Traveling from Moodus to Norwalk covers 74.6 miles of Connecticut landscape, typically taking about 1 hour and 28 minutes to complete. Because this is a relatively short trek across the Northeast, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $12 for fuel to make the journey. Relying on local roads like Moodus Leesville Road, Leesville Road, and Moodus Road, this trip avoids the interstate system entirely. It is a practical choice if you prefer avoiding major highway congestion, though the turn-heavy nature of the route requires your full attention behind the wheel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
35.6 miles from Moodus, CT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
CT 15
29.8 mi
37m
I 95
12.4 mi
16m
CT 8
4.5 mi
5m
Meriden Road
4.2 mi
5m
Portland-Cobalt Road
4.2 mi
7m
Moodus Road
3.5 mi
6m
Middle Haddam Road
2.5 mi
4m
Washington Street
1.9 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
CT 15
— 29.8 mi, about 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Moodus, CT and Norwalk, CT.
1
Start on CT 149
0.3 mi·28 sec·East Haddam Moodus Road
2
Keep slight right at fork onto CT 151
1.1 mi·2 min·Moodus Leesville Road
3
Turn straight onto CT 151
0.8 mi·1 min·Leesville Road
4
Continue on CT 151
3.5 mi·6 min·Moodus Road
5
Continue on CT 151
2.5 mi·4 min·Middle Haddam Road
6
Turn left onto CT 66
4.2 mi·7 min·Portland-Cobalt Road
7
Continue on CT 17; CT 66
0.9 mi·2 min·Marlborough Street
Use the straight lane.
8
At end of road, turn left onto CT 17; CT 66
1.1 mi·2 min·Main Street
Use the straight lane.
9
Turn right onto Grand Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Grand Street
10
At end of road, turn left onto Prospect Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·Prospect Street
11
Continue on Liberty Street
0.1 mi·27 sec·Liberty Street
12
At end of road, turn left onto CT 3
0.1 mi·19 sec·Newfield Street
13
Turn right onto CT 66
1.9 mi·3 min·Washington Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Continue on CT 66
4.2 mi·5 min·Meriden Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 1BToward I 91 South, CT 15 South: New HavenUse the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 91
0.1 mi·11 sec·I 91
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 17Toward CT 15 SouthUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
437 ft·8 sec
Toward CT 15 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto CT 15
30 mi·37 min·CT 15
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 34Toward CT 8, CT 108: Bridgeport, WaterburyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward CT 8 South, CT 108 South: Bridgeport
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward CT 8 South: BridgeportUse the slight left lane.
23
Merge onto CT 8
4.5 mi·5 min·CT 8
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 95 South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
25
Merge onto I 95
12 mi·16 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·26 sec
Exit 16Toward East NorwalkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Turn right onto East Avenue
0.3 mi·39 sec·East Avenue
28
Keep slight right at fork onto East Avenue
0.3 mi·29 sec·East Avenue
29
Continue on East Avenue
86 ft·1 sec·East Avenue
30
Arrive at destination
East Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this 74.6-mile drive is short and flexible, you have the advantage of choosing a departure time that avoids peak local traffic congestion. Plan to keep your tank topped off before leaving Moodus, as the $12 fuel estimate is based on typical consumption for this distance, and local roads may offer fewer immediate refueling options than a major interstate. Given the turn-heavy nature of the route, prioritize keeping your navigation updated to stay on the correct path through the various turns. Because there are no scheduled stops in this itinerary, take the opportunity to pull over safely if you need a break, as the lack of highway rest areas makes spontaneous stops a necessity rather than a planned event.
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 35.6 miles from Moodus, CT, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.8 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 16 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.6 miles or 56m 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 28m
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 Moodus, CT so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Moodus, CT
This is one driving day of about 71.2 miles and 1h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Moodus, CT.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on CT 15 for about 29.8 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 13.1 and 51.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
13.1 mi into trip|~24m in|CT 17; CT 66 / Main Street
At end of road, turn left onto CT 17; CT 66 / Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
21.2 mi into trip|~38m in
Take the exit toward I 91 South, CT 15 South: New Haven
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 1B
Toward I 91 South, CT 15 South: New Haven
7
21.6 mi into trip|~39m in
Take the exit toward CT 15 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 17
Toward CT 15 South
7
21.9 mi into trip|~39m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CT 15 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward CT 15 South
8
51.8 mi into trip|~1h 16m in
Take the exit toward CT 8, CT 108: Bridgeport, Waterbury
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 34
Toward CT 8, CT 108: Bridgeport, Waterbury
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.46 one way
$22.92 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg25 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.50
$12.61
$25.22
premium
$4.86
$13.63
$27.27
diesel
$5.61
$15.72
$31.44
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
21.4
0
$7.48
$3.42
Efficient EV
17.8
0
$6.23
$2.85
EV Truck/SUV
28.5
0
$9.97
$4.56
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 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 20, 2026
Origin
Moodus, CT
Morning
in Moodus on Tuesday
Local time
6:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Norwalk, CT
Morning
in Norwalk on Tuesday
Local time
6:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°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
1 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 43m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a technical and engaging experience, as this route consists entirely of local roads with a 0% highway share. You will spend your time navigating turn-heavy stretches that demand consistent focus compared to a standard interstate cruise. Because there are no major highways to provide long, uninterrupted stretches, the pace of the drive remains steady and localized throughout the 1 hour and 28 minutes. The personality of this trip is defined by its winding, non-highway character that keeps you actively driving from start to finish. It is a refreshing alternative for those who enjoy the nuances of local Connecticut roads rather than the monotonous rhythm of high-speed transit.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29.8 mi on CT 15.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on CT 15 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.1 miles in near CT 17; CT 66 / Main Street.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 71.2 miles you will encounter 20 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 13.1 miles (CT 17; CT 66 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 21.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
399 ft12 ft
Total Climb
832 ft
Total Descent
989 ft
Highest Point
399 ft
~20.3 mi in
Elevation Range
387 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Moodus, CT to Norwalk, CT, road signs begin pointing toward Waterbury along the way.
Waterbury
51.8 mi in|~1h 16m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 71.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (66%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 29.8 miles on CT 15. 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 Norwalk, 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 13.1 miles (CT 17; CT 66 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 21.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Norwalk, CT before heading back.
