Origin
Portland, CT
Late night in Portland on Wednesday
Local time
12:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Portland, CT to Manchester, CT
Data updated 21 minutes ago
Drive Time
33m
Distance
23.8 mi
38 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$4
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
13 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 31m
★
6 AM
0h 33m
8 AM
0h 39m
10 AM
0h 35m
12 PM
0h 35m
3 PM
0h 36m
5 PM
0h 39m
8 PM
0h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portland, CT
MART PRODUCTION
Manchester, CT
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 23.8-mile drive from Portland, CT to Manchester, CT is a quick, efficient journey designed for a single day. Expect to spend about 33 minutes on the road, with a modest fuel cost of around $4. The route primarily utilizes major highways, including I-91, CT-9, and I-84, making it a highway-focused experience. With no recommended stops, this trip is perfect for a direct transit or a short excursion. Given its brevity and focus on interstate travel, it's ideal for a single-day adventure within Connecticut, part of the Northeast region.
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
11.9 miles from Portland, CT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 16m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway drive, with 78% of the journey taking place on interstates. You'll experience stretches of consistent speed, including the longest uninterrupted segment of 8.5 miles on I-91. The character is largely that of efficient, high-speed travel, designed for covering distance quickly rather than for leisurely sightseeing. Expect a functional, direct path that prioritizes getting you from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
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 8.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 91 and CT 9. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near CT 17; CT 66 / Marlborough Street.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 23.8 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 0.1 miles (CT 17; CT 66 / Marlborough Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
CT 17; CT 66 / Marlborough Street
Continue onto CT 17; CT 66 / Marlborough Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
6.1 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Take the exit toward I 91 North: Hartford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 29
Toward I 91 North: Hartford
8
15.2 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Take the exit toward CT 15 North: East Hartford, Boston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 29
Toward CT 15 North: East Hartford, Boston
8
20.6 mi into trip
|
~27m in
|
US 6
Take the exit onto US 6 toward US 6, US 44: Middle Turnpike West, Manchester
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 60
Toward US 6, US 44: Middle Turnpike West, Manch...
6
21.1 mi into trip
|
~28m in
|
US 6; US 44 / Middle Turnpike West
Turn right onto US 6; US 44 / Middle Turnpike West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Portland, CT to Manchester, CT, road signs begin pointing toward Boston along the way.
Boston
15.2 mi in
|
~20m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 91 | 8.5 mi | 10m |
| CT 9 | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| I 84 | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| Center Street | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| US 5 | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Main Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| US 6 | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Middle Turnpike West | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 91
— 8.5 mi, about 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portland, CT and Manchester, CT.
1
Start on CT 17; CT 66
162 ft
·
3 sec
·
CT 17; CT 66
2
Merge onto CT 17; CT 66
262 ft
·
11 sec
·
Marlborough Street
3
Continue on CT 17; CT 66
465 ft
·
24 sec
·
Marlborough Street
Use the left lane.
4
At end of road, turn left onto CT 17; CT 66
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
5
Turn left onto CT 17
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
Saint John's Square
6
At end of road, turn left onto CT 9
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
CT 9
7
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 29
Toward I 91 North: Hartford
Use the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 91
8.5 mi
·
10 min
·
I 91
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 29
Toward CT 15 North: East Hartford, Boston
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
10
Merge onto US 5; CT 15
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
US 5; CT 15
11
Merge onto I 84; US 6
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 84; US 6
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 84; US 6
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
I 84; US 6
Toward I 84 East: Boston
13
Take the exit onto US 6
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
US 6
Exit 60
Toward US 6, US 44: Middle Turnpike West, Manchester
Use the slight right lane.
14
Turn right onto US 6; US 44
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
Middle Turnpike West
Use the right lane.
15
Turn right onto US 6; US 44
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Center Street
Use the right lane.
16
Continue on US 6; US 44
336 ft
·
12 sec
·
East Center Street
17
Arrive at destination
US 6; US 44
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, 33-minute drive covering just 23.8 miles, you have a lot of flexibility with your timing. Leaving during off-peak hours is always a good idea to maximize efficiency, though the relatively short duration means traffic is less of a concern. With a fuel cost estimated at just $4, you won't need to worry much about budgeting for gas. The longest stretch without a change in major roads is 8.5 miles on I-91, so plan for that continuous highway segment if you prefer breaks.
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 11.9 miles from Portland, CT, or about 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 8.5 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 23.8 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 11.9 miles or 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Manchester, CT than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Portland, 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 Portland, CT
This is one driving day of about 23.8 miles and 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Portland, 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 8.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 11.9 mi from Portland, CT · 16m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
12 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 23.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 11.9 miles from Portland, CT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Manchester, CT
The final approach into Manchester, 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 Manchester, 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
$3.83 one way
$7.66 round trip
$4.09/gal
25.4 MPG avg
8 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.50 | $4.22 | $8.43 |
| premium | $4.86 | $4.56 | $9.12 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $5.25 | $10.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$29–$54
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 8.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
13 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
SWTCH Energy
Berlin, CT
SWTCH
22 DCFC
Crossroads Cromwell - Tesla Supercharger
Cromwell, CT
Tesla
12 DCFC
Pavilion West - Tesla Supercharger
Rocky Hill, CT
Tesla
12 DCFC
Corbins Corner Shopping Center - Tesla Supercharger
West Hartford, CT
Tesla
8 DCFC
Auxxi Horizon Commons (Rocky Hill, CT)
Rocky Hill, CT
Electrify America
6 DCFC
West Hartford, CT
West Hartford, CT
RIVIAN_ADVENTURE
6 DCFC
Tasca Ford
Berlin, CT
SYNERGEV
4 DCFC
Monaco Ford
Glastonbury, CT
Blink Network
4 DCFC
FLO: 3
Tesla: 3
SYNERGEV: 1
SWTCH: 1
Electrify America: 1
Blink Network: 1
EV Connect: 1
eVgo Network: 1
RIVIAN_ADVENTURE: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 7.1 | 0 | $2.50 | $1.14 |
| Efficient EV | 6 | 0 | $2.08 | $0.95 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 9.5 | 0 | $3.33 | $1.52 |
Gas CO2
8 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (63% 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
Manchester, CT
Late night in Manchester on Wednesday
Local time
12:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
49°F
Brookhaven, NY
12 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.
Road read
33m 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 Portland, CT to Manchester, CT covers 23.8 miles and takes about 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 91, CT 9, I 84. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 11.9 miles from Portland, CT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.83 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 14 significant decision points across 23.8 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 0.1 miles (CT 17; CT 66 / Marlborough Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Portland, CT to Manchester, CT, road signs begin pointing toward Boston along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Manchester, CT
More from Portland, CT
More trips to Manchester, CT
Explore more options from Portland, CT or browse trips ending in Manchester, CT.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CT road trips.
Explore maps for Portland, CT or Manchester, CT on MapSof.net.