The route you usually take is the most direct, though I suppose you have learned that traffic can be a problem.

You can join the Garden State Parkway north at Exit 11, then take 87/287 over the Tappan Zee Bridge to 287, which you can then follow to 95 north. It would also be possible to take the Merritt.

What Fra_Diavolo said is true, or you could take the GW bridge to Henry Hudson to Cross Bronx to Hutchinson River Pkwy to 287.

There is no foolproof way, listen to the local radio stations for traffic problems or get through the city on 95 before 6:30 AM.

thank you both for your speedy reply. it's most appreciated. as you know, the traffic on these routes can be, well, beyond bad. thanks again!

This is definitely NOT the shortest route, and perhaps not even the least time-consuming. However, I rarely run into traffic when I take it while going from Philly into New England.

1) Highway 611 north of the PA Turnpike.
2) Northeast on U.S. Highway 202, just south of Doylestown.
3) Stay on 202 as you enter New Jersey, heading towards Flemington and Somerville.
HINT: get gas at the Hess soon after you cross into NJ.
4) North on I-287 towards Morristown.
5) Stay on I-287 at its intersection with I-80 (watch the signs, it can get tricky).
6) Stay on I-287 as you head north towards the New York Thruway.
7) Just after you cross into New York, continue on I-287 (ie, south on I-87, AWAY from the NYT) towards the Tappan Zee Bridge.
8) Stay on I-287 towards White Plains and Port Chester.
9) Depending on traffic, get on either the Merritt Parkway or I-95 in order to enter Connecticut.

To get to Fairfield, you'll have to get onto I-95 at some point. Just accept this misery.