull where you can catch some breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The coastal route takes about 2.5- 3 hours to drive, depending on traffic and time taken for stops along the way.
Recommended Stops
When on your travels between Billerica and Orleans, make sure to stop for a classic New England lobster roll or homemade fudge at the Carriage House Cafe in Plymouth. Or, enjoy the view at Long Beach in Hull, a perfect place to stretch your legs, relax, and watch boats glide by.
Another recommended stop is the Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center in Sandwich, where you can learn the history of the canal, have lunch with a view, and catch some scenic bike rides before continuing on your trip to Orleans.
And there you have it, three different routes with varying degrees of adventure and scenic beauty to reach the serene Orleans. It’s just up to you to decide whether you need to rush there or explore and enjoy the journey along the way.