Trip from Fairfield, CT to Enfield, CT

Drive Time

1h 38m

Distance

76.5 mi

123 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 31m ★
6 AM
1h 38m
8 AM
1h 53m
10 AM
1h 43m
12 PM
1h 42m
3 PM
1h 44m
5 PM
1h 52m
8 PM
1h 34m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Fairfield, CT, CT

Fairfield, CT

MART PRODUCTION

Downtown Enfield, CT, CT

Enfield, CT

Tima Miroshnichenko

Trip Overview

Traveling from Fairfield to Enfield is a straightforward 76.5-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes. Because the trip is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight logistics. You can expect to spend approximately $12 on fuel, making this an economical trip across the Northeast. By utilizing I-91, the Wilbur Cross Parkway, and CT-8, you stay connected to major infrastructure for nearly the entire duration. This route is ideal if you want a direct, no-nonsense path between two points in Connecticut without the hassle of complex navigation.

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

38.2 miles from Fairfield, CT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Drive Character

This is a highway-focused drive, with 94% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will experience a consistent pace as you transition between I-91, the Wilbur Cross Parkway, and CT-8. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-91, where you will cover 32.9 miles of continuous highway driving. Expect a functional, high-speed experience rather than a leisurely backroad cruise, as the route is designed for efficiency. While the scenery changes as you move through the state, the personality of the road remains steady and predictable for the driver.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 91 is the longest continuous segment at about 32.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 91 and Wilbur Cross Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 76.5 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 4.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.6 miles (CT 8): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

8
4.7 mi into trip | ~6m in

Take the exit toward CT 25, CT 8: Trumbull, Waterbury

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 27A Toward CT 25, CT 8: Trumbull, Waterbury
8
8.6 mi into trip | ~11m in | CT 8

Keep slight right at fork onto CT 8 toward CT 8 North: Waterbury, New Haven

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward CT 8 North: Waterbury, New Haven
8
10.3 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the exit toward CT 15 North: Merritt Parkway, New Haven

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 6 Toward CT 15 North: Merritt Parkway, New Haven
8
41.1 mi into trip | ~53m in

Take the exit toward I 91 North, CT 66 East: Hartford, Middletown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 65A Toward I 91 North, CT 66 East: Hartford, Middle...
7
74.3 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in

Take the exit toward US 5: King Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 46 Toward US 5: King Street

Towns Along This Route

Between Fairfield, CT and Enfield, CT, road signs point toward Waterbury, New Haven and Middletown.

Waterbury

4.7 mi in | ~6m

New Haven

8.6 mi in | ~11m | via CT 8

Middletown

41.1 mi in | ~53m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 91 32.9 mi 40m
Wilbur Cross Parkway 27 mi 33m
CT 8 5 mi 5m
I 95 4.3 mi 5m
Merritt Parkway 3 mi 4m
King Street 0.9 mi 1m
Enfield Street 0.9 mi 1m
Mill Plain Road 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 91 — 32.9 mi, about 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield, CT and Enfield, CT.

1

Start on US 1

186 ft · 12 sec · Post Road
2

Turn left onto Mill Plain Road

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Mill Plain Road
3

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 95 North
4

Merge onto I 95

4.3 mi · 5 min · I 95
Use the none lane.
5

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 27A Toward CT 25, CT 8: Trumbull, Waterbury Use the right lane.
6

Continue on CT 8; CT 25

3.2 mi · 3 min · CT 8; CT 25
Use the none lane.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto CT 8

1.8 mi · 2 min · CT 8
Toward CT 8 North: Waterbury, New Haven Use the none lane.
8

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 6 Toward CT 15 North: Merritt Parkway, New Haven Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto CT 15

3.0 mi · 4 min · Merritt Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on CT 15

27 mi · 33 min · Wilbur Cross Parkway
Use the none lane.
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 65A Toward I 91 North, CT 66 East: Hartford, Middletown Use the slight right lane.
12

Merge onto I 91

18 mi · 21 min · I 91
Use the none lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 91

15 mi · 18 min · I 91
Use the none lane.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 1 min
Exit 46 Toward US 5: King Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn sharp right onto US 5

0.9 mi · 1 min · King Street
16

Continue on US 5

0.9 mi · 1 min · Enfield Street
Use the straight lane.
17

Arrive at destination

US 5

Trip Plan

Since this is a quick trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever it suits your schedule, though keep in mind that I-91 traffic can fluctuate throughout the day. With zero planned stops required, you can easily complete the drive in one go, but don't hesitate to pull over if you need a quick break. Budgeting $12 for gas is a safe bet, and keeping your tank topped off before you leave Fairfield will ensure a stress-free arrival in Enfield. A helpful tip for this specific route is to monitor real-time traffic reports for I-91, as it is the backbone of your journey and the most likely place to encounter delays.

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 38.2 miles from Fairfield, CT, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.9 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 76.5 miles or 1h 38m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 38.2 miles or 49m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 22m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Enfield, CT than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fairfield, CT 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 Fairfield, CT

This is one driving day of about 76.5 miles and 1h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fairfield, CT.
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 I 91 for about 32.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 38.2 mi from Fairfield, CT · 49m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brookhaven, NY

38 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

Brookhaven, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 76.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brookhaven, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 38.2 miles from Fairfield, CT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Enfield, CT

The final approach into Enfield, CT 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 Enfield, CT.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.25 one way

$24.49 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 27 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.46 $13.42 $26.85
premium $4.83 $14.54 $29.08
diesel $5.64 $17.00 $33.99

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 26.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23 0 $8.03 $3.67
Efficient EV 19.1 0 $6.69 $3.06
EV Truck/SUV 30.6 0 $10.71 $4.90

Gas CO2

27 kg

EV CO2

9 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.

Forecast data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Fairfield, CT

Evening in Fairfield on Sunday

Local time

6:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Enfield, CT

Evening in Enfield on Sunday

Local time

6:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

49°F

Brookhaven, NY

38 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

1 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

1h 38m 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 Fairfield, CT to Enfield, CT covers 76.5 miles and takes about 1h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 91, Wilbur Cross Parkway, CT 8. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 38.2 miles from Fairfield, CT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.25 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 76.5 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.6 miles (CT 8): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Fairfield, CT and Enfield, CT, road signs point toward Waterbury, New Haven and Middletown.

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