Road Trip from Andover, Massachusetts to Fairfield, Connecticut: What it Will Cost You

Want to take a scenic road trip from Andover, MA to Fairfield, CT? It's a long trip, but there are a few different routes you can take. Below, we'll break down the distances, times and costs of each route so you can decide which one works best for you.

The Route via I-84 E

If you take I-84 E, the entire trip will take you approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It's a straight shot and roughly 120 miles from Andover to Fairfield. Unfortunately, this route involves a toll — the cost of which will vary depending on the time of day. During peak hours, the toll can be as much as $10! But let's assume you're traveling off-peak and you'll only need to pay $6.50 for the toll. In terms of gas, you'll need about 3 gallons (one-way) which will cost about $9.75 if gas is at $3.25/gallon. So, in total, the trip will cost you $16.25 without factoring in food, drinks, or any other stops.

The Coastal Route via I-95 S

If you want a more scenic route, take I-95 S instead. This will take you along the coastline and give you some picturesque views. The trip mileage and time are similar — roughly 125 miles and 2 hours and 40 minutes. The tolls are a bit less on this route, with one toll in Massachusetts costing $3.50 and two tolls in Connecticut for $5.50 each. So, the total tolls cost would be $14.50. Gas will cost you about $10 each way (roughly 6.5 gallons at $3.25/gallon), making the entire trip cost you approximately $24.50.

The "Back Roads" Route

Lastly, there's the slowest route that will take you through some small towns — it's longer and will take you approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. The plus side is that there are no tolls! The distance is roughly 145 miles. You'll need about 8.5 gallons of gas (each way) which would cost around $28 (at $3.25/gallon). This results in a total cost of about $56.

In conclusion, there isn't a significant difference in the total cost between the inland "I-84" route and the coastal "I-95" route, but the latter — being more scenic— will take you along the coast. The third route is much longer but offers a chance to explore the small towns on the way. Whether you choose speed or scenic views, Andover, Massachusetts to Fairfield, Connecticut is a trip well worth the cost!