Stamford to Rockville is 89.8 miles and takes about 1 hour 58 minutes via Wilbur Cross Parkway and I-95, with a fuel budget near $16 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays entirely within Connecticut, taking you from the Northeast region's coastal proximity inland. It's a straightforward trip almost entirely on highways, making it a convenient option for a quick transition between locations. Plan for minimal detours as this route is primarily focused on efficient travel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
44.9 miles from Stamford, CT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Wilbur Cross Parkway
30.4 mi
37m
I 95
20.3 mi
27m
Berlin Turnpike
15.7 mi
20m
I 84
8 mi
9m
CT 8
5 mi
5m
Merritt Parkway
3 mi
4m
Talcottville Road
2.8 mi
4m
Union Street
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Wilbur Cross Parkway
— 30.4 mi, about 37m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~4,341 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~657 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 5 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Stamford, CT and Rockville, CT.
1
Start on Atlantic Street
0.1 mi·18 sec·Atlantic Street
2
Turn right onto Broad Street
0.3 mi·57 sec·Broad Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Turn right onto Grove Street
0.3 mi·48 sec·Grove Street
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 95 North: New Haven
5
Merge onto I 95
20 mi·27 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
30 mi·37 min·Wilbur Cross Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on US 5; CT 15
16 mi·20 min·Berlin Turnpike
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 84; US 6
1.4 mi·1 min·I 84; US 6
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 84; US 6
6.6 mi·7 min·I 84; US 6
Toward I 84 East: BostonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 64-65Toward CT 30, CT 83: Vernon Center, RockvilleUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 64Toward CT 30 South, CT 83: Talcottville, RockvilleUse the slight left lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward CT 83 North: Rockville, EllingtonUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn straight onto CT 83
2.8 mi·4 min·Talcottville Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on CT 74; CT 83
0.5 mi·50 sec·Windsor Avenue
20
Continue on CT 74; CT 83
1.0 mi·1 min·Union Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Turn right onto West Main Street
81 ft·2 sec·West Main Street
22
Arrive at destination
West Main Street
Trip Plan
Given this is a short, one-day drive of under two hours, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning or mid-afternoon can help you avoid peak traffic. You won't need to make many stops, but if you do, plan them around the transition points between major highways. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $16 for the entire trip, and ensure you have enough to reach your destination comfortably. The longest stretch without a major change is 30.4 miles, so be prepared for that segment.
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 44.9 miles from Stamford, CT, or about 1h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.4 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 20 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 44.9 miles or 1h 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rockville, CT than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Stamford, CT so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Stamford, CT
This is one driving day of about 89.8 miles and 1h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Stamford, 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 30.4 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 21.4 and 85.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
21.4 mi into trip|~30m 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
8
27 mi into trip|~37m 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
84.8 mi into trip|~1h 50m in
Take the exit toward CT 30, CT 83: Vernon Center, Rockville
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 64-65
Toward CT 30, CT 83: Vernon Center, Rockville
9
85.1 mi into trip|~1h 50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CT 30 South, CT 83: Talcottville, Rockville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 64
Toward CT 30 South, CT 83: Talcottville, Rockvi...
9
85.3 mi into trip|~1h 51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CT 83 North: Rockville, Ellington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward CT 83 North: Rockville, Ellington
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.87 one way
$31.75 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$17.39
$34.77
premium
$5.29
$18.70
$37.40
diesel
$5.35
$18.91
$37.83
Estimated Tolls: $1.10
Berlin Turnpike
(15.7 mi)$1.10
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 31.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.9
0
$9.43
$4.31
Efficient EV
22.5
0
$7.86
$3.59
EV Truck/SUV
35.9
0
$12.57
$5.75
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (65% 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Stamford, CT
Afternoon
in Stamford on Wednesday
Local time
2:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Isolated Rain Showers
SE 3 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Rockville, CT
Afternoon
in Rockville on Wednesday
Local time
2:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Mostly Cloudy
W 3 mph10% chanceLive forecast
74°F
Middlefield, CT
45 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
7 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 58m 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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 9.3
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...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 89.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 92% of the trip on major roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 30.4 miles on the Wilbur Cross Parkway before transitioning to I-95 and the Berlin Turnpike. Expect frequent exits and merging traffic as you navigate these busy corridors. The bulk of your travel will be on limited-access roads, offering a consistent driving experience.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.4 mi on Wilbur Cross Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Wilbur Cross Parkway and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.4 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 89.8 miles you will encounter 15 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 21.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
390 ft12 ft
Total Climb
1,118 ft
Total Descent
742 ft
Highest Point
390 ft
~89.8 mi in
Elevation Range
379 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Stamford, CT and Rockville, CT, road signs point toward Waterbury and New Haven.
Stamford, Connecticut is the fourth largest city in the state, a center of regional activity in Fairfield County, and a hub of the Metro New York area. Its position between NYC and the rest of Connecticut defines Stamford’s character. Stamford takes on a big-city atmosphere in its downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods, then transitions to a more traditional suburban small-town Connecticut atmosphere in its northern sections. Stamford plays an active role in the NYC metro and Fairfield County art and music scene. It also has one of the largest and most diverse selections of restaurants and shopping in Fairfield County. Many large corporations are headquartered in Stamford, so it hosts a large reverse-commute from New York City in addition to commuters from Connecticut and nearby Westchester County, New York.
Top landmarks
•Marion Castle — historic mansion in Stamford, Connecticut, USA
•Fish Church — church building in Stamford, Connecticut
•Stamford Harbor Ledge Light — lighthouse in Stamford, Connecticut, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 58m. Total distance: 89.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30.4 miles on Wilbur Cross Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.10 in tolls one way, starting with Berlin Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 11 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 Rockville, 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 21.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.8 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 Rockville, CT before heading back.
