Driving Time between Bristol, Vermont and Groton, Connecticut

A picture depicting driving

Bristol to Groton: A Scenic Road Trip through New England

Are you looking for a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or planning a road trip to explore the picturesque towns and countryside of New England? Look no further than the journey from Bristol, Vermont to Groton, Connecticut.

The First Option - The I-87 and I-95 Route

One possible route is to take I-87 South towards New York City, then switch to I-95 South towards Groton. This is the fastest option, covering approximately 285 miles in a little over five hours.

However, if you have some extra time, we recommend taking advantage of the beautiful scenery along the way. Here are some recommended stops:

  • The Bennington Monument in Bennington, Vermont, marking the site of the Battle of Bennington during the American Revolutionary War.
  • The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut, where you can see over 1,200 marine animals living in Long Island Sound.
  • The Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut, where you can learn about the history of maritime life in New England while exploring a recreated 19th-century seaport village.

The Second Option - The I-91 and I-84 Route

Another option is to take I-91 South towards Hartford, Connecticut, then switch to I-84 East towards Providence, Rhode Island, and finally take I-95 South towards Groton. While this option may be slightly longer, at approximately 310 miles, it offers a more scenic route through the rolling hills and valleys of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

Here are some recommended stops along the way:

  • The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont, where you can explore interactive exhibits and see live animals.
  • The Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, where you can pay homage to the legends of the game and shoot some hoops yourself.
  • The Watch Hill Lighthouse in Westerly, Rhode Island, offering stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding beach town.

The Final Route - The Scenic Route

If you're in no rush and want to enjoy the picturesque countryside of New England, we recommend taking scenic Route 100 from Bristol, Vermont towards the White Mountains in New Hampshire. From there, head east on Route 302 towards Portland, Maine, then drive south on Route 1 towards Groton. This route will cover approximately 450 miles in around nine hours, depending on how often you stop to take in the sights.

Here are some recommended stops:

  • The Vermont Country Store in Weston, Vermont, offering a wide range of classic New England products and treats.
  • The Mount Washington Cog Railway in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, a scenic railway journey to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States.
  • The Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, one of the most photographed lighthouses in America, offering stunning views of the rocky coastline.

No matter which route you choose, the journey from Bristol to Groton is an unforgettable road trip through the heart of New England. Enjoy the scenic views, stop in charming towns and villages, and make lasting memories along the way.