Skip to main content

Trip from Norwalk, CT to Collinsville, CT

Pin this trip

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 37m

Distance

71.6 mi

115 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 30m ★
6 AM
1h 37m
8 AM
1h 52m
10 AM
1h 43m
12 PM
1h 41m
3 PM
1h 43m
5 PM
1h 51m
8 PM
1h 33m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States

Norwalk, CT

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Collinsville, CT, CT

Collinsville, CT

Miller Reyes

Trip Overview

This 71.6-mile drive from Norwalk to Collinsville, Connecticut, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of major roadways, including Wilbur Cross Parkway and I-95, before transitioning to local streets like South Main Street. With a projected fuel cost of around $12, this route offers an economical excursion within the Northeast region. Its relatively short duration makes it ideal for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule without the need for an overnight stay. The drive presents a varied experience, blending highway speeds with more local road driving.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

35.8 miles from Norwalk, CT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Wilbur Cross Parkway 14.1 mi 17m
I 95 12.4 mi 16m
South Main Street 6.8 mi 8m
Whitney Avenue 5.5 mi 7m
Farmington Avenue 5.3 mi 8m
CT 8 5 mi 5m
Highland Avenue 4.4 mi 5m
Main Street 3.5 mi 4m
Longest stretch: Wilbur Cross Parkway — 14.1 mi, about 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Norwalk, CT and Collinsville, CT.

1

Start on East Avenue

272 ft · 12 sec · East Avenue
2

Continue on East Avenue

267 ft · 6 sec · East Avenue
3

Continue on East Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Avenue
4

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 95 North: New Haven
5

Merge onto I 95

12 mi · 16 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 27A Toward CT 25, CT 8: Trumbull, Waterbury Use the right lane.
7

Continue on CT 8; CT 25

3.2 mi · 3 min · CT 8; CT 25
Use the straight / right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto CT 8

1.8 mi · 2 min · CT 8
Toward CT 8 North: Waterbury, New Haven
9

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 6 Toward CT 15 North: Merritt Parkway, New Haven Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto CT 15

3.0 mi · 4 min · Merritt Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on CT 15

14 mi · 17 min · Wilbur Cross Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec
Exit 51 Toward Whitney Avenue, Hamden Use the straight / right lanes.
13

Turn right onto Whitney Avenue

5.5 mi · 7 min · Whitney Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
14

Continue on CT 10

3.1 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
15

Continue on CT 10

4.4 mi · 5 min · Highland Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Continue on CT 10

0.2 mi · 13 sec · Cheshire Road
17

Continue on CT 10

0.4 mi · 29 sec · Norton Street
18

Continue on CT 10

3.6 mi · 4 min · South Main Street
19

Continue on CT 10

2.4 mi · 3 min · Queen Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Continue on CT 10

1.7 mi · 2 min · East Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

Continue on CT 10

1.4 mi · 1 min · Farmington Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Continue on CT 10

2.7 mi · 3 min · Main Street
23

Turn left onto CT 4

3.9 mi · 6 min · Farmington Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
24

Turn slight right onto CT 4

0.6 mi · 54 sec · Main Street
25

Continue on CT 4

1.1 mi · 1 min · Collinsville Road
26

Continue on CT 4

2.9 mi · 4 min · Canton Road
27

Continue on CT 179

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Burlington Avenue
28

Turn right onto CT 179

0.2 mi · 24 sec · Bridge Street
29

Turn right onto Main Street

0.2 mi · 43 sec · Main Street
30

Turn left onto Center Street

0.1 mi · 26 sec · Center Street
31

Arrive at destination

Center Street

Trip Plan

Given the short 1-hour and 37-minute duration for this 71.6-mile journey, you have plenty of flexibility. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid the worst of commuter traffic, especially around the I-95 section. While the $12 fuel cost is modest, it's always wise to start with a full tank. You won't need to plan for lengthy stops, but if you wish to break up the drive, the longest stretch is 14.1 miles on Wilbur Cross Parkway, which is a good point to consider a brief pause. Keep an eye out for the transition from highway to local roads as you get closer to Collinsville; this change often signals the need for increased attention to signage and speed limits.

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 35.8 miles from Norwalk, CT, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.1 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 22m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 35.8 miles or 48m 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 20m

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

Before You Leave

+

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Norwalk, CT

This is one driving day of about 71.6 miles and 1h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Norwalk, CT.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Wilbur Cross Parkway for about 14.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hamden, CT

36 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

Fairfield, CT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hamden, CT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 35.8 miles from Norwalk, 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.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 13.4 and 37.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
13.4 mi into trip | ~18m 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
17.3 mi into trip | ~23m 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
19 mi into trip | ~25m 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
36.9 mi into trip | ~49m in

Take the exit toward Whitney Avenue, Hamden

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 51 Toward Whitney Avenue, Hamden
6
37.1 mi into trip | ~50m in | Whitney Avenue

Turn right onto Whitney Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$11.53 one way

$23.05 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 25 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $12.68 $25.36
premium $4.86 $13.71 $27.42
diesel $5.61 $15.81 $31.62

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: 25.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 21.5 0 $7.52 $3.44
Efficient EV 17.9 0 $6.26 $2.86
EV Truck/SUV 28.6 0 $10.02 $4.58

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

Norwalk, CT

Morning in Norwalk on Tuesday

Local time

8:43 AM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Collinsville, CT

Morning in Collinsville on Tuesday

Local time

8:43 AM

EDT

Current temp

81°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

22 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 37m 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 mixed drive on this route, with 48% of it being highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 14.1 miles on the Wilbur Cross Parkway, offering a period of consistent travel. As you progress, the road character shifts; you'll move from the efficiency of interstates and parkways to the more community-focused environment of local roads as you approach Collinsville. This transition means you'll experience varying speed limits and driving conditions, so staying alert is key. The latter part of the journey will feel more like exploring Connecticut's towns.

48% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 14.1 mi on Wilbur Cross Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.4 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 71.6 miles you will encounter 13 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 13.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.3 miles (CT 8): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Norwalk, CT and Collinsville, CT, road signs point toward Waterbury, New Haven and Hamden.

Waterbury

13.4 mi in | ~18m

New Haven

17.3 mi in | ~23m | via CT 8

Hamden

36.9 mi in | ~49m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 37m. Total distance: 71.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (48%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 14.1 miles on Wilbur Cross Parkway. 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 Collinsville, 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 13.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.3 miles (CT 8): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

More trips to Collinsville, CT

Explore more options from Norwalk, CT or browse trips ending in Collinsville, CT.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CT road trips.