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Trip from North Stonington, CT to Waterbury, CT

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 41m

Distance

79.5 mi

128 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min
4 AM
1h 34m ★
6 AM
1h 42m
8 AM
1h 57m
10 AM
1h 47m
12 PM
1h 46m
3 PM
1h 48m
5 PM
1h 56m
8 PM
1h 37m

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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town in New London County, Connecticut, United States of America

North Stonington, CT

Wikimedia Commons

city in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States

Waterbury, CT

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 85.3 miles across Connecticut, this drive connects North Stonington to Waterbury in approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight logistics. You should budget roughly $14 for fuel to complete the journey. The path takes you across the Northeast region, transitioning from the quieter, rural feel of North Stonington toward the more inland, developed landscape of Waterbury. It is a straightforward trip that avoids the complexity of multi-day planning, making it an efficient choice for those looking to travel between these two points without unnecessary detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

39.8 miles from North Stonington, CT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 29.2 mi 35m
CT 9 23.3 mi 27m
I 691 7.8 mi 9m
I 84 7.2 mi 9m
Meriden Road 4.2 mi 5m
Washington Street 2.6 mi 5m
Norwich-Westerly Road 2.3 mi 3m
Meadow Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 29.2 mi, about 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between North Stonington, CT and Waterbury, CT.

1

Start on Main Street

344 ft · 9 sec · Main Street
2

Continue on Rocky Hollow Road

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Rocky Hollow Road
3

Turn left onto CT 2

1.4 mi · 2 min · Norwich-Westerly Road
4

Enter roundabout onto CT 2

260 ft · 3 sec · Norwich-Westerly Road
5

Continue on CT 2

0.8 mi · 57 sec · Norwich-Westerly Road
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 95 South: New London
7

Merge onto I 95

29 mi · 35 min · I 95
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 69 Toward CT 9 North: Essex, Hartford
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward CT 9 North: Essex, Hartford
10

Continue on CT 9

23 mi · 27 min · CT 9
11

Turn left

150 ft · 3 sec
Toward CT 66 West: Middletown
12

Continue on Washington Street

2.6 mi · 5 min · Washington Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
13

Continue on CT 66

4.2 mi · 5 min · Meriden Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Continue on I 691

7.8 mi · 9 min · I 691
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Exit 8B Toward I 84 West: Waterbury
16

Merge onto I 84

7.2 mi · 9 min · I 84
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 53 sec
Exit 21 Toward Meadow Street, Bank Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Turn right onto Meadow Street

0.4 mi · 44 sec · Meadow Street
19

Turn left onto West Main Street

0.3 mi · 23 sec · West Main Street
20

Arrive at destination

West Main Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours on local roads is always a smart move. Because there are no scheduled stops in the current plan, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you leave; with a $14 fuel estimate, you can easily top off in North Stonington to cover the entire 85.3-mile distance. Keep a close eye on your navigation, as the turn-heavy nature of this route requires frequent adjustments compared to a straight highway shot. Use the lack of mandatory stops to your advantage by planning your own breaks along the route whenever you feel the need to stretch your legs. Staying alert is key here, as the winding local roads demand a more active driving style than a standard freeway journey.

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 39.8 miles from North Stonington, CT, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.2 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 21m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 39.8 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 26m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waterbury, CT than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving North Stonington, CT so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from North Stonington, CT

This is one driving day of about 79.5 miles and 1h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from North Stonington, CT.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 29.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Middletown, CT, CT

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, CT

40 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

New London, CT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Deep River, CT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 39.8 miles from North Stonington, CT, 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

Tuscany Restaurant & Pizzeria

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plantsville, Connecticut

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 73.1

Hours: 4–8 pm

+18606282224

Visit website

Diorio Restaurant & Bar

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Waterbury, Connecticut

0.6 mi

Muddy Waters Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New London, Connecticut

