[JayCT]

I-95 leads to the George Washington Bridge. No one is saying how to get to the Tappen Zee from I-95.

I would come up I-95 to the Garden State Parkway north to I-87 south in New York. Follow I-87 south over the Tappen Zee to I-287.

I have taken both the parkways and I-684 but found the parkways to be faster. I would catch the Hutchinson River Parkway north which turns in to the Merritt Parkway and then the Wilbur Cross Parkway in Connecticut. Follow the parkways to I-91 north to Hartford. JMHO, Jay

[ctcoldplay11]

I agree with Jay, I think the parkways are much faster! (NO TRUCKS EITHER!)

[darkone]

I agree with Jay and was also going to add what he mentioned about getting to the TP Bridge from I-95 (take GSP etc.)

However - The parkways (esp. the Merrit) become quite slow and possibly stop and go during peak hours. (Especially if I-95 through Fairfield County is in rough shape - which it often can be). You can try the parkway option.

However, I would advise taking I-684 to I-84 instead for two reasons:

a) I-684 is usually a breeze.
b) Both are interstate highways.

But it could also be a tossup, you never know.

[kidyankee764]

It really depends on the time of day. If it's at night (after 7pm), probably the parkways as Jay noted it is less in mileage. Anytime during the day, I'd recommend 684N to 84E. The Merritt is bumper to bumper generally between 4:15 and 6:30, and 95 is always a gamble - but you can be sure to hit traffic on 95 somewhere between Greenwich and New Haven any time of day. Last week at midnight I sat there for quite awhile due to construction.

[BigHouse9]

Jay,

Good point, I-95 North to Exit 11 - Garden State Parkway - Follow into New York (there are 3 tolls on the GSP) and take 287 over Tappan Zee - You can take the Hutch exit or the Merrit exit (9) depending on the time of day. I would avoid 95 at all costs too.

[JayCT]

Yes, I would stay off of I-95 in Connecticut. It really is kind of out of the way at that point. I also agree to avoid the parkways if you will traveling there during the evening rush hour (4:00 to 6:00 PM), then use I-684 and I-84 instead. Good luck, Jay

[hvexpatinct]

My preferred route, based on nearly weekly trips from the DC area to CT for three years. Not the shortest mileage-wise, but the most predictable time-wise.

270 to Frederick, US 15 to the Harrisburg area, 81 north to Scranton PA, get on 84 there and take all the way east to Hartford.

You can also take the Dulles Toll Rd to 15 in Leesburg VA if you happen to be out in that area, follow the same directions as above.