The distance from Connecticut to New York looks simple. But in fact, you should consider many factors here.
You can connect the two locations in several ways. Quick flights, scenic road trips, and convenient train rides are all great options.
So if you want to know how far Connecticut is from New York, this guide is right for you. No fluff, just practical tips and advice!
In this practical guide, you will discover:
- A full breakdown of how far Connecticut is from New York (including driving times, train routes, flight options and bus services)
- Practical travel tips from locals, for locals, tourists, and international visitors (and reasons why visiting Connecticut from New York is worthwhile at all)
- Connecticut’s culture main points, natural beauty, and seasonal attractions
How Far is Connecticut From New York: Short & Direct Answer
Let’s directly answer this question and then go through each of the options one-by-one:
- By Car or Train: From New York City to Stamford: About 40 miles, which is 1 hour by car or 50 minutes by train
- By Car or Train: From New York City to New Haven: about 80 miles and 2 hours
- By Car: From New York City to Hartford is about 120 miles, taking around 2.5 hours
- By Train: From New York City to Hartford is about 120 miles, taking around 2.5 hours
- By Plane: From New York City to Hartford is about 120 miles, with a flight time of about 45 minutes
Check out yourself on Google Maps here.
The geographical relationship between Connecticut and New York
Connecticut borders New York to the west, sharing a long boundary line. The two states are close together. Some towns in Connecticut act like suburbs of New York City.
Stamford, Greenwich, and Norwalk are just a quick ride from Manhattan. Cities like Hartford and New Haven are farther away but still have reasonable travel times.
The exact distance depends on where in Connecticut and New York you start and finish your trip.
Here, Manhattan to Stamford is a bit less than 40 miles, and New York City to Hartford stretches closer to 120 miles. Driving from New York City to New Haven falls right in between, at about 80 miles.
Connecticut’s compact geography makes it easy to reach from New York. So this is great for day trips, business meetings, and weekend getaways.
Driving distance and road travel times
New York City to Stamford
Traveling by car from New York City to Stamford typically takes around one hour (more or less) depending on traffic conditions.
Interstate 95 is the main highway (by the coast). The Merritt Parkway provides a more scenic route inland. Morning and evening rush hours can make travel take longer. Planning to leave outside of peak traffic can help reduce stress.
New York City to New Haven
The drive from Manhattan to New Haven averages about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Interstate 95 again serves as the primary corridor.
Travelers often take this route to reach Yale University, business hubs in southern Connecticut, or even popular restaurants in New Haven.
New York City to Hartford
If you’re heading into Connecticut, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive to Hartford, the state capital.
Interstate 684 will take you there. It takes drivers from New York to central Connecticut pretty easy.
There, Interstate 84 carries them on to Hartford. This longer trip shows the variety of experiences in Connecticut.
Driving considerations
While the mileage between the two states isn’t large, road conditions play a huge role in timing.
New York and Connecticut share some of the busiest highways in the United States.
Weekends, holidays, and special events can lead to significant congestion. So you can get there late-night to reduce delays.
Flight distance and air travel options
At first thought, flying between New York and Connecticut may seem unnecessary. The states are close and the road network is strong.
Flights are still key for those connecting between certain airports or travelling to places beyond the region.
Airports in Connecticut
Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks is Connecticut’s main airport. It’s north of Hartford and connects to national and international destinations.
On the other hand, Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) is quite smaller (but growing in importance, especially with recent airline expansions).
And there is Westchester County Airport (HPN). It’s just over the border in New York, but many Connecticut residents use it.
Airports in New York
As you may know, New York has three main airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR).
Each connects globally, making them important hubs for Connecticut residents heading abroad.
Flight times
A direct flight from Hartford’s Bradley International to New York City typically takes about 45 mins by the air.
Keep in mind that the total travel time can be a bit more when you factor in airport transfers, security checks, and boarding.
For most point-to-point trips, driving or taking the train is faster.
Train connections between Connecticut and New York
Train service offers a fast and comfy way to travel between Connecticut and New York.
Metro-North Railroad
The Metro-North New Haven Line goes from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to New Haven. It stops in Stamford, Bridgeport, and other cities in Connecticut.
Travel time from New York City to Stamford is about 50 minutes. The full ride to New Haven takes around 2 hours.
Trains run quite often, so it’s a great choice as a daily traveling option.
Amtrak
For longer trips in Connecticut, Amtrak connects New York’s Penn Station to Hartford, New Haven and Springfield, Massachusetts.
In this case, travel time between Penn Station and Hartford averages close to 2.5 hours.
Overall, I would say Amtrak trains are confortable. They offer more spacious seating and onboard amenities.
Train travel considerations
Trains remove the stress of traffic and parking.
As for me, I like traveling by train a lot. In my opinion, trains offer a smoother ride for people going into New York City.
Many travelers bring laptops, using the ride as productive time. If you’re a tourist, you can enjoy the scenery without the burden of driving.
Bus travel between Connecticut and New York
Another alternative of traveling between Connecticut and New York, are indeed buses.
Bus travel remains one of the most affordable ways to move between the states.
Many carriers run daily routes. Usually from central hubs like Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford.
Popular bus companies
- Greyhound runs frequent trips between Hartford, New Haven, and New York City.
- Peter Pan Bus Lines serves several Connecticut cities with direct service to New York.
- Megabus has great prices. It connects Hartford and New Haven to New York City.
Travel times by bus
Buses from New Haven to New York typically take around 2 hours.
From Hartford, the journey averages 2 hours 30 minutes. Travel times depend on traffic but are comparable to driving.
Some practical advice for travelers
Travel between Connecticut and New York is easy.
And still, planning ahead can make it better.
Here’s what I recommend:
- For drivers: Plan around rush hour, and consider using apps to check traffic on I-95 and the Merritt Parkway.
- For train riders: Buy tickets in advance using mobile apps to save time at stations.
- For bus travelers: Arrive early, as seats may fill quickly during busy periods.
- For air travelers: Only look at flights if you’re connecting internationally or if the departure point is nearer to an airport than a train station.
Main takeaways
The question “How far is Connecticut from New York?” has no single answer.
It always depends on the traveler’s personality.
For some people, it’s a one-hour drive to Stamford. For others, it’s a 3-hour connection from Hartford to New York’s airports.
Hopefully, the information above can help you plan your trip ahead.
Cheers!!
