Discover the exciting East Coast when you take a road trip from Boston to Philadelphia. These two historic cities are full of things to do, but you will also want to make some stops along the way, especially if you opt for something other than the quickest route that takes more than five hours. You will also likely be driving past New York City, so it’s a good place to stop for a night (or more) to see the sights and catch a concert or Broadway show.
Tips for a one-way road trip from Boston to Philadelphia
When driving from Boston to Philadelphia, you will see many rural towns and a few coastal cities. The easiest way to travel between these two locations is to get on Interstate 90 W from Boston and then take several other interstates heading southwest. Once you get to the NYC area, it’s best to go through New Jersey to avoid the heaviest traffic. Also, try to plan your drive through the greater New York area for times outside of the traditional rush hour, to save yourself some time and avoid the risk of traffic due to accidents. Because this drive goes through several metro areas, it’s a good idea to use a traffic app like Waze or similar to avoid any disruptions due to construction or fender benders.
Driving Directions from Boston to Philadelphia
While there are multiple ways to get from Boston to Philadelphia, we’ll go over the most straightforward route that will take several hours. You will follow I-90 W, and then continue merging into I-84 and I-95 S. The entire trip is about 300 miles and will take you approximately 5 hours without any stops. Take note of the fact that some of the roads along the route might have tolls. Along the way, you will find multiple travel plazas and places to stop for gas and food, whether it be in Hartford or Stamford, Connecticut, or Trenton, New Jersey.
5 Stops to Make Along the Way
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA
Explore Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum recreating rural New England that will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time. It covers more than 200 acres where you can tour historic buildings and gardens and see people doing various trades like weaving and ironwork.
Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, CT
If your route takes you through New Haven, a stop to walk around the Yale University campus is a must. While there, you can see some famous pieces from American painter Mark Rothko and much more in the Yale University Art Gallery, which is one of the oldest university art museums in the world.
Central Park, New York, NY
Take a well-deserved break from driving and spend some time in NYC. Enjoy a picnic in Central Park before going on a scenic walk throughout the lush grounds. If the weather turns ugly, you can head to one of the nearby museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, or the Guggenheim Museum.
Rutgers Gardens, New Brunswick, NJ
Spend some quality time with nature, soak up some sun, and breathe in the scents of beautiful flowers at the Rutgers Gardens botanic gardens. As part of Rutgers University, this is both an attraction that’s open to the public 365 days of the year, as well as a living laboratory for students.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Take a little detour off I-95 and have fun for the day. This amusement park is a great place to let the kids burn off some energy after riding in the car, and it also has a water park in addition to rollercoasters and more traditional rides. You’ll find Six Flags Great Adventure roughly 20 miles from Trenton, NJ.
SIXT Rent a Car in Boston
You can conveniently find us at Boston Logan International Airport, and from there it’s easy to get on I-90 W and be on your way south to Philadelphia. If you are traveling in the winter, book an SUV for better handling if there is snow or ice on the ground.