1.1 mi

Tuscany Restaurant & Pizzeria

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 73.1

Plantsville, Connecticut

Hours: 4–8 pm

+18606282224

Visit website

Diorio Restaurant & Bar

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $50 to $10 mile 85.3

Waterbury, Connecticut

Hours: 5–10 pm

+12037545111

Visit website

Muddy Waters Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.3

New London, Connecticut

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18604442232

Visit website

Fratelli's Italian Restaurant - Plantsville - By Chef Hector Delgado

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 73.1

Southington, Connecticut

Hours: 4–9:30 pm

+18606288168

Visit website

Cantina Cafe Ristorante

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 60.9

Middletown, Connecticut

Hours: 4:30–9:45 pm

+18607040000

Visit website

Whistle Stop Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.7

Deep River, Connecticut

Hours: 8 am–1:30 pm

+18605264122

Visit website

Sunrise Cafe NL

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.3

New London, Connecticut

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+18604373444

Violi's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 67

Meriden, Connecticut

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12036394830

Visit website

Cross Sound Lighthouse Cruises

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 18.3

New London, Connecticut

+18604444620

Visit website

Connecticut River Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 36.6

Essex, Connecticut

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18607678269

Visit website

Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 36.6

Essex, Connecticut

Hours: Closed

+18604243200

Visit website

Holy Land USA Waterbury

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 85.3

Waterbury, Connecticut

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+18553707770

Visit website

Submarine Force Library & Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 18.3

Groton, Connecticut

+18003430079

Visit website

Florence Griswold Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Expensive mile 30.5

Old Lyme, Connecticut

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18604345542

Visit website

Olde Mistick Village

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 12.2

Mystic, Connecticut

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+18605364941

Visit website

Rocky Neck State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 30.5

Niantic, Connecticut

+18607395471

Visit website

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 31.9 and 78.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
31.9 mi into trip | ~40m in

Take the exit toward CT 9 North: Essex, Hartford

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 69 Toward CT 9 North: Essex, Hartford
7
32.2 mi into trip | ~40m in

Keep slight left at fork toward CT 9 North: Essex, Hartford

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward CT 9 North: Essex, Hartford
6
70.4 mi into trip | ~1h 29m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 84 West: Waterbury

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 8B Toward I 84 West: Waterbury
5
71.4 mi into trip | ~1h 30m in | I 84

Merge onto I 84

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
78.6 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in

Take the exit toward Meadow Street, Bank Street

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 21 Toward Meadow Street, Bank Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.35 one way

$24.70 round trip

$3.95/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.46 $13.95 $27.90
premium $4.86 $15.21 $30.41
diesel $6.00 $18.77 $37.54

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: 27.8 kg one way.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23.8 0 $8.35 $3.82
Efficient EV 19.9 0 $6.96 $3.18
EV Truck/SUV 31.8 0 $11.13 $5.09

Gas CO2

28 kg

EV CO2

9 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 15, 2026

Origin

North Stonington, CT

Night in North Stonington on Saturday

Local time

9:29 PM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waterbury, CT

Night in Waterbury on Saturday

Local time

9:29 PM

EDT

Current temp

41°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

42°F

Middletown, CT

40 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

11 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 41m 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 rather than a monotonous interstate haul, as this route maintains a 0% highway share. You will navigate a series of local roads, including Rocky Hollow Road, Norwich-Westerly Road, and segments of I-95 South, which keeps the experience engaging and requires your full attention. Because the route relies entirely on local roads, you won't find any long, uninterrupted stretches of high-speed travel. Instead, be prepared for a more technical driving experience that winds through the Connecticut landscape. The lack of highway miles means you will stay off the major arteries, offering a distinct alternative to the typical fast-paced interstate commute.

85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29.2 mi on I 95.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and CT 9. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 31.9 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 79.5 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 31.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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 North Stonington, CT to Waterbury, CT, road signs begin pointing toward Hartford along the way.

Hartford

31.9 mi in | ~40m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 41m. Total distance: 79.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 29.2 miles on I 95. 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 Waterbury, 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 31.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Waterbury, CT 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. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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