Origin
Stamford, CT
Afternoon in Stamford on Sunday
Local time
3:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Stamford, CT to Hartford, CT
Drive Time
1h 40m
Distance
74.9 mi
121 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
Stamford, CT
MART PRODUCTION
Hartford, CT
MART PRODUCTION
Trip Overview
Connecting Stamford to Hartford, this 74.9-mile journey across Connecticut is a straightforward transit between the coast and the state capital. Expect a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip that requires no overnight stay. You will primarily utilize a mix of I-95, the Wilbur Cross Parkway, and the Berlin Turnpike to navigate the Northeast corridor. Budgeting about $12 for fuel should comfortably cover your travel costs for this stretch. Because the entire route remains within Connecticut, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout the transit. It is a practical, efficient path for those looking to reach Hartford quickly without the need for complex planning or multiple stops.
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
37.4 miles from Stamford, CT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 93% of the journey spent on high-speed thoroughfares. You will find yourself settling into a steady rhythm, particularly during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 30.4 miles along the Wilbur Cross Parkway. While the initial portion involves navigating I-95, the transition to the parkway and eventually the Berlin Turnpike shifts the personality of the drive toward a more controlled, consistent flow. Expect a functional, interstate-heavy experience rather than a winding backroads tour. By staying focused on these primary arteries, you can maintain a reliable pace for the duration of the 74.9-mile transit.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Wilbur Cross Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 30.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Wilbur Cross Parkway and I 95. 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 Broad Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 74.9 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 (Broad Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.2 miles (CT 8): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Broad Street
Turn right onto Broad Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
21.4 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Take the exit toward CT 25, CT 8: Trumbull, Waterbury
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 27A
Toward CT 25, CT 8: Trumbull, Waterbury
8
25.2 mi into trip
|
~34m in
|
CT 8
Keep slight right at fork onto CT 8 toward CT 8 North: Waterbury, New Haven
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward CT 8 North: Waterbury, New Haven
8
27 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Take the exit toward CT 15 North: Merritt Parkway, New Haven
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 6
Toward CT 15 North: Merritt Parkway, New Haven
6
74.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m in
|
Capitol Avenue
Turn right onto Capitol Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Towns Along This Route
Between Stamford, CT and Hartford, CT, road signs point toward Waterbury and New Haven.
Waterbury
21.4 mi in
|
~30m
New Haven
25.2 mi in
|
~34m
|
via CT 8
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Wilbur Cross Parkway | 30.4 mi | 37m |
| I 95 | 20.3 mi | 27m |
| Berlin Turnpike | 11 mi | 14m |
| CT 8 | 5 mi | 5m |
| Merritt Parkway | 3 mi | 4m |
| Broad Street | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| Maple Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Grove Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Wilbur Cross Parkway
— 30.4 mi, about 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Stamford, CT and Hartford, CT.
1
Start on Atlantic Street
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Atlantic Street
2
Turn right onto Broad Street
0.3 mi
·
57 sec
·
Broad Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Turn right onto Grove Street
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
Grove Street
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 95 North: New Haven
5
Merge onto I 95
20 mi
·
27 min
·
I 95
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 27A
Toward CT 25, CT 8: Trumbull, Waterbury
Use the right lane.
7
Continue on CT 8; CT 25
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
CT 8; CT 25
Use the none lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto CT 8
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
CT 8
Toward CT 8 North: Waterbury, New Haven
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 6
Toward CT 15 North: Merritt Parkway, New Haven
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto CT 15
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Merritt Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on CT 15
30 mi
·
37 min
·
Wilbur Cross Parkway
Use the none lane.
12
Continue on US 5; CT 15
9.9 mi
·
12 min
·
Berlin Turnpike
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on CT 314
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Berlin Turnpike
14
Continue on Maple Avenue
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Maple Avenue
Use the none lane.
15
Turn left onto Broad Street
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Broad Street
16
Turn right onto Capitol Avenue
382 ft
·
16 sec
·
Capitol Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Turn left onto Armory Road
111 ft
·
9 sec
·
Armory Road
18
Arrive at destination
Armory Road
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 1 hour and 40-minute duration, you have significant flexibility regarding your departure time. However, keeping an eye on traffic patterns along the I-95 and parkway sections is essential to avoiding potential congestion. Since there are no mandatory stops required to finish the 74.9-mile trek, you can easily complete the drive in one go without feeling rushed. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, use the transition onto the Berlin Turnpike as a natural point to reassess your energy levels or take a quick break. Remember that because the fuel cost is estimated at just $12, you can prioritize convenience over fuel-efficient routing choices when planning your specific departure window.
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 37.4 miles from Stamford, CT, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.4 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 74.9 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 37.4 miles or 51m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hartford, CT than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Stamford, 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 Stamford, CT
This is one driving day of about 74.9 miles and 1h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Stamford, 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 Wilbur Cross Parkway for about 30.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 37.4 mi from Stamford, CT · 51m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
37 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 74.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 37.4 miles from Stamford, CT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Hartford, CT
The final approach into Hartford, 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 Hartford, 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
$11.99 one way
$23.98 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
26 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $13.14 | $26.29 |
| premium | $4.83 | $14.24 | $28.47 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $16.64 | $33.28 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.77
Berlin Turnpike
(9.9 mi)
$0.69
Berlin Turnpike
(1.1 mi)
$0.08
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 22.5 | 0 | $7.86 | $3.60 |
| Efficient EV | 18.7 | 0 | $6.55 | $3.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 30 | 0 | $10.49 | $4.79 |
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% 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
Hartford, CT
Afternoon in Hartford on Sunday
Local time
3:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°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
12 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 40m 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 Stamford, CT to Hartford, CT covers 74.9 miles and takes about 1h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Wilbur Cross Parkway, I 95, Berlin Turnpike. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 37.4 miles from Stamford, CT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.99 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 11 significant decision points across 74.9 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 (Broad Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.2 miles (CT 8): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Stamford, CT and Hartford, CT, road signs point toward Waterbury and New Haven.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Hartford, CT
More trips to Hartford, CT
Explore more options from Stamford, CT or browse trips ending in Hartford, CT.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CT road trips.
Explore maps for Stamford, CT or Hartford, CT on MapSof.net.