Fun Travel from Brookline to Somerville: Route Options and Drive Times

If you’re planning on visiting Somerville from Brookline, there are a few different route options to choose from, each with its own perks and quirks! While the distance between Brookline and Somerville isn’t too far, it’s good to have an idea of the different routes to take and the time they may take you. Here are some of your options:

Route 1: Brookline St to Beacon St to Brighton Ave

This is a pretty straightforward route that will take you from Brookline to Allston and on to Somerville. To start, take Brookline St or Harvard St up to Beacon St and take a left, following it until you reach Commonwealth Ave. Once you reach the intersection of Brighton Ave and Commonwealth Ave, take a right onto Brighton Ave. This will be your main route until you reach Somerville, going by Brighton Music Hall and Christian Herter Park.

Distance: Approximately six miles

Drive time: Depending on traffic, this route could take anywhere from 15-25 minutes.

Recommendations: If you’re looking for a fun stop along this route, we recommend taking a quick detour to Brookline Booksmith, an independent bookstore with a wide selection of books, gifts, and even some events.

Route 2: Storrow Drive to McGrath Highway

Another option is to take Storrow Drive to McGrath Highway. This one may be better if you’re looking to avoid stoplights and potential traffic, but it can be a bit tricky to navigate. From Brookline, take Beacon St to Park Drive, then head onto Storrow Drive eastbound. Follow Storrow Drive until you reach the I-93 and Route 3 exit. Follow the signs for Route 28 northbound, which will take you to McGrath Highway and on to Somerville.

Distance: Just under six miles

Drive time: Depending on traffic, this route could take anywhere from 10-20 minutes.

Recommendations: If you’re looking for something to do along this route, consider checking out the MIT Museum, which has exhibits on everything from robotics to holography.

Route 3: Massachusetts Ave

If you’d prefer to take a more direct route, Massachusetts Ave is your best bet. From Brookline, head over to Washington St (Route 9) and take a right on Massachusetts Ave. This will take you all the way to Somerville, running through Cambridge and Arlington on the way.

Distance: Approximately eight miles

Drive time: Depending on traffic, this route could take anywhere from 20-30 minutes.

Recommendations: If you have some extra time on this drive and are looking for a fun pit stop, the Harvard Museum of Natural History is worth a visit with exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to marine life.

No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of cool things to see and do on your drive from Brookline to Somerville. So buckle up, crank up the tunes, and enjoy the journey!