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Trip from South Windham, CT to Norwalk, CT

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 7m

Distance

97.1 mi

156 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
1h 58m ★
6 AM
2h 7m
8 AM
2h 25m
10 AM
2h 13m
12 PM
2h 12m
3 PM
2h 14m
5 PM
2h 24m
8 PM
2h 2m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States

Norwalk, CT

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from South Windham, CT to Norwalk, CT covers 97.1 miles and takes about 2h 7m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 95, I 395, Route 32 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 72 miles on I 95. At current regular gas prices, budget about $15.63 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

48.6 miles from South Windham, CT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 72 mi 1h 32m
I 395 13.6 mi 15m
Route 32 7.1 mi 11m
Windham Road 1.7 mi 2m
CT 32 1.1 mi 1m
East Avenue 0.6 mi 1m
West Town Street 0.4 mi <1m
Franklin Turnpike 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 72 mi, about 1h 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Windham, CT and Norwalk, CT.

1

Start on this road

144 ft · 16 sec · this road
2

At end of road, turn left onto Main Street

311 ft · 17 sec · Main Street
3

Turn right onto CT 32

1.7 mi · 2 min · Windham Road
4

Continue on CT 32

7.1 mi · 11 min · Route 32
5

Continue on CT 32

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Franklin Turnpike
6

Continue on CT 32

0.4 mi · 27 sec · West Town Street
7

Take the exit onto CT 32

1.1 mi · 1 min · CT 32
Toward CT 2 East, CT 32 South: Norwich
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 31 sec
Exit 36 Toward I 395 South: New Haven
9

Merge onto I 395; CT 2A

14 mi · 15 min · I 395; CT 2A
10

Merge onto I 95

72 mi · 1 hr 32 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 26 sec
Exit 16 Toward East Norwalk Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Turn right onto East Avenue

0.3 mi · 39 sec · East Avenue
13

Keep slight right at fork onto East Avenue

0.3 mi · 29 sec · East Avenue
14

Continue on East Avenue

86 ft · 1 sec · East Avenue
15

Arrive at destination

East Avenue

Trip Plan

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 48.6 miles from South Windham, CT, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72 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 21 miles or 29m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 48.6 miles or 1h 4m 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 44m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Norwalk, CT than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving South Windham, 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 South Windham, CT

This is one driving day of about 97.1 miles and 2h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from South Windham, CT.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 72 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

East Haven, CT

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

New London, CT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

New Haven, CT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 48.6 miles from South Windham, CT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Transilvania Restaurant and Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

East Haven, Connecticut

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 62.4

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12032483968

Visit website

Cafe Allegre

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Madison, Connecticut

1 mi

RJ Cafe & Bistro

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Madison, Connecticut

1.1 mi

Transilvania Restaurant and Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 62.4

East Haven, Connecticut

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12032483968

Visit website

Cafe Allegre

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $30 to $50 mile 48.6

Madison, Connecticut

Hours: 4–9 pm

+12032457773

Visit website

RJ Cafe & Bistro

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.6

Madison, Connecticut

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12033188008

Visit website

Turtle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.6

Westbrook, Connecticut

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18603991799

Paperback Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 34.7

Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18603889718

Visit website

Café Routier

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $40 to $50 mile 41.6

Westbrook, Connecticut

Hours: 5–9 pm

+18603998700

Visit website

Caffè Toscana

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 34.7

Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18603881270

ERO Café (Matcha, Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 62.4

New Haven, Connecticut

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+14752346705

Visit website

David's Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 13.9

Preston, Connecticut

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+18608895659

Visit website

The Taste Garden Cafe and Catering

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.3

Trumbull, Connecticut

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+12035028355

Visit website

Ferry Landing State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 34.7

Old Lyme, Connecticut

+18604243000

Visit website

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 97.1

Norwalk, Connecticut

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12038990606

Visit website

Milford Green

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 76.3

Milford, Connecticut

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Rocky Neck State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 27.8

Niantic, Connecticut

+18607395471

Visit website

Florence Griswold Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour Expensive mile 34.7

Old Lyme, Connecticut

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18604345542

Visit website

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 83.3

Bridgeport, Connecticut

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+12033946565

Visit website

Niantic Children's Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 27.8

Niantic, Connecticut

Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm

+18606911111

Visit website

Connecticut River Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 34.7

Essex, Connecticut

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18607678269

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 96.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Main Street

At end of road, turn left onto Main Street

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

5
9.5 mi into trip | ~15m in | CT 32

Take the exit onto CT 32 toward CT 2 East, CT 32 South: Norwich

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward CT 2 East, CT 32 South: Norwich
5
10.5 mi into trip | ~17m in

Take the exit toward I 395 South: New Haven

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 36 Toward I 395 South: New Haven
5
24.3 mi into trip | ~33m in | I 95

Merge onto I 95

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
96.3 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in

Take the exit toward East Norwalk

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 16 Toward East Norwalk

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.63 one way

$31.26 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 34 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $17.20 $34.40
premium $4.86 $18.59 $37.19
diesel $5.61 $21.44 $42.88

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 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 29.1 0 $10.20 $4.66
Efficient EV 24.3 0 $8.50 $3.88
EV Truck/SUV 38.8 0 $13.59 $6.21

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.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

South Windham, CT

Afternoon in South Windham on Saturday

Local time

3:21 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Mostly Cloudy

E 8 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Norwalk, CT

Afternoon in Norwalk on Saturday

Local time

3:21 PM

EDT

Current temp

44°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

17 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 7m on the road

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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Weir Farm National Historical Park

Weir Farm National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Visit the home and studio of America's most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, and walk in the footsteps of generations of world-class artists. Set amidst more than 60 acres of painterly woods, fie...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 97.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a 2h 7m highway drive covering 97.1 miles, with most of the trip on I 95 and I 395. The longest continuous stretch is about 72 miles on I 95.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 72 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 395. 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 Main Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 97.1 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 (Main Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 9.5 miles (CT 32): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 7m. Total distance: 97.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from South Windham, CT to Norwalk, CT covers 97.1 miles and takes about 2h 7m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 95, I 395, Route 32. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 48.6 miles from South Windham, CT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.63 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 97.1 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.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Main Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 9.5 miles (CT 32): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

The route from South Windham, CT to Norwalk, CT does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Yes. Nearby national parks include Weir Farm National Historical Park.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Norwalk, CT to South Windham, CT

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