Traveling from Fairfield to Enfield is a straightforward 76.5-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes. Because the trip is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight logistics. You can expect to spend approximately $12 on fuel, making this an economical trip across the Northeast. By utilizing I-91, the Wilbur Cross Parkway, and CT-8, you stay connected to major infrastructure for nearly the entire duration. This route is ideal if you want a direct, no-nonsense path between two points in Connecticut without the hassle of complex navigation.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.2 miles from Fairfield, CT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 91
32.9 mi
40m
Wilbur Cross Parkway
27 mi
33m
CT 8
5 mi
5m
I 95
4.3 mi
5m
Merritt Parkway
3 mi
4m
King Street
0.9 mi
1m
Enfield Street
0.9 mi
1m
Mill Plain Road
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 91
— 32.9 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield, CT and Enfield, CT.
1
Start on US 1
186 ft·12 sec·Post Road
2
Turn left onto Mill Plain Road
0.2 mi·22 sec·Mill Plain Road
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 95 North
4
Merge onto I 95
4.3 mi·5 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 27AToward CT 25, CT 8: Trumbull, WaterburyUse the right lane.
6
Continue on CT 8; CT 25
3.2 mi·3 min·CT 8; CT 25
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto CT 8
1.8 mi·2 min·CT 8
Toward CT 8 North: Waterbury, New Haven
8
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 6Toward CT 15 North: Merritt Parkway, New HavenUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto CT 15
3.0 mi·4 min·Merritt Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on CT 15
27 mi·33 min·Wilbur Cross Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 65AToward I 91 North, CT 66 East: Hartford, MiddletownUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 91
18 mi·21 min·I 91
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 91
15 mi·18 min·I 91
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Exit 46Toward US 5: King StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn sharp right onto US 5
0.9 mi·1 min·King Street
16
Continue on US 5
0.9 mi·1 min·Enfield Street
Use the straight lane.
17
Arrive at destination
US 5
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever it suits your schedule, though keep in mind that I-91 traffic can fluctuate throughout the day. With zero planned stops required, you can easily complete the drive in one go, but don't hesitate to pull over if you need a quick break. Budgeting $12 for gas is a safe bet, and keeping your tank topped off before you leave Fairfield will ensure a stress-free arrival in Enfield. A helpful tip for this specific route is to monitor real-time traffic reports for I-91, as it is the backbone of your journey and the most likely place to encounter delays.
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 38.2 miles from Fairfield, CT, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.9 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 17 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.2 miles or 49m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Enfield, CT than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairfield, CT so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Fairfield, CT
This is one driving day of about 76.5 miles and 1h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Fairfield, CT.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 91 for about 32.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.7 and 74.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
4.7 mi into trip|~6m 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
6
8.6 mi into trip|~11m in|CT 8
Keep slight right at fork onto CT 8 toward CT 8 North: Waterbury, New Haven
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CT 8 North: Waterbury, New Haven
8
10.3 mi into trip|~13m 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
8
41.1 mi into trip|~53m in
Take the exit toward I 91 North, CT 66 East: Hartford, Middletown
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 65A
Toward I 91 North, CT 66 East: Hartford, Middle...
7
74.3 mi into trip|~1h 33m in
Take the exit toward US 5: King Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 46
Toward US 5: King Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.32 one way
$24.63 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.50
$13.55
$27.10
premium
$4.86
$14.65
$29.30
diesel
$5.61
$16.89
$33.78
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23
0
$8.03
$3.67
Efficient EV
19.1
0
$6.69
$3.06
EV Truck/SUV
30.6
0
$10.71
$4.90
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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 16, 2026
Origin
Fairfield, CT
Late night
in Fairfield on Sunday
Local time
12:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Enfield, CT
Late night
in Enfield on Sunday
Local time
12:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
42°F
Middletown, CT
38 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
4 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
1h 38m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
From the Sound to the summits: the New England Trail covers 235 miles from Long Island Sound across long ridges to scenic mountain summits in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The trail offers panoramic...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 76.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 94% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will experience a consistent pace as you transition between I-91, the Wilbur Cross Parkway, and CT-8. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-91, where you will cover 32.9 miles of continuous highway driving. Expect a functional, high-speed experience rather than a leisurely backroad cruise, as the route is designed for efficiency. While the scenery changes as you move through the state, the personality of the road remains steady and predictable for the driver.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 32.9 mi on I 91.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 91 and Wilbur Cross Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.7 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 76.5 miles you will encounter 12 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: at 4.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.6 miles (CT 8): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
357 ft15 ft
Total Climb
833 ft
Total Descent
695 ft
Highest Point
357 ft
~43.7 mi in
Elevation Range
342 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fairfield, CT and Enfield, CT, road signs point toward Waterbury, New Haven and Middletown.
Waterbury
4.7 mi in|~6m
New Haven
8.6 mi in|~11m|via CT 8
Middletown
41.1 mi in|~53m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 38m. Total distance: 76.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 32.9 miles on I 91. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Enfield, CT before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.6 miles (CT 8): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Weir Farm National Historical Park and New England National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Enfield, CT before heading back.
