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Connecticut River

Connecticut Road Trip

Windsor Locks - Woodstock - New London - Old Lyme - Portland - Middletown - Essex - New Haven - Stamford - Kent - Canaan - Hartford

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Road conditions Road conditions
Comfort Comfort
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Connecticut Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages12 km730 h/stage1.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Connecticut Road Trip in Connecticut ?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 315EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 550EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,154EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,469EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 138EUR sleep & more 836EUR eat & more 756EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,730EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,108EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 630EUR drive & more 175EUR sleep & more 1,386EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,569EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,199EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,575EUR drive & more 200EUR sleep & more 385EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,089EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,664EUR
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Connecticut Road Trip Itinerary

Experience the Connecticut Road Trip, a 730 km journey through the picturesque towns of Woodstock, New London, Old Lyme, Middletown, Essex, New Haven, and Stamford. The best time to drive this route is in the spring or summer, when you can enjoy the UNESCO Heritage Monuments along the way. The roads are generally in excellent condition, with some curvy sections. With a recommended time of 7 days to complete the trip, you can make the most of your time, taking in the sights and sounds of the region. This trip is suitable for all drivers, but may require a higher budget to get the most out of it. The Connecticut Road Trip is sure to provide an unforgettable experience and lasting memories.
number of days 7 number of days
route length 730 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Windsor Locks

Distance 730 km Driving time 11.5 h Pace: fast 219.1 kWh Airports BDL
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Windsor Locks, Connecticut is the perfect starting point for the Connecticut Road Trip. Situated along the Connecticut River, this town is steeped in history and offers plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. Start your trip by visiting the historic sites like the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden and the Windsor Locks Canal Museum and Historical Society. The Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden is a National Historic Landmark and is worth a visit for its beautiful gardens. The Windsor Locks Canal Museum and Historical Society showcase artifacts from the canal that was built in the 19th century and offers a glimpse into the town's past. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL). Car rentals are available at the airport so you can easily begin your journey. Windsor Locks is also home to the Connecticut Trolley Museum, which offers visitors a chance to ride a vintage trolley car and learn about the history of the trolleys in the area. The town also has several parks, including the Windsor Locks Canal State Park, which is a great spot to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. With so many attractions to explore, Windsor Locks is an ideal starting point for the Connecticut Road Trip. Make sure to add this town to your itinerary and enjoy all that it has to offer.

1 Windsor Locks - Woodstock

Distance 90 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 27.0 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site EV charging station dining venues
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Welcome to the Windsor Locks to Woodstock road trip! This 56mi journey will take you less than 1 hour to complete and will take you through some of the most interesting historical sites in the area. Along the way, you’ll be able to visit some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. This is just one stage of a larger tour, so be sure to look out for more attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the way. The full itinerary of this stage is available in the “Itinerary” section, so be sure to check it out for more information. We hope you enjoy your journey and have a great time!

2 Woodstock - New London

Distance 81 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 24.4 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Woodstock to New London? This 51-mile journey is one of the stages of a larger tour, and it will take you less than an hour to complete. Along the way, you'll get to experience some of the best sights and attractions that both cities have to offer. In Woodstock, make sure to visit the Woodstock Museum and the Woodstock Opera House. Both are great places to learn about the city's history and culture. If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, you can also take a stroll in the beautiful Woodstock Square Park. In New London, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore. Take a walk around the historic New London Square and admire the beautiful architecture. Then, head over to the historic New London Lighthouse and take in the stunning views of the harbor. If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can also visit the nearby Crystal Lake Beach and take a dip in the lake. Make sure to pay attention to the scenic roads along the way and enjoy the beautiful views. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

3 New London - Old Lyme

Distance 36 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: modest 9.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Welcome to the New London - Old Lyme road trip! This scenic 22mi drive in Connecticut will take you less than an hour, so you can enjoy a leisurely drive along this winding road. Start your journey in New London, where you can explore the local culture, visit the historic Customs House, or take a stroll along the waterfront. Then, make your way to Old Lyme, where you can explore the Florence Griswold Museum and the Lyme Art Colony, or take a hike through the nearby forests. Don't forget to take in the stunning views of the Connecticut River as you make your way to your destination. For more information on attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

4 Old Lyme - Portland

Distance 51 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 15.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options interesting  historic site EV charging station dining venues
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Take a road trip from Old Lyme to East Haddam and Portland, two charming towns in Connecticut. This 32-mile drive will take you less than an hour, but the journey is full of sights and activities. Start your journey in Old Lyme with a visit to the Florence Griswold Museum, a historic house and art gallery. Then, drive through the picturesque countryside to East Haddam, where you can explore the Goodspeed Opera House, a National Historic Landmark. Finally, end your journey in Portland, home to the Wadsworth Falls State Park, with its stunning waterfall and hiking trails. As you drive, take time to appreciate the historical sites and quaint towns along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

