Origin
Fairfax, VT
Late night in Fairfax on Monday
Local time
12:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fairfax, VT to Essex Junction, VT
Drive Time
28m
Distance
15.4 mi
25 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$2
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 26m
★
6 AM
0h 29m
8 AM
0h 34m
10 AM
0h 30m
12 PM
0h 30m
3 PM
0h 31m
5 PM
0h 33m
8 PM
0h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fairfax, VT
James Mirakian
Essex Junction, VT
Dave Luzi, Litchfield CT REALTOR
Trip Overview
If you are looking to travel from Fairfax to Essex Junction, you are in for a quick 15.4-mile trek through the Vermont countryside. This short excursion typically takes about 28 minutes to complete, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. Budgeting around $2 for fuel should be plenty to cover the distance between these two Northeast locations. Because the journey is so brief, there is no need to worry about overnight lodging or complex logistics. It is a straightforward, practical route that connects two local hubs without the hassle of a long-distance haul.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
7.7 miles from Fairfax, VT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 13m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. You will spend the vast majority of your time on secondary roads, as the highway share accounts for only 19% of the total journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is an 8.7-mile run on Browns River Road, which provides the most consistent pacing of the trip. Transitioning through Vermont Route 128 and onto Main Street, you will find the road characteristics shift as you move from rural surroundings into a more populated setting. It is a technical, winding experience rather than a monotonous interstate cruise.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 10 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Browns River Road is the longest continuous segment at about 8.7 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 early in the drive near River Road.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Fairfax, VT to Essex Junction, VT is easy. At 28m with 19% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (River Road): Navigation decision point; near the start (VT 104 / Main Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach.
Critical Maneuvers
2 of 2 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
River Road
Turn right onto River Road
Navigation decision point
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
VT 104 / Main Street
Turn sharp left onto VT 104 / Main Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Browns River Road | 8.7 mi | 15m |
| Vermont Route 128 | 2.9 mi | 5m |
| Main Street | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| Center Road | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Upper Main Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| River Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Browns River Road
— 8.7 mi, about 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfax, VT and Essex Junction, VT.
1
Start on this road
27 ft
·
3 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto River Road
43 ft
·
8 sec
·
River Road
3
Turn sharp left onto VT 104
0.7 mi
·
58 sec
·
Main Street
4
Continue on VT 128
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Browns River Road
5
Continue on VT 128
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Vermont Route 128
6
Continue on VT 128
8.1 mi
·
14 min
·
Browns River Road
7
Continue on VT 15
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Center Road
8
Continue on VT 15
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Upper Main Street
Use the none lane.
9
Continue on VT 15
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
10
Arrive at destination
VT 15
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, 28-minute drive, you have immense flexibility regarding your departure time. You won't need to plan for any formal rest stops, as the entire route is easily manageable in one go. Keep in mind that because the road is turn-heavy, you should stay alert and watch your speed as you navigate the transition from Browns River Road onto Vermont Route 128. Having your fuel topped off before you head out is a smart move, though the minimal $2 cost makes this an affordable trip regardless of where you fill up. Use the short duration to your advantage by planning your arrival in Essex Junction exactly when you need to be there.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 7.7 miles from Fairfax, VT, or about 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 8.7 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 15.4 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 7.7 miles or 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Essex Junction, VT than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairfax, 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 Fairfax, VT
This is one driving day of about 15.4 miles and 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fairfax, VT.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Browns River Road for about 8.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 7.7 mi from Fairfax, VT · 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
8 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
Arriving in Essex Junction, VT
The final approach into Essex Junction, 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 Essex Junction, 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
$2.47 one way
$4.93 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
5 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $2.70 | $5.40 |
| premium | $4.83 | $2.93 | $5.85 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $3.42 | $6.84 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$27–$52
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 4.6 | 0 | $1.62 | $0.74 |
| Efficient EV | 3.9 | 0 | $1.35 | $0.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.2 | 0 | $2.16 | $0.99 |
Gas CO2
5 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (60% 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
Essex Junction, VT
Late night in Essex Junction on Monday
Local time
12:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
51°F
Peru, NY
8 mi in
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
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
28m 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 Fairfax, VT to Essex Junction, VT covers 15.4 miles and takes about 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Browns River Road, Vermont Route 128, Main Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 7.7 miles from Fairfax, VT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $2.47 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.
The drive from Fairfax, VT to Essex Junction, VT is easy. At 28m with 19% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (River Road): Navigation decision point; near the start (VT 104 / Main Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach.
The route from Fairfax, VT to Essex Junction, VT does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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