Bridgeport CT to New Haven CT drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best road trip stops on the Bridgeport CT to New Haven CT drive are Pez Visitor Center, Silver Sands State Park and Sea Bluff Beach. The distance from Bridgeport CT to New Haven CT by car is 20 miles, with a 25 minute driving time.

Finding things to do between Bridgeport CT and New Haven

The Bridgeport to New Haven drive connects two of Connecticut’s biggest cities

By population, Bridgeport is the biggest city in Connecticut. Its strength lies in its large system of parks. The sprawling Seaside Park, which contains Seaside Beach, should be first choice.

On a cultural level, the Barnum Museum celebrates legendary showman PT Barnum, who became mayor of Bridgeport. The circus-themes museum has been closed for major reconstruction – check it has reopened before visiting.

New Haven CT is home to Yale University, which provides the city’s top attractions. The Yale Center of British Art hosts the biggest collection of British Art outside the UK. Yale University Art Gallery covers a broader, global range. And the Yale Peabody Museum does natural history, evolution and dinosaur skeletons.

You can also do self-guided smartphone walking tours of the Yale campus, or a story-packed ghost walk.

New Haven’s other claim to fame is New Haven-style pizza. It’s close to a traditional Neapolitan style, with a thin, chewy base and very little melted cheese.

Good quality, academia-themed accommodation options in New Haven include the Study at Yale and the Graduate.

Bridgeport CT to New Haven CT distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Bridgeport CT to New Haven is 20 miles. That makes for a driving time of around 25 minutes. The quickest route heads along the I-95.

The best stops to add to a Bridgeport to New Haven road trip itinerary are the Pez Visitor Center, Silver Sands State Park and Sea Bluff Beach.

Bridgeport CT to New Haven drive: Silver Sands State Park

The main allure of Silver Sands State Park in Milford CT comes from the sandbar that connects it to Charles Island. The island is off limits between May and September, when it is reserved as a bird nesting site. For the rest of the year, it is closed off by the tides twice a day. Otherwise, enjoy the ¾-mile boardwalk, beaches and sand dunes.

Best things to do between Bridgeport CT and New Haven CT: Pez Visitor Center

Candy company Pez showcases its brand memorabilia and heritage at the Pez Visitor Center in Orange CT. The attraction covers 4,000 square feet, and is home to the world’s largest Pez dispenser. You can also see how the candy is made from the viewpoint over the production area.

Bridgeport to New Haven road trip attractions: Sea Bluff Beach

Sea Bluff Beach in West Haven is one of the best beaches in Connecticut. The water is usually blue and calm, it’s sandy rather than pebbly, and there are good facilities. These include three volleyball courts and showers. Lifeguard services operate in season.