Car Travel in Hartford

Car Travel

From New York City head north on Interstate 95, which hugs the Connecticut shoreline into Rhode Island, or, to reach the Litchfield Hills and Hartford, head north on Interstate 684, then east on Interstate 84. From Springfield, Massachusetts, go south on Interstate 91, which bisects Interstate 84 in Hartford and Interstate 95 in New Haven. From Boston take Interstate 95 south through Providence or take the Massachusetts Turnpike west to Interstate 84. Interstate 395 runs north-south from southeastern Connecticut to Massachusetts.

The interstates are the quickest routes between many points in Connecticut, but they are busy and ugly. The speed limits on Connecticut's interstates change, sometimes going from 65 mph to 45 mph and back quite quickly through the cities. Be certain to check for posted speed limits. Right turns on red are legal unless posted otherwise.

If time allows, skip the interstates in favor of the historic Merritt Parkway (Route 15), which winds between Greenwich and Middletown; U.S. 7 and Route 8, extending between Interstate 95 and the Litchfield Hills; Route 9, which heads south from Hartford through the Connecticut River valley to Old Saybrook; and scenic Route 169, which meanders through the Quiet Corner. Maps are available free from the Connecticut Office of Tourism.