Hartford Bradley Layover Guide (BDL)

What are you looking for in BDL?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Hartford Airport (BDL), officially known as Bradley International Airport, is located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. It’s situated about 24 km (15 miles) north of downtown Hartford. The airport opened in 1940 and serves as a major gateway to New England. Hartford is known as the “Insurance Capital of the World” and offers a mix of historical charm, cultural attractions, and easy access to scenic New England destinations.

Can you leave Hartford Airport (BDL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
If you land at Bradley International Airport (BDL) on an international connection and clear US immigration there, you’re free to exit the terminal during your layover. However, you must hold valid US entry authorization—either a visa or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, depending on your nationality requirements. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Bristol: Lake Compounce Admission Ticket

Experience over 175 years of family fun at America’s oldest amusement park, featuring the iconic Boulder Dash wooden coaster, over 40 rides and attractions, and Connecticut’s largest water park. Enjoy seasonal events like Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights, plus live entertainment on the floating stage for all ages. » book this tour

Mystic: Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night

Feel the eerie atmosphere of Mystic’s historic streets on this 2-hour walking ghost tour. Cross the bascule bridge and uncover tales of colonial strife, turn-of-the-century murders, Revolutionary heroes, and spectral Civil War soldiers as you explore one mile of haunted legends guided by local storytellers. » book this tour

Mystic: Seaport Museum All-Day Admission Entry Ticket

Spend a full day at Mystic Seaport Museum exploring its 19-acre campus. Wander through a working shipyard, stroll a recreated 19th-century coastal village, board the historic Charles W. Morgan whale ship, and interact with shipwrights. Optional sailing and daily planetarium shows enhance this immersive maritime heritage experience. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Mark Twain House & Museum Explore the beautifully preserved Victorian home where Mark Twain wrote iconic works. Guided tours showcase period furnishings, personal artifacts, and immersive exhibits illuminating his literary rich legacy. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Take CTtransit shuttle to downtown (approx 45 mins) or taxi (20 mins))
  • Connecticut Science Center Interactive exhibits spanning science, technology, engineering, and math engage visitors of all ages. Hands-on demonstrations, live presentations, and the immersive Science Theater inspire curiosity while showcasing Connecticut’s contributions to innovation. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: CTtransit shuttle to Union Station + short walk (approx 40 mins) or taxi (20 mins))
  • Elizabeth Park Rose Garden Stroll through America’s oldest municipal rose garden, boasting over eighty varieties of fragrant roses amidst lush green lawns and picturesque pathways. Ideal for serene relaxation and beautiful blooming opportunities. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: CTtransit bus 30 to Elizabeth Street + 10-min walk or taxi (20 mins))
  • Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art America’s oldest public art museum features diverse collections from European classics to contemporary works. Rotating exhibitions, interactive galleries, and guided tours offer an enriching cultural experience in a Beaux-Arts setting. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: CTtransit shuttle to downtown + short walk (approx 40 mins) or taxi (20 mins))
  • Connecticut State Capitol Tour the majestic 19th-century gold-domed capitol building, home to the state legislature and historic chambers. Free guided tours delve into Connecticut’s political history, remarkable architectural details, and unique civic significance. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: CTtransit bus to Gold Street + walk (approx 35 mins) or taxi (20 mins))
  • Bushnell Park & Carousel Relax in America’s oldest publicly funded park, featuring scenic walking paths, serene ponds, lively flowerbeds, and iconic Pump House. Experience the historic hand-carved carousel housed in an elegant glass pavilion. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: CTtransit to Trinity Street station + walk (approx 40 mins) or taxi (20 mins))
  • Harriet Beecher Stowe Center Visit the preserved Victorian residence of author Harriet Beecher Stowe, complete with period furnishings, personal artifacts, and immersive exhibits exploring the writing of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and enduring abolitionist impact. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: CTtransit bus to Farmington Avenue + short walk (approx 45 mins) or taxi (20 mins))
  • Hartford Riverfront Park Enjoy scenic breathtaking river views along the Connecticut Riverwalk, featuring landscaped promenades, public art installations, and seasonal events. Perfect for strolling, photography, or relaxing on tranquil benches overlooking the water. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: CTtransit bus to Riverfront Plaza stop (approx 45 mins) or taxi (20 mins))

Things to Do in Hartford Airport (BDL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Escape Lounge at Terminal A near Gate 1 offers a tranquil retreat from the terminal’s hustle. Open daily from 5 AM to 8 PM (max 3 hours), it features à la carte hot and cold dishes, a full bar, free Wi-Fi, power outlets and comfortable seating for relaxation or work. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels within a short drive offer comfortable accommodations and airport shuttles. The Hilton Garden Inn, Hartford-Windsor Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott sit six miles away and feature fitness centers, on-site dining and 24-hour shuttle. Holiday Inn Express & Suites provides free breakfast, an indoor pool and complimentary airport transfers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Overnight sleepers can find benches and chairs in the carpeted hallway near the on-site hotel and seating alcoves by the lower-level baggage claim. Landside areas remain accessible after security closes; passengers must clear security again in the morning. Staff are accommodating and the airport maintains a clean, safe environment.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals under the SSID “BDLPublic.” Simply select the network, accept the terms on the splash screen and connect. Charging stations are located near gates and elevators, ensuring devices stay powered for browsing, streaming and work during your wait.

SIM/eSIM Card: Rent’n Connect eSIM kiosks at Bradley allow instant digital activation of local data plans without a physical SIM. Choose from flexible 4G/5G packages valid across Connecticut, purchase via credit card and activate on multiple devices. Ideal for travelers seeking secure, high-speed coverage from arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis pick up outside the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level between doors 2 and 3. On-site attendants assist with traffic flow and boarding. To schedule in advance or inquire about fares, call (860) 627-3128. Standard metered rates apply, and rideshares such as Uber and Lyft also have dedicated pickup areas nearby.

Train: Windsor Locks station, served by Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and CTrail’s Hartford Line, lies 2 miles north of the terminal. Passengers can transfer via the CTtransit Route 24 bus or book a shuttle. For schedules and station details, visit more info.

Bus: CTtransit Route 24 shuttles between Windsor Locks train station and the airport Monday through Friday from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM. The Bradley Flyer Route 30x provides express service to Hartford’s Union Station and downtown every 40 minutes. For full schedules, visit more info.

Shuttle: Most airport-area hotels provide complimentary 24/7 shuttle service to Bradley’s Arrivals level; reservations are recommended. Additionally, CT Rail offers a scheduled shuttle from Hartford Station to the airport for rail connections. Check your operator for exact times and pickup points.

Car rentals: All major car rental brands, including Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, National, Alamo and Payless, are housed in the on-site Ground Transportation Center adjacent to Terminal A. Accessible via a covered walkway, this facility eliminates shuttle transfers and offers quick pickup and return lanes for a seamless experience. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: BDLSPARK on-airport parking offers covered garage and surface lots starting at $7/day with no advance reservation needed. Economy lots near Terminal A provide budget options, while valet services and a free cell-phone waiting lot are also available. For rates and maps, visit the official parking portal.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Bradley does not offer baggage storage or lockers. Passengers can rent Smarte Carte luggage carts for $5 each at the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level. Long-term storage services are available off-site in downtown Hartford via third-party vendors; check local providers in advance. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Hartford Airport (BDL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks