Washington DC to Cambridge

Regional driving route

9h 15m
Drive Time
509
Miles
$59
Gas Cost
3
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Washington Dc to Cambridge?

The drive from Washington Dc to Cambridge takes approximately 9h 15m, covering 509 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $59 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 13–14+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
7h 52m
🔵 Typical
9h 15m
🔴 Heavy traffic
13h 25m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance509 miles
Drive Time9h 15min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$59
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$74-$109

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.

Best Time to Drive from Washington Dc to Cambridge

For a long drive like Washington Dc to Cambridge, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
9h 15m
~$59 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 31m
~$80–$178 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 1m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
9h 15m
~$59
🚌 Bus
11h 19m
~$41–$92
🚂 Train
9h 15m
~$61–$153

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

Suggested Stops

Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:

📍 Bayonne
📍 Statue of Liberty
📍 Jersey City

FAQ

How long is the drive from Washington DC to Cambridge?
The drive takes approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes covering 509 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 16 gallons of gas, costing approximately $59 at $3.50/gallon.