How far is New Canaan, CT from Waterbury, CT?
The driving distance from New Canaan, CT to Waterbury, CT is about 46 miles (74.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.5 miles (58.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 49m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 54m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between New Canaan and Waterbury.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Canaan and Waterbury.
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1
Start on Elm Street
50 m · 9 sec · Elm Street
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2
Turn right onto Park Street
844 ft · 26 sec · Park Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto Main Street
787 ft · 20 sec · Main Street
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4
Turn left onto East Avenue
2657 ft · 47 sec · East Avenue
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5
Turn right onto New Norwalk Road
1.6 mi · 3 min · New Norwalk Road
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6
Continue on New Canaan Avenue
1894 ft · 47 sec · New Canaan Avenue
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7
Take the ramp left
871 ft · 21 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Merritt Parkway
17.7 mi · 24 min · Merritt Parkway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward CT 8 North: Waterbury
1.5 km · 2 min
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10
Merge slight left
23.3 mi · 29 min
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11
Continue on I 84 East: Hartford
1893 ft · 1 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown, Waterbury
1307 ft · 32 sec
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13
Turn straight onto Riverside Street
1001 ft · 24 sec · Riverside Street
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14
Continue on Riverside Street
892 ft · 24 sec · Riverside Street
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15
Turn right onto West Main Street
1029 ft · 34 sec · West Main Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between New Canaan and Waterbury.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
CT 8 North
Merge slight left
23.3 mi · 00h 29m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain Showers leaving New Canaan and Chance Rain Showers near Waterbury.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from New Canaan to Waterbury?
The road trip is about 46 miles (74.1 km) and usually takes 00h 54m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Trumbull is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.1 miles from New Canaan and 23 miles from Waterbury.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.5 miles (58.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:40 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.39 one way or $12.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around New Canaan and Chance Rain Showers near Waterbury.
Stop Ideas Near Trumbull
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Trumbull.
Bridgeport
Union Station
Stamford Transportation Center
Wallingford station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between New Canaan and Waterbury. Straight-line distance: 36.56 mi (58.84 km).
#1 New Canaan
Town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States
| Population | 20,115 |
| Coordinates | 41.1467600, -73.4948400 |
| Altitude | 97 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Waterbury
The second most populous city in Connecticut.
| Population | 106,826 |
| Coordinates | 41.5581500, -73.0515000 |
| Altitude | 82 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Main Street (-73.051505, 41.558157)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 74 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $6.39 | $12.78 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $7.22 | $14.44 |
| Premium | $4.86 | $7.87 | $15.74 |
| Diesel | $6.00 | $9.72 | $19.43 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Connecticut · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.