Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
56m
Distance
36.5 mi
59 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New Milford, CT
Wikimedia Commons
Norwalk, CT
Wikimedia Commons
This 36.5-mile drive from New Milford to Norwalk, Connecticut, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in under an hour, making it an ideal day trip. You'll primarily navigate via US 7 and Federal Road/Danbury Road, with about 43% of the route on highways. The estimated fuel cost is a modest $6, and with no designated stops, you have the flexibility to travel at your own pace. This route offers a mixed driving experience, suitable for a quick visit between two points within the Northeast region. It's a practical option for a short excursion without the need for an overnight stay.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 56m. Total distance: 36.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (43%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Expect a mixed driving profile on this 56-minute trip. While 43% of the route involves highway driving, you'll also encounter stretches on well-traveled local roads. The longest uninterrupted segment is 15.5 miles along US 7, offering a period of consistent travel. As you progress, the character of the road shifts between faster-paced highway sections and more localized driving. This variety means you won't be stuck in a monotonous interstate grind, but rather experience a dynamic drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 202; CT 67 / Bridge Street.
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 36.5 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 202; CT 67 / Bridge Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (US 7; US 202 / Danbury Road): Navigation decision point; at 16.2 miles (US 7): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn right onto US 202; CT 67 / Bridge Street
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto US 7; US 202 / Danbury Road
Navigation decision point
Keep slight left at fork onto US 7 toward US 7 South: Norwalk
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork onto US 7 / Danbury Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Turn left onto West Rocks Road
Navigation decision point
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 7 | 15.5 mi | 27m |
| Federal Road | 10.1 mi | 13m |
| Danbury Road | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| West Rocks Road | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Bridge Street | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| I 84 | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| France Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| East Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between New Milford, CT and Norwalk, CT.
Start on US 202
Turn right onto US 202; CT 67
Turn left onto US 7; US 202
Continue on US 7; US 202
Continue on I 84; US 7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 7
Continue on US 7
Turn left onto West Rocks Road
Continue on France Street
Turn left onto US 1
Continue on East Avenue
Continue on East Avenue
Continue on East Avenue
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 18.3 mi from New Milford, CT · 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
18 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.
A short stop after about 36.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 18.3 miles from New Milford, CT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Norwalk, CT if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$5.88 one way
$11.75 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.50 | $6.47 | $12.93 |
| premium | $4.86 | $6.99 | $13.98 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $8.06 | $16.12 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$6
Estimated CO2 emission: 12.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 11 | 0 | $3.83 | $1.75 |
| Efficient EV | 9.1 | 0 | $3.19 | $1.46 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.6 | 0 | $5.11 | $2.34 |
Gas CO2
13 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (69% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in New Milford on Thursday
Local time
2:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Mostly Sunny
Destination
Afternoon in Norwalk on Thursday
Local time
2:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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