Origin
Manchester, VT
Evening in Manchester on Sunday
Local time
7:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Manchester, VT to Essex Junction, VT
Drive Time
2h 46m
Distance
102.9 mi
166 km
Drive Score
9/10
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 46m
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.
Manchester, VT
Mylo Kaye
Essex Junction, VT
Dave Luzi, Litchfield CT REALTOR
Trip Overview
Spanning 102.9 miles through the heart of Vermont, this trip from Manchester to Essex Junction is an ideal one-day excursion. You should plan for a total drive time of approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes, making it a manageable trek for a weekend getaway or a necessary commute. With an estimated fuel cost of $16, the route is budget-friendly and straightforward for most travelers. Because the journey stays entirely within the state, you will experience the consistent charm of the Northeast as you travel north. Whether you are heading to Essex Junction for business or leisure, the drive is short enough that you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. It is a practical, efficient route that serves as a great bridge between these two Vermont communities.
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 Manchester, VT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip offers a mixed driving profile that transitions between different road types as you head north. You will spend roughly 57% of your time on highways, balancing faster stretches with more local travel. The journey relies on a combination of U.S. Route 7, Vermont Route 116, and U.S. Route 7 North to get you to your destination. You can expect your longest uninterrupted segment to be a 25.8-mile stretch along U.S. Route 7, which provides a steady rhythm before the route shifts character. Expect a varied experience behind the wheel that keeps you engaged rather than lulled by a monotonous interstate grind.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
U.S. Route 7 is the longest continuous segment at about 25.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in near VT 7A / Main Street.
Route Complexity
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Manchester, VT to Essex Junction, VT is easy. At 2h 46m with 57% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (VT 7A / Main Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 1.2 miles (VT 7A; VT 30 / Main Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 1.2 miles (VT 7A; VT 30 / Main Street): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.8 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
VT 7A / Main Street
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A / Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
1.2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
VT 7A; VT 30 / Main Street
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A; VT 30 / Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
3
1.2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
VT 7A; VT 30 / Main Street
Right onto VT 7A; VT 30 / Main Street
Navigation decision point
5
1.2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
VT 7A / Main Street
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A / Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
6 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
US 7 / U.S. Route 7
At end of road, turn left onto US 7 / U.S. Route 7
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Route 7 | 25.8 mi | 41m |
| Vermont Route 116 | 14.2 mi | 21m |
| U.S. Route 7 North | 14.1 mi | 23m |
| Grove Street | 10.9 mi | 16m |
| Case Street | 6 mi | 8m |
| South 116 Road | 5.5 mi | 8m |
| Main Street | 4.6 mi | 9m |
| North 116 Road | 4.1 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
U.S. Route 7
— 25.8 mi, about 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Manchester, VT and Essex Junction, VT.
1
Start on Seminary Avenue
90 ft
·
7 sec
·
Seminary Avenue
2
Turn slight left onto VT 7A
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
3
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A
93 ft
·
2 sec
·
Main Street
4
Continue on VT 7A
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
·
Main Street
5
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A; VT 30
91 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
6
Continue on VT 7A; VT 30
186 ft
·
4 sec
·
Main Street
7
Enter roundabout onto VT 7A
17 ft
·
0 sec
·
Main Street
8
Continue on VT 7A
3.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Main Street
9
Continue on VT 7A
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Vermont Route 7A
10
At end of road, turn left onto US 7
26 mi
·
41 min
·
U.S. Route 7
11
Continue on US 4; US 7
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
South Main Street
12
Continue on US 7
14 mi
·
23 min
·
U.S. Route 7 North
13
Continue on US 7; VT 73
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
·
Center Street
14
Continue on US 7; VT 73
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Conant Square
15
Continue on US 7
11 mi
·
16 min
·
Grove Street
16
Continue on US 7
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
U.S. Route 7 South
17
Turn right onto VT 116
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
Ossie Road
18
Turn left onto VT 116
364 ft
·
6 sec
·
Church Street
19
Continue on VT 116
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Case Street
20
Continue on VT 116
5.5 mi
·
8 min
·
South 116 Road
21
Turn right onto VT 17; VT 116
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
Stony Hill Road
22
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
West Street
23
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Main Street
24
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Street
25
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Rockydale Road
26
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
4.1 mi
·
6 min
·
North 116 Road
27
Continue on VT 116
9.0 mi
·
13 min
·
Vermont Route 116
28
Continue on VT 116
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Vermont Route 116
29
Turn right onto VT 2A
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Vermont Route 2A
30
Continue on VT 2A
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Saint George Road
31
Continue on VT 2A
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Essex Road
32
Continue on VT 2A
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Park Street
33
Turn slight right onto VT 15
79 ft
·
2 sec
·
Main Street
34
Arrive at destination
VT 15
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 2 hour and 46 minute drive, aim to depart during off-peak hours to maintain a smooth pace. Since the route includes one recommended stop, use that break to stretch your legs and refresh before completing the final leg of the 102.9-mile journey. Keep in mind that while the route is relatively short, the mix of highway and local roads means traffic conditions can shift, so stay alert when transitioning between U.S. Route 7 and Vermont Route 116. Setting aside about $16 for fuel will keep your budget on track. Because this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule based on your personal pace rather than rigid overnight requirements.
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 Manchester, VT, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.8 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 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.5 miles or 1h 26m 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 17m
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 Manchester, 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 Manchester, VT
This is one driving day of about 102.9 miles and 2h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Manchester, 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 U.S. Route 7 for about 25.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 51.5 mi from Manchester, VT · 1h 26m 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
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
$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
Essex Junction, VT
Evening in Essex Junction on Sunday
Local time
7:30 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
5 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 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 Manchester, VT to Essex Junction, 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 U.S. Route 7, Vermont Route 116, U.S. Route 7 North. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 51.5 miles from Manchester, 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 Manchester, VT to Essex Junction, VT is easy. At 2h 46m with 57% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (VT 7A / Main Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 1.2 miles (VT 7A; VT 30 / Main Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 1.2 miles (VT 7A; VT 30 / Main Street): Navigation decision point.
The route from Manchester, VT to Essex Junction, VT does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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