Connecticut Borders: States, Map & Complete Guide
Fact-checked • Updated January 11, 2026
Connecticut borders three states: Massachusetts to the north, Rhode Island to the east, and New York to the west. The state also meets Long Island Sound along its southern coast. The Connecticut River runs through the center of the state from north to south.
Connecticut Border Map
Map showing Connecticut's boundaries with Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and Long Island Sound.
Border Details
Explore each of Connecticut's borders in detail. Click any card to learn more.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts forms Connecticut's entire northern border.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island borders Connecticut's eastern edge.
New York
New York forms Connecticut's entire western border.
Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound borders Connecticut's southern coast for about 96 miles.
Which States Border Connecticut?
Connecticut shares its borders with three U.S. states: Massachusetts to the north, Rhode Island to the east, and New York to the west. Despite being one of the smallest states, Connecticut's location makes it a key connector in the New England region.
North: Massachusetts
Massachusetts and Connecticut are separated by a border located on Connecticut's northern edge. The state line runs roughly east-west across the top of Connecticut, from Rhode Island in the east to New York in the west.
The Connecticut-Massachusetts border extends for about 90 miles. Connecticut counties along this border include Litchfield, Hartford, Tolland, and Windham. On the Massachusetts side, border counties include Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester. Major cities near this border include Springfield, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut.
- About 90 miles east-west
- Connecticut counties: Litchfield, Hartford, Tolland, Windham
- Near major cities: Springfield (MA), Hartford (CT)
East: Rhode Island
Rhode Island and Connecticut are separated by a border located on Connecticut's eastern edge. This boundary runs roughly north-south from Massachusetts in the north to Long Island Sound in the south.
The Connecticut-Rhode Island border extends for about 45 miles, making it Connecticut's shortest state border. Only two Connecticut counties touch this border: Windham in the north and New London in the south. On the Rhode Island side, Washington and Kent counties sit along the border. The Pawcatuck River forms part of this boundary.
- About 45 miles north-south (shortest border)
- Connecticut counties: Windham, New London
- Pawcatuck River forms part of border
West: New York
New York and Connecticut are separated by a border located on Connecticut's western edge. The boundary runs roughly north-south from Massachusetts in the north to Long Island Sound in the south.
The Connecticut-New York border extends for about 90 miles. Connecticut counties along this border include Litchfield, Fairfield, and New Haven. On the New York side, Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties sit along the border. Major cities near this border include Stamford, Greenwich, and Danbury in Connecticut, and White Plains and Yonkers in New York.
- About 90 miles north-south
- Connecticut counties: Litchfield, Fairfield, New Haven
- Near major cities: Stamford, Greenwich, Danbury (CT)
Long Island Sound: Connecticut's Southern Border
Long Island Sound forms Connecticut's entire southern boundary, providing about 96 miles of coastline. This body of water separates Connecticut from New York's Long Island and connects to the Atlantic Ocean. The Sound serves as a major shipping route and recreational area, with important ports in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Norwalk. Connecticut's coastline along the Sound includes numerous harbors, beaches, and estuaries.
Small State, Strategic Location
Connecticut is the third-smallest state by area in the U.S., which means its borders are relatively short compared to most states. The entire state measures only about 90 miles from north to south and 110 miles from east to west. Despite its small size, Connecticut's position between Boston and New York City has made it historically important for trade and transportation.
Key Facts & Statistics
This table shows every border Connecticut shares, organized by direction and type.
Connecticut borders exactly three U.S. states
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Coastline measurements and Long Island Sound data