Driving Time between Boston, Massachusetts and East Lyme, Connecticut

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Road Trip from Boston to East Lyme: The Best Routes and Stops

Do you want to get out of the city for a while and explore the beautiful countryside of East Lyme, Connecticut? Then it's time to hit the road and enjoy the scenic drive through charming towns and picturesque landscapes. Here are the best routes to take and some recommended stops along the way.

Route 1: I-95 South

This is the most direct and fastest route from Boston to East Lyme, covering a distance of about 115 miles. It usually takes around 2 hours to drive, depending on traffic conditions. The route starts in Boston and continues south on I-95, passing through Providence, New Haven, and Mystic before reaching East Lyme.

  • Providence: Stop by the RISD Museum of Art, the WaterFire Providence installation, or the Providence Athenaeum library.
  • New Haven: Visit the historic Yale University campus, the Peabody Museum of Natural History, or the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
  • Mystic: Explore the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Aquarium, or the Olde Mistick Village shopping center.

Route 2: Route 2 West + I-395 South

If you prefer a more scenic route with less traffic, this option might be a good choice. It covers a distance of about 120 miles and can take around 2.5 hours to drive. The route starts in Boston and heads west on Route 2, passing through scenic towns like Concord, Fitchburg, and Gardner before reaching I-395. Then, you'll head south on I-395, passing through Norwich and Waterford before reaching East Lyme.

  • Concord: Visit the Minute Man National Historical Park, the Walden Pond State Reservation, or the Concord Museum.
  • Gardner: Check out the Gardner Museum, the Mount Wachusett Community College theater, or the Dunn State Park.
  • Norwich: Experience the Slater Memorial Museum, the Norwich Arts Center, or the Mohegan Sun Casino.

Route 3: Coastal Drive on Route 1A South

If you're in the mood for a leisurely drive along the coast, this option might be perfect for you. It covers a distance of about 135 miles and can take around 3 hours to drive, but the views and atmosphere are worth it. The route starts in Boston and heads south on Route 1A, passing through Quincy, Weymouth, and Scituate before reaching Hull. Then, you'll take the ferry to Long Island before heading to East Lyme.

  • Quincy: Explore the Adams National Historical Park, the Quincy Quarries Reservation, or the United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum.
  • Weymouth: Visit the Great Esker Park, the Weymouth Landing shopping center, or the Osprey Overlook Park.
  • Scituate: Check out the Scituate Lighthouse, the Lawson Tower, or the North Scituate Public Library.

No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of options to choose from to make your road trip from Boston to East Lyme fun and memorable. Take a few hours or a few days to explore the charming towns, historic sites, and natural attractions of Connecticut's countryside. Happy travels!