Bradley International Airport (BDL)

Bradley International Airport Guide For Travellers

When you are traveling to and from Bradley International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

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A Brief Overview of Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, United States

Situated in Windsor Locks town of Hartford County and at a distance of about 20 km (12 miles) from Hartford city center in New England region’s Connecticut state, United States lies its busiest commercial airport called Bradley International Airport.

The airport mainly serves Hartford and Springfield (in Massachusetts) cities and its neighboring nation Canada. The easiest route to reach the BDL airport is via Exit 40 from Interstate 91 north-south connector roadway.

IATA: BDL

Address:

Schoephoester Road

Windsor Locks, Connecticut (CT) 06096

USA

Airport Contact:(+860) 292 2000

Website: Bradley Airport

Operation Hours: Bradley International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.

About Airport’s Terminal

Bradley International Airport has just one terminal building, which consists of two concourses, East Concourse (Gates 1-12) and the other is called West Concourse (Gates 20-30). There is a separate Customs Building (also called Terminal B, temporarily) that handles all arriving international flights. There used to be Terminal B, but it was completely demolished.

Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.

On-site and Off-site Parking Options

Bradley International Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at the terminal. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of short-term and long-term parking.

There is no need to make a reservation, simply arrive and park.

Begin your journey with the convenience of the Official Airport Parking for BDL, where you can choose from covered garage parking or outdoor, uncovered parking at one of our lots. There is no need to make a reservation; simply arrive and park.

The rate for the different Parking lot

Cell Phone Parking Lot: The airport provides a free Cell Phone Parking Lot to persons waiting for arriving family members, relatives, or friends. It is located on Light Lane, just a few minutes away from the airport’s terminal.

Valet Parking: Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations: There are two electric vehicle charging stations available in the airport’s Cell Phone Parking Lot.

Airlines Operating from Bradley International Airport

Bradley International Airport serves only a few domestic, international, charter, government, military, and cargo airlines.

Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s terminal include:

Aer Lingus, Air Canada Express, American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta Airlines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, and United Express.

Facilities and Services Available at Bradley International Airport

Bradley International Airport in the U.S. state of Connecticut offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.

Security Check-points

There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.

Help Desk

When you are at the Bradley International Airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can enquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They can be found at the airside and landside of the terminal.

Wi-Fi and Device Charging Stations

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi internet service is offered with unlimited usage.

In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available throughout the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery.

Baggage Handling and Storage

Luggage Lockers: Lockers and luggage storage facilities may be available at the airport. The facility is located in the terminal.

Luggage Wrapping: Luggage wrapping services may be available at the airport. Bags are wrapped in plastic to protect them from damage and theft. It is located in the terminal.

Luggage Trolleys/Carts: Luggage carts are available at the airport. These can be found throughout the terminal.

Porter Services: Porter services are not available at the airport.

There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport.

Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.

Lounge and Business Conference Room

At Bradley International Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.

A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at the airport are:

The Escape Lounge: The lounge is available for common use and can be accessed by paying at the door. Facilities and services also offered are hot and cold snacks and beverages, flight information screens, Wi-Fi, newspapers, magazines, and private restrooms. It is located in the airside of East Concourse, near Gate 1, across from the Dunkin’ Donuts.

Admirals Club Lounge: The executive lounge is located in West Concourse, near Boarding Gate 24. Facilities such as workstations, Wi-Fi, telephones, and meeting space are also available. Access to the lounge is permitted to American Airlines and US Airways Club members and paid membership programs.

A few hotels in the city offer conference centers to business travelers.

Stores and Duty-Free Shopping

There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay. A few stores located in airside and landside areas include Benefit Cosmetics, Brooks Brothers, CNBC, Geneva Murano Glass Jewelry, IStore, Store 47, Travelmart, Cover 2 Cover, Inmotion, Paradies Shops, and many more.

A duty-Free store is also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. The International Shoppes is located on the airside of East Concourse, near Gate 8.

Cafe, Bar, and Restaurants

Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Bradley International Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found in both landside and airside areas. These include the Black Bear Saloon, Fresh City, Mc Donald’s, Papa Gino’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, Natalie’s Candy Jar, Phillips Seafood Restaurant, Two Rounds Tap Room, D’Angelos, Traveltini, Cask & Barrel Bistro, Concorde’s (at the Sheraton) and Starbucks.

Other Amenities Available at Bradley International Airport

There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:

Nursing Room: The Mother’s Nursing Room is located on the airside of East Concourse, near the CNBC store. Facilities such as a lactation room, baby changing, sink, and power outlets are also available.

Shoe Shine: Superior Shine offers shoe shine services at BDL airport. It is located on the airside of the East Concourse. It is open from 05:00 to 18:00 hours.

ATM: ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located in airside and landside areas.

Currency Exchange: The currency used in Connecticut is the United States Dollar (USD or $). Currency exchange facilities may be available at BDL airport.

Banking Services: Banking facilities may be available at BDL airport.

Hotels On-site and Nearby Bradley International Airport

Finding accommodation on-site or nearby Bradley International Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Connecticut in the USA.

A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:

Sheraton Hartford Hotel: The hotel is located on-site. There is also a courtesy shuttle transfer service available from 07:00 to 20:00 hours.

Doubletree Hotel: The hotel is located less than 10 minutes from BDL airport. There is a shuttle transfer service available as well.

La Quinta Inn: The hotel is located less than 10 minutes from BDL airport. There is a shuttle transfer service available as well.

Ground Transport Options To and From Bradley International Airport

Getting to and from Bradley International Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.

Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.

Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the BDL airport, which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.

Airport Shuttle Service

There are shuttle transfer services available to passengers within the airport.

In addition to inter-terminal shuttle services, door-to-door and inter-city shuttles are also available to passengers. The services are operated by several companies or local agencies and are also available on request. You can contact these shuttle service providers from the airport.

Hotel Shuttle Service

Few hotels in the city may offer free or paid shuttle transfer services to their guests. Therefore, it is advised that you contact the hotel for more information with regard to pick-up and drop-off, besides accommodation.

Hotels that offer shuttle transfer services include Avon Old Farms Hotel, Candlewood Suites, Canyon Ranch, Courtyard by Marriott Windsor, Doubletree Hotel, Hampton Inn, Hartford Marriott Farmington, Hartford-Windsor Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Rodeway Inn & Suites, Hilton Hartford Downtown Hotel, MGM Hotel and Casino, Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort, Sheraton Bradley Airport, Sheraton Springfield, Spa at Norwich Inn, Springhill Suites by Marriott and The Simsbury Inn.

Bus Service

Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. The 30-Bradley Flyer bus services between Bradley International Airport and downtown Hartford. A one-way fare can cost around $1.75. The semi-express bus service also operates daily direct routes, with a frequency of 60 minutes to the Connecticut Convention Center and Union Station in Hartford.

All buses stop on the outer roadway at Terminal A.

Train and Metro Services

Bradley International Airport is connected by train and metro transit systems for commuting. The services are operated by the Hartford Line, Amtrak, Metro-North, and Shore Line East (SLE). The closest station to BDL airport is the South Main Street at Stanton Road in Windsor Locks. It is about 5 km (3 miles) away.

Limousine Service

Limousines are available for hire at BDL airport. Rates may depend on the destination you are headed to. There are several companies or agencies that operate limousine services. These are Abbott’s Limousine and Livery, Affordable Airport Car Services, Connecticut Limo, Eveready Transportation, Exclusive Car Service, Inc., Gateway Limousine, Inc., Hunter Limousines LTD, Hy’s Limousine, and many more.

Car Hire Service

You can hire a car at Bradley International Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on-site, on the ground transportation area. However, there are courtesy shuttle services available from the airport.

The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, and Hertz.

Taxi Service

Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Taxi stands can be found on-site, on the ground transportation area.

App-Based Ride-Sharing Service

Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Bradley International Airport, app-based ride-sharing services are also offered. Uber and Lyft operate pick-up and drop-off at BDL airport.

Conclusion

The U.S. state of Connecticut offers many places of interest to both national and foreign tourists. A few such attractions include the New England Air Museum, The Mark Twain House & Museum, Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Katherine Seymour Day House, Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Atheneum, State Capitol, Bushnell Park, Cathedral of St. Joseph, Ancient Burying Ground, Butler-McCook House & Garden and many more.

Traveling to and from Bradley International Airport in the U.S. state of Connecticut will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.