Bradley airport (BDL)

Bradley International Airport (IATA code: BDL), opened for civil aviation in 1947 and operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA), is New England's second-busiest airport, after Boston Logan. It functions as the primary aviation gateway for Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, connecting passengers to dozens of domestic cities along with direct international links to Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Official Website: bradleyairport.com

Information Phone: +1 860 292 2000

Social Media:

Terminals

Passenger operations are centered at Terminal A, which features two concourses: the East Concourse (Gates 1 to 12) and the West Concourse (Gates 20 to 30). Recent modernization projects have added an inline baggage screening facility, wider exit corridors, and a concourse expansion with three additional gates. International arrivals are processed in the adjacent International Arrivals Building.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2024): 6.66 million passengers.

Information Desks

Customer service and information desks are located on the lower arrivals level (baggage claim) of Terminal A. Volunteer airport ambassadors are also stationed throughout the terminal to provide passenger assistance.

 Location

The airport is located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 15 km (9.5 miles) north of downtown Hartford and 20 km (12 miles) south of Springfield, Massachusetts, with direct highway access via Interstate 91 (exit 40 via Route CT-401).

Public and private transportation

Bradley International Airport offers convenient ground transportation links to Hartford, New Haven, Springfield, and the broader New England region.

Rideshare Services

Uber and Lyft vehicles pick up arriving passengers on the outer roadway outside Door 2 on the lower level (arrivals and baggage claim) of Terminal A.

Public Bus Service

CTtransit operates regular bus routes stopping along the curbside in front of the terminal:

• Route 30 (Bradley Flyer): A semi-express bus line connecting the airport with downtown Hartford, the Connecticut Convention Center, and Union Station. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes, departing hourly with a one-way fare of USD 1.75.
• Route 24: Local transit service connecting the terminal to Windsor Locks, the Windsor train station, and Poquonock Park & Ride.

Commuter and Regional Rail

The nearest rail station is Windsor Locks Station, located a few minutes away and easily reached by public bus or taxi. Available train services include:

• CTrail Hartford Line: Frequent regional trains between New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield. Passengers can connect at New Haven to Metro-North Railroad commuter trains to Grand Central Terminal in New York City and to Shore Line East.
• Amtrak: Intercity trains (such as the Northeast Regional and Valley Flyer) serving Boston, New York (Penn Station), Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Richmond.

Taxis and Private Transfers

Official taxi stands are located directly outside the arrivals hall. A one-way fare to downtown Hartford costs approximately USD 45.00, and travel time takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on highway traffic.

Car rental agencies

All on-airport rental car operations are housed in the dedicated Ground Transportation Center (GTC), a five-story facility directly connected to Terminal A via an enclosed pedestrian walkway on Level 2 (near Door 6). No shuttle buses are needed.

Rental Car Counters by Floor in the GTC

• Level 2: Avis, Budget, Payless.
• Level 3: Alamo, Enterprise, National.
• Level 4: Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty.

Rental Car Requirements

To rent a vehicle, you will need a valid driver's license, a passport (for international travelers), and a major credit card issued in the primary driver's name for deposit purposes. The standard minimum rental age is 21, though drivers under 25 are generally subject to a daily young-driver surcharge.

Parking services at Bradley airport (BDL)

Official on-airport parking is operated by BDL, offering short- and long-term parking options to suit various travel needs.

Parking Facilities

• Garage: Multi-level covered structure located directly across from Terminal A, offering the closest walking access for both short- and long-term stays.
• Express Lot 1: Surface long-term parking lot with continuous shuttle transport to the terminal curbside.
• Park & Walk Lot 2: Convenient outdoor parking within a short walking distance of Terminal A, requiring no shuttle.
• Economy Lot 3 and Economy Lot 4: Budget-friendly long-term open lots served by complimentary 24-hour shuttle buses.
• Lot 5b: Overflow long-term lot used during peak holiday travel periods.

Important Information

Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Free designated waiting area located on Light Lane, less than three minutes from Terminal A, featuring EV charging stations. Drivers must remain with their vehicles while waiting for arriving passengers.

Check official rates and real-time lot availability

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Bradley International Airport complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and features comprehensive facilities for travelers with reduced mobility or specialized requirements.

Special Assistance Requests

Passengers requiring wheelchair service or assistance boarding aircraft should notify their airline at least 48 hours prior to departure. The federal TSA Cares program is also available to assist passengers through airport security screening.

Accessibility Infrastructure

• Access ramps, curb cuts, automatic doors, and elevators serving all public levels.
• Accessible restrooms and companion-care family facilities.
• Public telecommunications devices (TTY) for the deaf and hard of hearing.
• Designated service animal relief areas located both pre-security outside and post-security airside.
• Participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to support travelers with invisible disabilities.

Accessible Parking

All official airport parking lots and the multi-story Garage provide clearly marked accessible parking bays situated close to elevators, crosswalks, and shuttle stops.