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Directions for travel through and in Connecticut by car

Connecticut > State > Getting Around > By Car

A number of interstate highways and state and local roads serve every part of Connecticut. Historic Post Road (that is, Route 1 and its scenic offshoots, Route 1A) takes travels along the Connecticut coast, while I-95 covers the same ground, just a bit inland and faster.
I-91 shoots due north from the New York City region into and through centrally located Hartford. Local highways and country roads take visitors into every corner of the state, including bucolic western Litchfield.
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ct by car
Driving Routes to Northeast Connecticut

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Two interstate highways run through Northeast CT, leading to the state and U.S. highways that course through the state. I-395 moves northward through the region, and is accessible from I-95 which runs along coastal Connecticut.

I-84 runs northeastward through Hartford and into the Northwest Corner of the region.

Route 6 travels west-to-east across the region and enters central Rhode Island.

Driving Routes to the Connecticut River Valley & Shoreline

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From New York, New Jersey and points south and west, take I-95 north. The River Valley begins in Branford, at exit 55.

From Providence, Mystic, Boston and points east and north, take I-95 south. The River Valley begins in Old Saybrook, at exit 69.

From western and central Massachusetts, Vermont and points north, take I-91 south. Pick up CT Route 9 south for the eastern side of the Valley, and stay on I-91 for the western side.

To reach the towns within in the River Valley and Shoreline, there are three different main routes, I-95, CT I-91 and CT Route 9.

Driving Routes to the New Haven Region

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The Greater New Haven area is bisected by two Interstates, I-95 (which runs along the coast) and I-91 (which heads due north into Massachusetts).

From Hartford CT, Springfield MA and points north, take I - 91 South, which will lead you into New Haven.

From Rhode Island, Eastern Connecticut, and Eastern Massachusetts, take I-95 South along the coast.

From New York City and points south and west, take I-95 north along the coast.

Driving Routes to the Litchfield Hills

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  • From Long Island, New York City or Westchester County, take the Henry Hudson Parkway to the Saw Mill River Parkway, to I-684 North to I-84 East via Danbury to the town routing listed below.
  • From New Jersey, take the Tappan Zee Bridge, then Exit 8 onto either I-287 east or the Sawmill River Parkway. Then pick up I-684 north to I-84 east via Danbury to the town routing listed below.
  • From Boston or Hartford, take the Mass Turnpike (I-90) west to the Sturbridge Exit. Take I-84 West via Hartford to the town routing listed below.
Driving Routes to Coastal Fairfield

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From New York City, New Jersey and points South and West, take I-95 North. Coastal Fairfield County begins just over the border from New York State.

From Rhode Island, Massachusetts and points North and East, take I-95 South.

For a more scenic drive from Massachusetts, take U.S. Route 7 South, which ends at I-95 outside of Norwalk.

Driving Routes to the Housatonic Valley of western Connecticut

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The Housatonic Valley is reachable via I-84 (New York is to the West, Hartford to the East), or from I-95 take U.S. 7, Route 58 or Route 25 North.

Driving Routes to Hartford and Central Connecticut

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Hartford is Connecticut's capital and it is easily accessible by interstate highways.

From New York City, New Jersey and points south and east: Take I-84 east or I-95 north to I-91 north (in New Haven). Both highways run into Central CT.

From eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island and points east: Take I-95 south to Route 9 (in Old Saybrook). Take Route 9 north into Central CT.

From Massachusetts, Vermont and points north: Take I-91 south to Central CT.