Origin
Essex Junction, VT
Evening in Essex Junction on Sunday
Local time
7:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Essex Junction, VT to Manchester, VT
Drive Time
2h 46m
Distance
102.9 mi
166 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 36m
★
6 AM
2h 47m
8 AM
3h 8m
10 AM
2h 54m
12 PM
2h 52m
3 PM
2h 55m
5 PM
3h 7m
8 PM
2h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Essex Junction, VT
Dave Luzi, Litchfield CT REALTOR
Manchester, VT
Mylo Kaye
Trip Overview
Spanning 102.9 miles across the Northeast, this trip from Essex Junction to Manchester, Vermont, takes approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes to complete. Because the duration is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, leaving you plenty of time at your destination. You can expect to spend roughly $16 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly option for a weekend getaway. Navigating through local corridors like North Main Street and Vermont Route 116, the route keeps you off the major interstates for most of the trip. Whether you are looking for a quick change of scenery or a practical way to traverse the state, this drive offers a straightforward path between these two Vermont hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
51.5 miles from Essex Junction, VT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that prioritizes winding through the landscape rather than high-speed cruising. With only 18% of the journey spent on highways, you will spend the vast majority of your time on smaller, more technical roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is 28.6 miles along North Main Street, which provides a brief reprieve from the frequent turns. Because the route relies on roads like Franklin Street and VT-116, you should prepare for a more engaged driving experience compared to a standard interstate haul. This character makes for a dynamic road trip where the road quality and direction shift frequently as you move toward Manchester.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
North Main Street is the longest continuous segment at about 28.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 8.6 miles in near VT 116 / Vermont Route 116.
Route Complexity
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Essex Junction, VT to Manchester, VT is easy. At 2h 46m with 18% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 8.6 miles (VT 116 / Vermont Route 116): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.7 miles (US 7 / U.S. Route 7 South): Navigation decision point; at 96.9 miles (VT 7A / Vermont Route 7A): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
8.6 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
VT 116 / Vermont Route 116
At end of road, turn left onto VT 116 / Vermont Route 116
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
4
41.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
|
US 7 / U.S. Route 7 South
At end of road, turn left onto US 7 / U.S. Route 7 South
Navigation decision point
4
96.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m in
|
VT 7A / Vermont Route 7A
Turn right onto VT 7A / Vermont Route 7A
Navigation decision point
5
101.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 43m in
|
VT 7A / Main Street
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A / Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
102.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 44m in
|
VT 7A / Main Street
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A / Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Main Street | 28.6 mi | 46m |
| Vermont Route 116 | 14.2 mi | 21m |
| Franklin Street | 14.1 mi | 23m |
| Ethan Allen Highway | 10.9 mi | 16m |
| Case Street | 6.1 mi | 8m |
| South 116 Road | 5.5 mi | 8m |
| Main Street | 4.6 mi | 9m |
| North 116 Road | 4.1 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
North Main Street
— 28.6 mi, about 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Essex Junction, VT and Manchester, VT.
1
Start on VT 15
79 ft
·
5 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn left onto VT 2A
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Park Street
3
Continue on VT 2A
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Essex Road
4
Continue on VT 2A
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Saint George Road
5
Continue on VT 2A
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Vermont Route 2A
6
At end of road, turn left onto VT 116
14 mi
·
21 min
·
Vermont Route 116
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on VT 116
4.1 mi
·
6 min
·
North 116 Road
8
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Rockydale Road
9
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Street
10
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Main Street
11
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.6 mi
·
53 sec
·
West Street
12
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Stony Hill Road
13
Turn left onto VT 116
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
South 116 Road
14
Continue on VT 116
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
South 116 Road
15
Continue on VT 116
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
Case Street
16
Turn right onto VT 116
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
Ossie Road
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 7
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
U.S. Route 7 South
18
Continue on US 7
11 mi
·
16 min
·
Ethan Allen Highway
19
Continue on US 7; VT 73
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Conant Square
20
Continue on US 7; VT 73
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
·
Center Street
21
Continue on US 7
14 mi
·
23 min
·
Franklin Street
22
Continue on US 7
29 mi
·
46 min
·
North Main Street
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn right onto VT 7A
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Vermont Route 7A
24
Continue on VT 7A
3.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Main Street
25
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A; VT 30
65 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
26
Continue on VT 7A; VT 30
180 ft
·
4 sec
·
Main Street
27
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A
94 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
28
Continue on VT 7A
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
·
Main Street
29
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A
79 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
30
Continue on VT 7A
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
31
Turn right onto Seminary Avenue
90 ft
·
3 sec
·
Seminary Avenue
32
Arrive at destination
Seminary Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable 2-hour and 46-minute drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. I recommend planning for at least one stop along the 102.9-mile path to stretch your legs, especially given the technical nature of the turns. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Essex Junction, as the $16 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and local station prices. Because this route involves significant local road travel, be prepared for varying speed limits that change more often than they would on a major expressway. Checking your route map in advance will help you navigate the transition between North Main Street and Vermont Route 116 with ease.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 51.5 miles from Essex Junction, VT, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.6 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 2h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.5 miles or 1h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Manchester, VT than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Essex Junction, VT so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Essex Junction, VT
This is one driving day of about 102.9 miles and 2h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Essex Junction, VT.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on North Main Street for about 28.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 51.5 mi from Essex Junction, VT · 1h 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
51 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 51.5 miles from Essex Junction, VT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Manchester, VT
The final approach into Manchester, VT usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Manchester, VT.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.47 one way
$32.94 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
36 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $18.06 | $36.11 |
| premium | $4.83 | $19.56 | $39.12 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $22.86 | $45.72 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 30.9 | 0 | $10.80 | $4.94 |
| Efficient EV | 25.7 | 0 | $9.00 | $4.12 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 41.2 | 0 | $14.41 | $6.59 |
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Manchester, VT
Evening in Manchester on Sunday
Local time
7:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
5 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 46m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Essex Junction, VT to Manchester, VT covers 102.9 miles and takes about 2h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are North Main Street, Vermont Route 116, Franklin Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 51.5 miles from Essex Junction, VT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.47 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
The drive from Essex Junction, VT to Manchester, VT is easy. At 2h 46m with 18% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.6 miles (VT 116 / Vermont Route 116): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.7 miles (US 7 / U.S. Route 7 South): Navigation decision point; at 96.9 miles (VT 7A / Vermont Route 7A): Navigation decision point.
The route from Essex Junction, VT to Manchester, VT does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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