Lowell, MA → Albany, NY
123 mi · 2h 27m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Freezing rain in Albany — consider delaying
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Lowell
37°
Albany
35°
Trip Briefing
1 segment · 123 mi · 2h 28m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
37°F, wind 8 mph
Rest Stops
16
Restrooms, Truck svc, Picnic
Cameras
7 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🪑
- ● Charlton Service Plaza Westbound 🚻
Normal Traffic
2 construction zones along route — no other incidents
2 Construction Zones on Route
912M (Berkshire Spur) westbound: Roadwork.
Rensselaer, NY
NY 2 westbound: Bridge maintenance operations.
Rensselaer, NY
Road Conditions: Wet
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via I-495 South → I-290 West → I-90 West (Massachusetts Turnpike) → I-787 South
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-90 MP 017.80 WB Berkshire Connector at Canaan Toll Gantry
NY · WB
I-90 Between Exits 8-9
NY ·
I-90 Between Exits 8-6A
NY ·
I-90 WB Between Exits 6 and 5A
NY · WB
I-90 at Exit 5A (Corporate Woods Boulevard)
NY ·
I-787 at Exit 1 (Thruway/US 9W)
NY ·
I-787 at Exit 2 (Port of Albany)
Albany, NY ·
Rest Stops Along Your Route
16 stops available
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
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Driving from Lowell, MA to Albany, NY covers 123 miles in roughly 2h 27m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 7 live traffic cameras and 16 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
42° / 37°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
44° / 31°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
47° / 34°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
47° / 35°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
54° / 33°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
58° / 39°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
60° / 38°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
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Current Conditions
Lowell, MA
37°F
Wind: 8 mph
Albany, NY
35°F
Wind: 10 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Lowell, MA to Albany, NY
The 123-mile drive from Lowell, Massachusetts to Albany, New York takes approximately 2h 27m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially along coastal regions where fog and marine weather can impact visibility. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route crosses state lines from Massachusetts into New York, connecting Lowell and Albany. A drive of 123 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Coastal weather on this route can shift quickly. Marine fog is common during morning hours, especially in spring and fall, reducing visibility to near zero. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring extended road closures and dangerous conditions. During fair weather, coastal routes offer scenic driving — but always verify conditions with live traffic cameras before heading out.
Best Time to Drive Lowell to Albany
For shorter trips like this 123-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 123 miles, the Lowell to Albany drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Lowell to Albany?
The drive is approximately 123 miles and takes about 2h 27m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Tuesday, Nov 17 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Lowell to Albany today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Travel is not recommended at this time. Dangerous conditions are present along this route. Check back for updates or use Route Outlook to find a safer departure time.
Are there rest areas on the Lowell to Albany route?
Yes, there are 16 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 7 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-90 West (Massachusetts Turnpike), I-787 South. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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