Origin
Essex Junction, VT
Late night in Essex Junction on Sunday
Local time
12:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Essex Junction, VT to Arlington, VT
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h
Distance
114.8 mi
185 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 49m
★
6 AM
3h 1m
8 AM
3h 23m
10 AM
3h 9m
12 PM
3h 6m
3 PM
3h 10m
5 PM
3h 22m
8 PM
2h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Essex Junction, VT
Wikimedia Commons
Arlington, VT
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Essex Junction, VT to Arlington, VT is 114.8 miles and takes about 3h via Vermont Route 116, with a fuel budget near $18 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Vermont, taking you from the Northeast region towards the southern part of the state. Expect a local, turn-heavy experience rather than a highway cruise. With a recommended single day for completion, this route is ideal for a straightforward trip without needing an overnight stay, offering a manageable drive for most travelers.
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
57.4 miles from Essex Junction, VT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 29m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Main Street | 42.9 mi | 1h 6m |
| Vermont Route 116 | 14.2 mi | 21m |
| Franklin Street | 14.1 mi | 23m |
| Ethan Allen Highway | 10.9 mi | 16m |
| Case Street | 6.1 mi | 8m |
| South 116 Road | 5.5 mi | 8m |
| North 116 Road | 4.1 mi | 6m |
| Saint George Road | 3.7 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
North Main Street
— 42.9 mi, about 1h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Essex Junction, VT and Arlington, VT.
1
Start on VT 15
79 ft
·
5 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn left onto VT 2A
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Park Street
3
Continue on VT 2A
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Essex Road
4
Continue on VT 2A
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Saint George Road
5
Continue on VT 2A
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Vermont Route 2A
6
At end of road, turn left onto VT 116
14 mi
·
21 min
·
Vermont Route 116
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on VT 116
4.1 mi
·
6 min
·
North 116 Road
8
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Rockydale Road
9
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Street
10
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Main Street
11
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.6 mi
·
53 sec
·
West Street
12
Continue on VT 17; VT 116
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Stony Hill Road
13
Turn left onto VT 116
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
South 116 Road
14
Continue on VT 116
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
South 116 Road
15
Continue on VT 116
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
Case Street
16
Turn right onto VT 116
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
Ossie Road
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 7
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
U.S. Route 7 South
18
Continue on US 7
11 mi
·
16 min
·
Ethan Allen Highway
19
Continue on US 7; VT 73
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Conant Square
20
Continue on US 7; VT 73
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
·
Center Street
21
Continue on US 7
14 mi
·
23 min
·
Franklin Street
22
Continue on US 7
43 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
North Main Street
Use the straight lane.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 3
Toward VT 313: Arlington, Shaftsbury
24
Keep slight right at fork
471 ft
·
14 sec
Toward VT 313: Arlington, Shaftsbury
25
Turn straight onto VT 313
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Vermont Route 313
26
At end of road, turn right onto VT 7A; VT 313
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Vermont Route 7A
Use the right lane.
27
Arrive at destination
VT 7A; VT 313
Trip Plan
Given this is a single-day, 3-hour drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Leaving in the morning allows ample time for any unscheduled stops or to simply enjoy the scenery without rushing. The estimated fuel cost is $18, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you depart, especially since the longest stretch without significant road changes is 42.9 miles. Keep an eye out for the transition onto Vermont Route 116, as this will be a primary artery for a good portion of your journey through the state.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 57.4 miles from Essex Junction, VT, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.9 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 25 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 57.4 miles or 1h 29m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington, VT than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Essex Junction, 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 Essex Junction, VT
This is one driving day of about 114.8 miles and 3h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Essex Junction, 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 North Main Street for about 42.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
57 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 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 57.4 miles from Essex Junction, VT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 65 decision points cluster between mile 8.6 and 113.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
8.6 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
VT 116 / Vermont Route 116
At end of road, turn left onto VT 116 / Vermont Route 116
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
4
41.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
|
US 7 / U.S. Route 7 South
At end of road, turn left onto US 7 / U.S. Route 7 South
Navigation decision point
6
111.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
Take the exit toward VT 313: Arlington, Shaftsbury
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 3
Toward VT 313: Arlington, Shaftsbury
7
111.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m in
Keep slight right at fork toward VT 313: Arlington, Shaftsbury
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward VT 313: Arlington, Shaftsbury
6
113.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 58m in
|
VT 7A; VT 313 / Vermont Route 7A
At end of road, turn right onto VT 7A; VT 313 / Vermont Route 7A
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.48 one way
$36.96 round trip
$4.09/gal
25.4 MPG avg
40 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.50 | $20.33 | $40.67 |
| premium | $4.86 | $21.98 | $43.97 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $25.35 | $50.69 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 40.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 34.4 | 0 | $12.05 | $5.51 |
| Efficient EV | 28.7 | 0 | $10.05 | $4.59 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 45.9 | 0 | $16.07 | $7.35 |
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 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.
Destination
Arlington, VT
Late night in Arlington on Sunday
Local time
12:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
36°F
Brandon, VT
57 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.
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
3h 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is characterized as a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll navigate a significant number of local roads and turns. With only an 18% highway share, most of your time will be spent on scenic, non-interstate routes. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 42.9 miles on North Main Street, providing a solid segment of consistent driving before the route becomes more intricate. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience with frequent changes in direction and road type as you make your way through Vermont.
Only 18% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.9 mi on North Main Street.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 8.6 miles in near VT 116 / Vermont Route 116.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 8.6 miles (VT 116 / Vermont Route 116): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.7 miles (US 7 / U.S. Route 7 South): Navigation decision point; at 111.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h. Total distance: 114.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (18%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.9 miles on North Main Street. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through VT can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.6 miles (VT 116 / Vermont Route 116): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.7 miles (US 7 / U.S. Route 7 South): Navigation decision point; at 111.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Arlington, VT, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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