How far is Norwalk, CT from Essex, CT?
The driving distance from Norwalk, CT to Essex, CT is about 63.2 miles (101.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 55.3 miles (89 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 56m 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 01h 28m.
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.
The second most populous city in Connecticut.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Norwalk and Essex.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norwalk and Essex.
-
1
Start on East Avenue
83 m · 12 sec · East Avenue
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2
Continue on East Avenue
81 m · 7 sec · East Avenue
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3
Continue on East Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · East Avenue
-
4
Take the ramp left toward I 95 North: New Haven
1117 ft · 27 sec
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5
Merge slight left
30.2 mi · 41 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward Long Wharf Drive, Sargent Drive
1092 ft · 1 min
-
7
Turn left onto Long Wharf Drive
1.5 km · 2 min · Long Wharf Drive
-
8
Continue on East Street
647 ft · 17 sec · East Street
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9
Turn right onto Water Street
562 ft · 10 sec · Water Street
-
10
Continue on Forbes Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Forbes Avenue
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11
Turn right onto Frontage Road
1.1 km · 49 sec · Frontage Road
-
12
Take the exit slight left toward I 95 North
1227 ft · 30 sec
-
13
Merge slight left
22.7 mi · 26 min
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward CT 153: Westbrook
1015 ft · 28 sec
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15
Turn left onto Essex Road
2.6 mi · 5 min · Essex Road
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16
Continue on Westbrook Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Westbrook Road
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17
Continue on Plains Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Plains Road
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18
Continue on West Avenue
2872 ft · 1 min · West Avenue
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19
Continue on West Avenue
1094 ft · 41 sec · West Avenue
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20
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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21
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
55 m · 13 sec · Main Street
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22
Turn left
37 m · 16 sec
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23
Turn left onto Pratt Street
34 m · 5 sec · Pratt Street
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Pratt Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Norwalk and Essex.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 95 North
Merge slight left
30.2 mi · 00h 41m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Norwalk and Chance Rain Showers near Essex.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Norwalk to Essex?
The road trip is about 63.2 miles (101.7 km) and usually takes 01h 28m 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?
New Haven is a useful midpoint, sitting about 31.6 miles from Norwalk and 31.6 miles from Essex.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 55.3 miles (89 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.9 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 3:34 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.80 one way or $17.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Norwalk and Chance Rain Showers near Essex.
Stop Ideas Near New Haven
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 New Haven.
Union Station
Wallingford station
Bridgeport
Meriden Transit Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Norwalk and Essex. Straight-line distance: 55.31 mi (89.01 km).
#1 Norwalk
The most populous city in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
| Population | 88,655 |
| Coordinates | 41.1176000, -73.4079000 |
| Altitude | 11 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Essex
Town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States
| Population | 6,634 |
| Coordinates | 41.3534300, -72.3906400 |
| Altitude | 17 |
| Country | United States |
End: Essex (-72.39064, 41.35343)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 102 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $8.80 | $17.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $9.94 | $19.88 |
| Premium | $4.86 | $10.83 | $21.67 |
| Diesel | $6.00 | $13.37 | $26.75 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.