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Trip from Essex Junction, VT to Manchester, VT

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 46m

Distance

102.9 mi

166 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 36m ★
6 AM
2h 47m
8 AM
3h 8m
10 AM
2h 54m
12 PM
2h 52m
3 PM
2h 55m
5 PM
3h 7m
8 PM
2h 40m

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 Chittenden County, Vermont, United States

Essex Junction, VT

Wikimedia Commons

town in Bennington County, Vermont, United States

Manchester, VT

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 102.9 miles across the Northeast, this trip from Essex Junction to Manchester, Vermont, takes approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes to complete. Because the duration is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, leaving you plenty of time at your destination. You can expect to spend roughly $16 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly option for a weekend getaway. Navigating through local corridors like North Main Street and Vermont Route 116, the route keeps you off the major interstates for most of the trip. Whether you are looking for a quick change of scenery or a practical way to traverse the state, this drive offers a straightforward path between these two Vermont hubs.

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

51.5 miles from Essex Junction, VT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
North Main Street 28.6 mi 46m
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
Main Street 4.6 mi 9m
North 116 Road 4.1 mi 6m
Longest stretch: North Main Street — 28.6 mi, about 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Essex Junction, VT and Manchester, 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

29 mi · 46 min · North Main Street
Use the straight lane.
23

Turn right onto VT 7A

1.6 mi · 2 min · Vermont Route 7A
24

Continue on VT 7A

3.2 mi · 6 min · Main Street
25

Enter roundabout onto VT 7A; VT 30

65 ft · 1 sec · Main Street
26

Continue on VT 7A; VT 30

180 ft · 4 sec · Main Street
27

Enter roundabout onto VT 7A

94 ft · 1 sec · Main Street
28

Continue on VT 7A

0.3 mi · 47 sec · Main Street
29

Enter roundabout onto VT 7A

79 ft · 1 sec · Main Street
30

Continue on VT 7A

0.8 mi · 2 min · Main Street
31

Turn right onto Seminary Avenue

90 ft · 3 sec · Seminary Avenue
32

Arrive at destination

Seminary Avenue

Trip Plan

Since this is a manageable 2-hour and 46-minute drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. I recommend planning for at least one stop along the 102.9-mile path to stretch your legs, especially given the technical nature of the turns. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Essex Junction, as the $16 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and local station prices. Because this route involves significant local road travel, be prepared for varying speed limits that change more often than they would on a major expressway. Checking your route map in advance will help you navigate the transition between North Main Street and Vermont Route 116 with ease.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 51.5 miles from Essex Junction, VT, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.6 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 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 51.5 miles or 1h 19m 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 14m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Manchester, 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 102.9 miles and 2h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 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 28.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Rutland County, Vermont, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brandon, VT

51 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

Bristol, VT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brandon, VT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 51.5 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.

Nearby Places

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

Top Restaurant

99 Restaurants

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Williston, Vermont

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18028799901

Visit website

Bliss Bee

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Williston, Vermont

3 mi

99 Restaurants

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Williston, Vermont

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18028799901

Visit website

Bliss Bee

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Williston, Vermont

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+18025400094

Visit website

Roots the Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 73.5

Rutland, Vermont

Hours: 11:30 am–8 pm

+18027477414

Visit website

Zaytoona Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30

South Burlington, Vermont

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18028001008

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.6 and 102.1 — 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

4
96.9 mi into trip | ~2h 34m in | VT 7A / Vermont Route 7A

Turn right onto VT 7A / Vermont Route 7A

Navigation decision point

5
101.7 mi into trip | ~2h 43m in | VT 7A / Main Street

Enter roundabout onto VT 7A / Main Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

5
102.1 mi into trip | ~2h 44m in | VT 7A / Main Street

Enter roundabout onto VT 7A / Main Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.57 one way

$33.13 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $18.23 $36.45
premium $4.86 $19.70 $39.41
diesel $5.61 $22.72 $45.44

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 36 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.9 0 $10.80 $4.94
Efficient EV 25.7 0 $9.00 $4.12
EV Truck/SUV 41.2 0 $14.41 $6.59

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (67% 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 15, 2026

Origin

Essex Junction, VT

Morning in Essex Junction on Sunday

Local time

11:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

39°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Manchester, VT

Morning in Manchester on Sunday

Local time

11:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

39°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

36°F

Brandon, VT

51 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

2h 46m 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?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that prioritizes winding through the landscape rather than high-speed cruising. With only 18% of the journey spent on highways, you will spend the vast majority of your time on smaller, more technical roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is 28.6 miles along North Main Street, which provides a brief reprieve from the frequent turns. Because the route relies on roads like Franklin Street and VT-116, you should prepare for a more engaged driving experience compared to a standard interstate haul. This character makes for a dynamic road trip where the road quality and direction shift frequently as you move toward Manchester.

Only 18% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.6 mi on North Main Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 8.6 miles in near VT 116 / Vermont Route 116.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Essex Junction, VT to Manchester, VT is easy. At 2h 46m with 18% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

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 96.9 miles (VT 7A / Vermont Route 7A): Navigation decision point.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 46m. Total distance: 102.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 46m 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 28.6 miles on North Main Street. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 96.9 miles (VT 7A / Vermont Route 7A): Navigation decision point.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Manchester, VT before heading back.

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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