Origin
Hartland, VT
Night in Hartland on Sunday
Local time
9:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hartland, VT to Essex Junction, VT
Drive Time
1h 56m
Distance
97.7 mi
157 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 48m
★
6 AM
1h 57m
8 AM
2h 13m
10 AM
2h 2m
12 PM
2h 1m
3 PM
2h 3m
5 PM
2h 13m
8 PM
1h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hartland, VT
Marta Wave
Essex Junction, VT
Dave Luzi, Litchfield CT REALTOR
Trip Overview
If you are planning a transit across Vermont, the 97.7-mile trek from Hartland to Essex Junction is a straightforward affair that typically takes about 1 hour and 56 minutes. Because this route is entirely contained within the Northeast region, you will experience a consistent atmosphere throughout the journey. Budgeting around $16 for fuel is a safe bet for this drive, which is easily managed as a single-day excursion. Since there are no required stops, you have the flexibility to power through or take your time depending on your schedule. It is a highly efficient way to move between these two points without needing an overnight stay.
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
48.9 miles from Hartland, VT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 96% of this trip is spent on high-speed roads. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-89 and I-91, with a notable 83.1-mile stretch on I-89 serving as the backbone of your journey. The transition from the interstate onto Essex Road marks the final leg of the drive, shifting the pace as you reach your destination. Because this route prioritizes speed over local navigation, it functions primarily as a functional commute rather than a leisurely scenic tour. You will find that the consistency of the highway makes for a predictable and steady experience behind the wheel.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 11 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 89 is the longest continuous segment at about 83.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 89 and I 91. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in.
Route Complexity
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Hartland, VT to Essex Junction, VT is easy. At 1h 56m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles (I 91): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 6 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
1.1 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the ramp toward I 91 North
Navigation decision point
Toward I 91 North
3
1.3 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 91
Merge onto I 91
Merge point - match speed before joining
4
10.5 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward I 89 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 89 North
6
93.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward VT 2A: Williston, Essex Junction
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 12
Toward VT 2A: Williston, Essex Junction
4
94.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
|
VT 2A / Saint George Road
Turn right onto VT 2A / Saint George Road
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 89 | 83.1 mi | 1h 35m |
| I 91 | 9.2 mi | 10m |
| Essex Road | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| U.S. Route 5 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Saint George Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Park Street | 0.7 mi | 2m |
| Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 89
— 83.1 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hartland, VT and Essex Junction, VT.
1
Start on US 5; VT 12
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
U.S. Route 5
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 91 North
3
Merge onto I 91
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
I 91
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward I 89 North
5
Merge onto I 89
83 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
I 89
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 12
Toward VT 2A: Williston, Essex Junction
7
Turn right onto VT 2A
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Saint George Road
8
Continue on VT 2A
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Essex Road
9
Continue on VT 2A
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Park Street
10
Turn slight right onto VT 15
79 ft
·
2 sec
·
Main Street
11
Arrive at destination
VT 15
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive of under two hours, you have the freedom to depart whenever suits your itinerary best. You should keep in mind that the lack of scheduled stops means you are entirely in control of your own pacing; feel free to pull off as needed for fuel or a quick stretch. Given that nearly the entire route relies on major interstates, keep a close watch on traffic flow, especially if you are traveling during peak commuting hours. Because the longest stretch is over 83 miles, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you merge onto I-89 to avoid any mid-trip stress. Taking advantage of this flexibility is the best way to ensure a smooth arrival in Essex Junction.
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 48.9 miles from Hartland, VT, or about 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.1 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 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.9 miles or 57m 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 33m
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 Hartland, 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 Hartland, VT
This is one driving day of about 97.7 miles and 1h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Hartland, 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 I 89 for about 83.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 48.9 mi from Hartland, VT · 57m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
49 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 48.9 miles from Hartland, VT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 89 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.1 miles.
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
$15.64 one way
$31.28 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $17.14 | $34.29 |
| premium | $4.83 | $18.57 | $37.14 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $21.71 | $43.41 |
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: 34.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29.3 | 0 | $10.26 | $4.69 |
| Efficient EV | 24.4 | 0 | $8.55 | $3.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 39.1 | 0 | $13.68 | $6.25 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% 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
Night in Essex Junction on Sunday
Local time
9:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
51°F
Peru, NY
49 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
6 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
1h 56m 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 Hartland, VT to Essex Junction, VT covers 97.7 miles and takes about 1h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 89, I 91, Essex Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 48.9 miles from Hartland, VT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.64 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 Hartland, VT to Essex Junction, VT is easy. At 1h 56m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles (I 91): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
The route from Hartland, VT to Essex Junction, VT does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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