5 Portland - Middletown

Distance 2 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: slow 0.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road
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Welcome road-trippers! Let us take you on a journey from Portland to Middletown. This stage of the trip is an easy one, only 1mi away and takes less than 0 hours to drive. Along the way, you will be able to take in the beautiful scenery and snap some great photos. You can start your journey in Portland, where you can explore the city’s vibrant culture, visit the waterfront, and take a stroll through the city’s many parks. You can also check out the many shops and restaurants, or take a trip to the Portland Art Museum. Your next stop is Middletown, a charming small town with a rich history. Here, you can visit the historic Middletown Opera House, take a stroll through the town’s quaint streets, and visit the Middletown Historical Society. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore Portland and Middletown on your next road trip! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.

6 Middletown - Essex

Distance 39 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: modest 10.0 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips EV charging station dining venues scenic road
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Welcome to the Middletown to Essex road trip! This 24-mile journey takes less than an hour to complete and is one of the most scenic drives in the area. Starting in Middletown, you can visit the Wadsworth Falls State Park for some beautiful views of the falls and the Connecticut River. Then, make your way to the Lyman Orchards, where you can enjoy some delicious fruit pies and pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. As you make your way to Essex, you can stop at the Connecticut River Museum to learn about the history of the river and its impact on the local area. You can also take a stroll along the boardwalk in the Eagle Landing State Park for some stunning views of the river. Finally, you'll arrive in Essex, where you can visit the Gillette Castle State Park. Here, you can explore the castle, take a boat ride, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your Middletown to Essex road trip!

7 Essex - New Haven

Distance 72 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: modest 18.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road
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Welcome to the Essex - New Haven Road Trip! This 45mi journey is full of surprises and takes less than 2 hours to complete. As you drive, pay attention to the scenic roads and the beautiful landscapes that you will pass. You can visit the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, the perfect spot to learn about the history of the area and enjoy a relaxing ride. In New Haven, you can explore the Yale University campus, visit the Peabody Museum of Natural History, and the New Haven Green. Don’t forget to take a stroll in the Yale University Art Gallery and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. There are plenty of attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. For more information, please check the “Itinerary” section of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

8 New Haven - Stamford

Distance 74 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 22.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road
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Embark on a wonderful journey through the cities of New Haven, Norwalk and Stamford. This 46-mile route will take you less than an hour to complete. On your way, you will be able to explore the beauty of the scenic road and discover the hidden gems of these cities. Start your trip in New Haven, where you can visit the Yale Center for British Art, the Peabody Museum of Natural History, and the New Haven Museum. Then, head to Norwalk and explore the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, and the Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Finally, end your journey in Stamford, where you can visit the Stamford Museum & Nature Center and the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens. Along the way, you can also enjoy the stunning views of the countryside and take in the fresh air. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

9 Stamford - Kent

Distance 149 km Driving time 2.5 h Pace: fast 44.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for a thrilling road trip from Stamford to Kent? This 93 mi journey will take you less than 3 hours, so get ready for a fun-filled day! Start your journey by taking the Merritt Parkway. This scenic road is a great way to experience the best of the countryside. As you make your way down the Parkway, you'll be able to take in the beauty of the surrounding area. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the interesting places along the way, such as the historic town of Greenwich and the picturesque town of New Canaan. When you reach Kent, you'll be able to explore the town's quaint shops and restaurants. And don't forget to check out the Kent Falls State Park, where you can take a stroll through the beautiful waterfall. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Hop in the car and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

10 Kent - Canaan

Distance 41 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 12.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips dining venues
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Embark on an exciting journey from Kent to Canaan and explore the best of both places! Start your journey in Kent, a small town in the United States with a rich history and a plethora of attractions like the Kent Historical Society Museum, the Kent Iron Furnace, and the Kent State University Museum. After a 25mi drive you'll reach Canaan, where you can visit the historic Canaan Village, the historic St. John's Church, and the historic Canaan Union Church. During this road trip, you'll be able to witness the beauty of the rolling hills, the lush greenery, and the scenic views of the countryside. You'll be able to experience the peace and tranquility of nature, and you'll also be able to explore some of the most interesting places in these two locations. The entire journey will take less than 1 hour, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.

