Origin
Ludlow, VT
Night in Ludlow on Sunday
Local time
9:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ludlow, VT to Essex Junction, VT
Drive Time
2h 29m
Distance
94.3 mi
152 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 20m
★
6 AM
2h 30m
8 AM
2h 50m
10 AM
2h 37m
12 PM
2h 35m
3 PM
2h 38m
5 PM
2h 49m
8 PM
2h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ludlow, VT
Stepan Vrany
Essex Junction, VT
Dave Luzi, Litchfield CT REALTOR
Trip Overview
Spanning 94.3 miles, this trek from Ludlow to Essex Junction is a straightforward journey through the heart of Vermont. You can expect to spend about 2 hours and 29 minutes behind the wheel, making this a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. With an estimated fuel budget of $15, the route is both efficient and budget-friendly. You will primarily navigate via Vermont Route 103 North, US 7, and Vermont Route 116. Because the drive is relatively short, there is no need to split it into an overnight stay, allowing you the flexibility to complete the transit in one go.
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
47.1 miles from Ludlow, VT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip features a highway-focused profile, with approximately 72% of the journey spent on faster, more direct roads. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, as the longest uninterrupted stretch covers 33 miles along US 7. While the road is designed for efficiency, the transition between Route 103, US 7, and Route 116 keeps the experience from feeling like a monotonous interstate grind. Expect a mix of driving conditions that prioritize steady progress while connecting you through the Northeast region. It is a practical drive that balances speed with the varied character of Vermont’s state road network.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 7 is the longest continuous segment at about 33 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 7 and Vermont Route 103 North. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 52.6 miles in near VT 116 / Ossie Road.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Ludlow, VT to Essex Junction, VT is easy. At 2h 29m with 72% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 52.6 miles (VT 116 / Ossie Road): Navigation decision point; at 64.6 miles (VT 17; VT 116 / Stony Hill Road): Navigation decision point; at 85.7 miles (VT 2A / Vermont Route 2A): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
3 of 3 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
3
52.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
|
VT 116 / Ossie Road
Turn right onto VT 116 / Ossie Road
Navigation decision point
3
64.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
|
VT 17; VT 116 / Stony Hill Road
Turn right onto VT 17; VT 116 / Stony Hill Road
Navigation decision point
3
85.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 15m in
|
VT 2A / Vermont Route 2A
Turn right onto VT 2A / Vermont Route 2A
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 7 | 33 mi | 53m |
| Vermont Route 103 North | 18.7 mi | 28m |
| Vermont Route 116 | 14.2 mi | 21m |
| Case Street | 6 mi | 8m |
| South 116 Road | 5.5 mi | 8m |
| North 116 Road | 4.1 mi | 6m |
| Saint George Road | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| Essex Road | 2.2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
US 7
— 33 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ludlow, VT and Essex Junction, VT.
1
Start on VT 103
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
Main Street
2
Continue on VT 103; VT 100
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Pond Street
3
Continue on VT 103; VT 100
19 mi
·
28 min
·
Vermont Route 103 North
4
Turn right onto US 7
33 mi
·
53 min
·
US 7
5
Turn right onto VT 116
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
Ossie Road
6
Turn left onto VT 116
364 ft
·
6 sec
·
Church Street
7
Continue on VT 116
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Case Street
8
Continue on VT 116
5.5 mi
·
8 min
·
South 116 Road
9
Turn right onto VT 17; VT 116
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
Stony Hill Road
10
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
West Street
11
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Main Street
12
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Street
13
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Rockydale Road
14
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
4.1 mi
·
6 min
·
North 116 Road
15
Continue on VT 116
9.0 mi
·
13 min
·
Vermont Route 116
16
Continue on VT 116
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Vermont Route 116
17
Turn right onto VT 2A
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Vermont Route 2A
18
Continue on VT 2A
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Saint George Road
19
Continue on VT 2A
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Essex Road
20
Continue on VT 2A
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Park Street
21
Turn slight right onto VT 15
79 ft
·
2 sec
·
Main Street
22
Arrive at destination
VT 15
Trip Plan
Since the trip takes under two and a half hours, you have the advantage of choosing a departure time that best suits your schedule without worrying about mid-trip lodging. Keep in mind that while there are no mandatory stops listed, building in a brief break during your 33-mile stretch on US 7 can help you stay refreshed. Monitor your fuel levels before leaving Ludlow, as your $15 estimate is based on standard consumption for the 94.3-mile distance. Because this is a direct route, try to avoid peak traffic hours in the busier sections to maintain your estimated arrival time. Being prepared for these transitions between state routes will ensure a smooth and predictable travel experience.
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 47.1 miles from Ludlow, VT, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 33 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 47.1 miles or 1h 16m 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 3m
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 Ludlow, 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 Ludlow, VT
This is one driving day of about 94.3 miles and 2h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ludlow, 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 US 7 for about 33 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 47.1 mi from Ludlow, VT · 1h 16m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
47 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
$15.10 one way
$30.19 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
33 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $16.55 | $33.09 |
| premium | $4.83 | $17.92 | $35.85 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $20.95 | $41.90 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 28.3 | 0 | $9.90 | $4.53 |
| Efficient EV | 23.6 | 0 | $8.25 | $3.77 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 37.7 | 0 | $13.20 | $6.04 |
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 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
Essex Junction, VT
Night in Essex Junction on Sunday
Local time
9:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°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
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
2h 29m 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 Ludlow, VT to Essex Junction, VT covers 94.3 miles and takes about 2h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 7, Vermont Route 103 North, Vermont Route 116. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 47.1 miles from Ludlow, VT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.10 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 Ludlow, VT to Essex Junction, VT is easy. At 2h 29m with 72% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 52.6 miles (VT 116 / Ossie Road): Navigation decision point; at 64.6 miles (VT 17; VT 116 / Stony Hill Road): Navigation decision point; at 85.7 miles (VT 2A / Vermont Route 2A): Navigation decision point.
The route from Ludlow, VT to Essex Junction, VT does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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