Anne Frewen
Phone
(484) 678-9061
Email
[email protected]
If you’re planning a move to Fairfield County and know you’ll be commuting into New York City for work, whether you're coming from NYC, out of state, or another part of Connecticut -one question rises to the top almost immediately:
“How long will the train commute to Manhattan actually take?”
It’s the most common concern we hear from buyers who split their week between suburban living and a New York City office. With many employers expecting in-person attendance three to five days a week, your daily ride to Grand Central becomes one of the biggest factors in choosing where to live.
And here’s what surprises most people: Commute times can vary dramatically from one Fairfield County town to the next -sometimes by 20 to 30 minutes each way. That difference adds up fast and often becomes the deciding factor between towns like Greenwich, Darien, Westport, Fairfield, Wilton, or Ridgefield.
That’s why we created this guide.
Below, we break down the real train commute from the towns our relocation buyers ask about most, including Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, Fairfield (and Southport), New Canaan, Wilton, Weston, Easton, and Ridgefield.
A Quick Note on Parking
Parking at Fairfield County train stations has shifted a lot over the past few years. The long permit waitlists many buyers remember hearing about are largely a thing of the past, and most stations now offer a mix of permit parking and day parking with much more availability than pre-Covid.
Since each town sets its own permit fees, and they tend to adjust year to year, we always recommend checking directly with the town for current rates. Weekend parking is typically free across the Metro-North system, which is a nice perk for anyone heading into the city outside the weekly commute.
COASTAL EXPRESS TOWNS
Fastest, most frequent service on the Metro-North New Haven Line
Greenwich
As the closest Connecticut town to New York City, Greenwich sets the standard for commute convenience. With four stations, Greenwich, Cos Cob, Riverside, and Old Greenwich, you get excellent frequency and flexibility.
Commute Snapshot:
-Fastest ride in Connecticut, as little as 45 minutes
-Parking: Town-managed permit + daily parking
Who chooses Greenwich: Buyers wanting a premier coastal town, top schools, and the closest commute.
Stamford
Stamford is one of the busiest stations on the entire Metro-North New Haven Line, offering the most frequent service to Grand Central outside of NYC itself. Express trains are plentiful, making Stamford one of the fastest and most reliable commutes into Manhattan.
Commute Snapshot:
-As fast as 50 minutes on express trains
-Major transfer hub with constant service
-Abundant parking garages + daily parking options
Who chooses Stamford: Buyers who want an urban-suburban blend, a vibrant downtown, walkability to restaurants and amenities, and the most flexible NYC train schedule in Fairfield County.
Darien
Darien and Noroton Heights offer frequent express service and consistently efficient peak-hour schedules.
Commute Snapshot:
- Approximately 60 minutes
- Parking: Darien(Leroy lot) waitlist of 4 yrs and you must reside in Darien; 5 year waitlist for Noroton Heights
Who chooses Darien: Buyers who prioritize suburban living with strong commuter access.
Norwalk
Norwalk offers three stations: South Norwalk, East Norwalk, and Rowayton ,with South Norwalk (SoNo) serving as the main hub. SoNo connects the New Haven Line with the Danbury Branch, making it a key transfer point for many commuters from northern towns.
Commute Snapshot:
-55–65 minutes to Grand Central, depending on station
-South Norwalk offers the most frequent service
-Parking varies by station; SoNo has garage and day-parking options
Who chooses Norwalk: Buyers seeking a lively, diverse community with a strong arts and food scene, multiple neighborhood options, and solid access to NYC without the price tag of towns farther south.
Westport (Saugatuck & Greens Farms)
Westport offers excellent express service from Saugatuck and a quieter station at Greens Farms.
Commute Snapshot:
- About 70 minutes
- Saugatuck: Best frequency + parking
- Greens Farms: Ideal for east-side residents
Who chooses Westport: Buyers wanting coastal living, arts, culture, and top schools.
Fairfield (Including Southport)
Fairfield offers three commuter stations-Fairfield Center, Fairfield Metro, and Southport, giving residents strong flexibility and consistent service.
Fairfield Center & Fairfield Metro
Fairfield’s two main stations offer frequent service, accessible parking, and convenient travel.
Commute Snapshot:
- Around 80 minutes
- Permit + daily parking options
- Fairfield Metro features abundant parking + easy highway access
Who chooses Fairfield: Buyers wanting a balanced town with excellent schools, great dining, and five beaches-a standout lifestyle perk.
Southport (Village Station)
Southport offers an intimate, historic, coastal station setting with walkability and charm.
Commute Snapshot:
- About 90 minutes
- Perfect for walk-to-train residents
Who chooses Southport: Buyers drawn to character, coastal beauty, and historic village living.
NORTHERN & LIFESTYLE-FOCUSED TOWNS
These towns are served by branch lines, which connect to the main Metro-North New Haven Line via a quick transfer.
New Canaan
New Canaan riders access Manhattan via Metro-North’s New Canaan Branch, which connects to the New Haven Line in Stamford. The town has two stations, but the key point is that all service requires a quick transfer in Stamford.
Commute Snapshot:
- Currently no waitlist for Talmadge parking lot; check with town for status of other lots
- Connects to the New Haven Line via the New Canaan Branch
- Transfer at Stamford required
- Approximately 80 minutes total to Grand Central
Who chooses New Canaan: Buyers who love upscale village living, top-tier schools, and charming neighborhoods and are comfortable with a transfer.
Wilton
Wilton’s two stations, Wilton and Cannondale, are on the Danbury Branch, which connects to the New Haven Line via transfer at South Norwalk.
Commute Snapshot:
- Typically 90 minutes door-to-door
Who chooses Wilton: Buyers wanting larger lots, quiet neighborhoods, and strong schools.
Ridgefield
Ridgefield commuters typically use one of two routes: Branchville Station on the Danbury Branch (transfer at South Norwalk) or Goldens Bridge on the Harlem Line (often faster).
Commute Snapshot:
- Branchville route: ~100 minutes
- Goldens Bridge route: ~70 minutes
Who chooses Ridgefield: Buyers drawn to culture, natural beauty, and privacy.
DRIVE-TO-TRAIN TOWNS
Weston
Weston has no station of its own, but residents are within a short drive of Westport, Wilton, or Cannondale stations.
Commute Snapshot:
- Typically, 80–95 minutes door-to-door
Who chooses Weston: Buyers wanting acreage, privacy, and top-tier schools.
Easton
Easton commuters typically use Fairfield Metro, Fairfield Center, or Westport.
Commute Snapshot:
- Typically, 85–100 minutes
Who chooses Easton: Buyers drawn to rural beauty, quiet living, and hybrid work flexibility.
What This Means for Your Home Search
Commute time matters, but it's only part of the equation.
Most buyers discover that lifestyle, schools, space, and neighborhood feel are just as important as getting to Grand Central quickly. Your perfect town is the one that strikes the right balance for your life: speed, space, beaches, charm, schools, value, or all of the above.
Your commute is one part of the equation; the way you want to live is the rest. Fairfield County offers a spectrum of possibilities, each with its own rhythm. When you’re ready to explore them through the lens of your priorities, we’re here with grounded, local insight.