11 Canaan - Hartford

Distance 68 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 20.5 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options EV charging station dining venues
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Welcome to the Canaan-Hartford road trip stage! This journey of 42 miles and less than two hours will take you through some of the most interesting places in the United States. First, you will pass through Canaan, a town with a long and interesting history. Here you can visit the historic St. John's Episcopal Church, built in 1813, and the Canaan Union Cemetery, the resting place of many veterans from the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The next stop is the city of Torrington, where you can explore the Warner Theatre, a historic theater that has been entertaining audiences since 1931. You can also visit the Torrington Historical Society Museum, which houses a variety of artifacts from the city's long history. The last stop is Hartford, the state capital of Connecticut. Here you can visit the Old State House, the oldest surviving state house in the country, and the Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the United States. As you drive along this route, be sure to take in the beautiful scenery and the historic sites along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

12 Hartford - Windsor Locks

Distance 27 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: fast 8.0 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options EV charging station dining venues
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Hartford to Windsor Locks, a distance of 17mi and a drive time of fewer than 1 hour. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so get ready to explore the best attractions in the area. Start your journey from Hartford, the capital of Connecticut. Visit the Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark and the place where Mark Twain wrote some of his most famous works. Then, explore the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the oldest public art museum in the US. Next, move to Windsor Locks. Here you can visit the New England Air Museum, the largest aviation museum in the Northeast. It is the perfect place to learn about the history of aviation from the Wright Brothers to the present day. You can also visit the Bradley International Airport, the second largest airport in New England. These are just some of the places to visit during your road trip from Hartford to Windsor Locks. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

  Windsor Locks

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Windsor Locks is the last destination of the Connecticut Road Trip. This small town of 12,500 inhabitants is located in the Hartford County, and is known for its picturesque New England charm. When visiting Windsor Locks, you must visit the Windsor Locks Canal State Park. This park features a historic canal, which is the only remaining canal of the 19th century in the state. The canal is 2 miles long and has a variety of birds and wildlife, making it a great place for nature lovers. The town is also home to the Windsor Locks Historical Society, which is located in the town center. The society offers tours of the town and its historical sites, as well as a museum with a variety of artifacts and displays. For those who love aviation, the New England Air Museum is the perfect place to visit. This museum is home to a variety of aircraft, from vintage planes to modern jets. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops. For travelers arriving by car, the closest international airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL). Windsor Locks is an ideal destination to end the Connecticut Road Trip, offering something for everyone.

Connecticut Road Trip at a glance

Surely, the presented Connecticut Road Trip has inspired you.
The plan we’ve prepared can be used as a base that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original attractions of your choice.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around Connecticut , there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a bunch of things to keep in mind to turn your trip into pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for tourists who are interested in car hire or hiring a camper.
When sightseeing around Connecticut , there are multiple road regulations to be mindful of. In Connecticut , if you are planning to drive, try to avoid alcohol at any cost. Remember that the permitted level of alcohol in blood is very low and amounts to only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum allowed speed limit, which is 40km/h, when driving around the the city streets may lead to speeding offence. When it comes to rural areas, you cannot exceed the maximum speed of 72km/h. When driving along highways, the allowed speed is 129km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to drive with your headlights on at daytime and equip your vehicle with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. Of course, depending on your needs, the amount of money that you have to pay will differ. Check out the available budget possibilities.
If you go for the budget option, you need to spend the maximum of 100 EUR on gasoline to cover the planned 730km. Economy accommodation options can cost travellers approximately 550 EUR. Travellers who opt for this option will spend more or less 504 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay around 315 EUR if they go for the cheapest hire car option as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be around 1,154 EUR without car hire and 1,469 EUR with car rental.
When it comes to the standard offer, you should be prepared to pay the maximum of 138 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. If you are into standard accommodation options, expect that the expenses may amount up to about 836 EUR. On food and restaurants within the standard range of services, you will have to spend around 756 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of approximately 378 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 2,108 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle hire and 1,730 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
Holidayers who are into the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 3,199 EUR for drivers who are considering car rental and 1,730 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the itinerary in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of roughly 630 EUR. If you are interested in the premium version of the adventure, the fuel cost will equal as much as 175 EUR. Travellers who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay roughly 1,008 EUR for food and restaurants and around 1,386 EUR for overnight stays.
Our tour is also excellent for camper fans. When it comes to this travel means, you should expect the costs of approximately 1,575 EUR. If you are wondering about the gasoline costs for the whole itinerary, they will amount to about 200 EUR. Holidayers who are interested in camper rental should expect to pay about 385 EUR for overnight stays and roughly 504 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the mentioned details in a simple manner.
The described 13 stages stages are perfect for exploration in a vehicle in the period between May and October. If Connecticut Road Trip has sparked your creativity, our website is rife with thrilling scenic drives and road trips. The wide spectrum of road trips will definitely live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists.

Facts for safer driving in Connecticut

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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