Route 71 is a north–south state highway in Connecticut, running from Wallingford to West Hartford.

After 0.23 miles, it joins Route 150 for a 0.13-mile (0.21 km) wrong way concurrency through the Yalesville Underpass.

In the center of Meriden, Route 71 becomes a pair of one way sections as it intersects West Main Street.

Continuing north, it intersects the west end of Route 175 before passing by Central Connecticut State University.

After passing through a 0.18 mile portion of Farmington, and a 0.04 mile sliver of Newington, Route 71 enters West Hartford and becomes New Britain Avenue, where it turns east and has an interchange with, but does not cross, I-84 and US 6 at exit 40.

In 1962, US 5A in Meriden was removed and Route 71 signed at I-84 south of West Main Street was relocated to the former US 5A alignment (Cook Avenue and Old Colony Road).

It continues into New Britain, where it becomes Kensington Avenue, and ends half a mile later at an intersection with Buell Street.

Some signage for Route 71A still exists north of the official northern terminus.