Bristol, RI to Southampton, NY: Ultimate Coastal Drive Guide

The drive from Bristol, Rhode Island to Southampton, New York is a 170-mile journey that crosses three states and two iconic bridges. Bristol, the oldest continuously chartered town in the United States (1681), sits on Narragansett Bay. Southampton, at the eastern end of Long Island, is a classic Gold Coast enclave. The most direct route uses I-195 W, I-95 S, and I-495 E, with the critical crossing of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge toll plaza ($12.83 for passenger cars via E-ZPass).

This guide answers the questions: best stops Bristol, RI to Southampton, NY, how long to drive Bristol, RI to Southampton, NY, is it worth driving Bristol, RI to Southampton, NY, and things to do between Bristol, RI and Southampton, NY. For a broader perspective on trip planning, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Major construction zones: I-95 in Bridgeport often has lane closures. The Throgs Neck Bridge can experience heavy traffic, especially Friday afternoons. Plan to avoid peak hours (4-7 PM). Dog-friendly rest stops include the service plazas on I-95 in Connecticut (e.g., North Haven) with pet relief areas.

For families, the Mystic Aquarium (exit 90 off I-95) is a must-see with beluga whales. Another option is the Children's Museum in New Haven. For fatigue management, take breaks every 2 hours—recommended stops: Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, CT (mile 115) and the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Calverton, NY (mile 160).

• Restroom access: All service plazas on I-95 CT and I-495 NY have clean facilities.
• Child-friendly dining: Kid-friendly restaurants like Friendly's in Milford, CT.

The route transitions from Narragansett Bay's salt marshes to the rolling hills of Connecticut, then Long Island's pine barrens and Atlantic beaches. Near Bridgeport, you can see the historic Black Rock Harbor Lighthouse. On Long Island, the Hamptons region offers pristine barrier beaches and the majestic dunes of Napeague State Park.

Along the way, consider stops at local farmers' markets in New Haven or Riverhead's Tanger Outlets. In Southampton, Main Street is lined with boutique shops and art galleries. The Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill is a cultural gem.

The journey begins on RI-114 S, merging onto I-195 W toward Providence. After merging onto I-95 S in New Haven, CT, you'll connect to I-495 E (Long Island Expressway) via the Throgs Neck Bridge ($11.19 toll). The final leg is on NY-27 E to Sunrise Highway NY-27A and local roads into Southampton.

• Estimated fuel cost: $20–$30 for a standard sedan (average 25 mpg, $3.50/gal).
• Recommended fill-up: Route 1 in Warwick, RI or off I-95 in Milford, CT (cheaper than NY).
• Alternative scenic route: Take US-1 along the Connecticut coast to Old Saybrook, then ferry from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport (CT), but add 1 hour.