Road Trip from Bristol, Connecticut to Springfield, Massachusetts: How Long Will It Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Bristol, Connecticut to Springfield, Massachusetts? If so, you may be wondering how long it will take you to get there. The good news is that there are several routes you can take, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Keep reading to learn more about estimated driving times based on traffic patterns, distance, and route options.

Fastest Route: Via I-91 North

If speed is your top priority, your best option is to take I-91 North. This is the most direct route, and it typically takes about 45 minutes to drive the 32 miles. Keep in mind that traffic patterns can significantly impact travel time, particularly during rush hour. In the morning, you may encounter traffic between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. In the evening, expect congestion around 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Scenic Route: Via Route 10 North

If you want to take a more leisurely, scenic route, consider taking Route 10 North. This route takes approximately 1 hour and covers a distance of approximately 34 miles. You will enjoy driving through picturesque towns and taking in the picturesque views. Traffic on Route 10 tends to be lighter than that on the highway, but expect to slow down through the congested areas of Collinsville and Granby.

Avoiding Highway: Via Route 202 North

If you do not enjoy highway driving, Route 202 may be a better option for you. From Bristol, take Route 202 North, which goes through the towns of Canton and East Granby before reaching Springfield. Theoretically, this route covers 29.8 miles, but it can take up to an hour or more, depending on traffic. It is, however, an incredibly scenic and historic route that passes through Important Revolutionary War battle sites besides the state's various natural attractions.

Slowest Route: Via Route 10 and Route 202 North

If you want to take a combination of the two scenic routes, you can take Route 10 North until Granby and hit Route 202 North for the final leg of your journey. This route will take you about 1 hour 30 minutes to cover the 40 miles between Bristol and Springfield.

Other Options

If you have additional time, you can explore the beautiful the Farmington River Valley by taking Route 10 up to Route 318 until you reach Route 20. From there can take a different route to Springfield, MA. As you wind through and around the towns, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the valley

In conclusion, the driving distance between Bristol, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts, is only about 32 to 40 miles, depending on the route you take. Expect to spend between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, based on the route and traffic patterns. Regardless of the route you choose, bring your favorite playlist and enjoy the ride!