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 27AToward CT 25, CT 8: Trumbull, WaterburyUse 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 6Toward CT 15 North: Merritt Parkway, New HavenUse 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 51Toward Whitney Avenue, HamdenUse 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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
$11.24 one way
$22.47 round trip
$3.99/gal25.4 MPG avg25 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$12.62
$25.23
premium
$4.81
$13.56
$27.13
diesel
$4.80
$13.52
$27.04
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: 25.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
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
$6.27
$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 Jul 7, 2026
Origin
Norwalk, CT
Late night
in Norwalk on Sunday
Local time
2:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Rain Showers
NE 12 mph75% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 7 at 3:12AM EDT until July 7 at 5:30AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Destination
Collinsville, CT
Late night
in Collinsville on Sunday
Local time
2:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Patchy Fog
NE 8 mph85% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 7 at 3:12AM EDT until July 7 at 5:30AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
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
2 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 37m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
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 Effort8/10
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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
343 ft19 ft
Total Climb
732 ft
Total Descent
466 ft
Highest Point
343 ft
~30.7 mi in
Elevation Range
324 ft
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.
Norwalk is a city of 91,000 people (2020) in Fairfield County, in the state of Connecticut in the United States of America. It includes the villages of: East Norwalk, West Norwalk, Cranbury, Silvermine, Winnipauk, Wilson Point, Harbor View, Rowayton and South Norwalk, known locally as "SoNo." Norwalk, probably due mostly to its proximity to New York City, is home to many large companies.
Top landmarks
•Silvermine — human settlement in Norwalk, Connecticut, United States of America
•Peck Ledge Light — lighthouse in Connecticut, United States
•Lockwood-Mathews Mansion — mansion and historic house museum in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA
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.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
Yes — we found about 8 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 — Weir Farm National Historical Park. 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 Collinsville, CT before heading back.
