Bradley International Airport [BDL]: Ultimate Terminal Guide

Bradley International Airport handles around 6 million passengers each year, placing it firmly in the midsize airport category. It’s home to several major airlines serving a solid mix of domestic routes and select international destinations. While it doesn’t offer nearly the same route coverage as the likes of Boston (BOS) or New York (JFK), it remains far less crowded and easier to navigate than the larger U.S. airport hubs.

Quick Information

Airport: Bradley International Airport (BDL)
Terminals: 2 terminals: Terminal A (main terminal) and Terminal B
Airport address: Schoephoester Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Distance from downtown Hartford: Approximately 16 miles (26 kilometers)
Website: bradleyairport.com
Phone number: 860-292-2000
Number of daily departures: Approximately 89
Destinations served: 2 international, 41 domestic
Flight information: View departures and arrival information on the airport’s website

BDL Terminal Map

Bradley International Airport has 2 terminals, though most passenger information and maps focus on Terminal A, which handles all departures. Terminal B is much smaller and is primarily used for international arrivals from Mexico and Jamaica. It is also home to the Global Entry Enrollment Center.

Airlines Operating From BDL

These airlines operate from Bradley International Airport:

BDL Airport Terminals

Bradley International Airport’s main terminal (Terminal A) sits at the center of the airport, with public roadways looping directly in front of the building. Parking is immediately outside the terminal and at both the north and south ends of the property.

The terminal consists of 2 levels for arrivals and departures, and 2 concourses housing the departure gates.

Level 1: Arrivals

Arrivals is based on level 1, with baggage claim in the main building and walkways to ground transportation and the parking garage outside the terminal.

Level 2: Check-In

Check-in and ticketing are on level 2. Elevated walkways outside connect this level to the parking garage and ground transportation center. There are 2 security checkpoints that lead through to the departure concourses. The Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport is also accessible on this level outside of the secure area.

Level 2: Gates 1 to 12

Once through the security checkpoint, passengers arrive in the central concourse, where several shops and restaurants are. Gates 1 to 12 are to the right, where more concessions are available.

Level 2: Gates 21 to 30

If you go through security checkpoint 1, gates 21 to 30 are to the left. When you come through security checkpoint 2, they’re slightly to the right and then straight ahead. There are a couple of grab-and-go food places and 1 restaurant in this concourse, along with the Escape Lounge opposite gate 21.

At the entrance to this concourse, 3 additional gates are currently under construction.

Interterminal Transport

Walking

Getting around BDL is pretty easy thanks to its compact, single-terminal layout. Most areas are within short walking distance, with clear signage guiding passengers between check-in, security, gates, and baggage claim.

From the security checkpoints to the furthest gates, the distance is no more than 1,000 feet, making it roughly a 5- to 7-minute walk. There are no moving walkways, and passengers requiring assistance are encouraged to contact their airline at least 48 hours prior to their departure.

Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses operate on a continuous loop, transporting passengers between the terminals and the surface parking lots. Passengers arriving at Terminal B can ride the shuttle bus from Express Lot 1 to Terminal A for any connecting flights or onward transport.

Security and Customs at BDL

BDL has 2 security checkpoints that open around 4 a.m. and remain open until the last departure. Security checkpoint 1 is at the south end of the terminal, and checkpoint 2 is at the north end. Security checkpoint 2 is for passengers flying with American Airlines, Breeze, or United, or those with TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck

BDL has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoint 2 for enrolled passengers.

TSA PreCheck enrollment through CLEAR is available in the main terminal on level 1 across from the security checkpoint near door 3. Enrollment is available daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Global Entry

BDL has Global Entry kiosks for preapproved, low-risk travelers arriving in the U.S. All applicants are required to attend an interview, which they can arrange at the enrollment center on airport property. The office is in Terminal B, beyond the Park & Walk Lot 2, and is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mobile Passport

Bradley International Airport does not offer mobile passport.

CLEAR+

There are dedicated CLEAR+ security program lanes at BDL available for eligible passengers. These are at both security checkpoints and available Sunday through Friday from 4 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CLEAR+ enrollment is possible during the same hours as above at the kiosks opposite security checkpoint 1 near door 3.

BDL Airport Lounges

The Escape Lounge is the only lounge at Bradley International Airport. The recently refurbished lounge is near gate 1 and is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entry costs $45 when booked online or $60 at the door. Subject to availability, Priority Pass holders can access the Escape Lounge for 3 hours prior to their scheduled flight departure.

Airport Dining and Drinks at BDL

BDL offers 16 restaurants, cafés, and food outlets in total. The majority are airside after security, with just a couple of places available for landside visitors or passengers arriving too early to check in.

Plan ahead and view the range of BDL restaurants available on the airport website.

BDL Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available at the BDL terminal. Select “BDLPublic” from the available networks and accept the terms and conditions to start browsing.

Charging stations are available throughout the terminal.

Hot Tip:

Ensure your devices are always fully charged with the best portable power bank chargers.

BDL Airport Lost and Found

If you lose an item at Bradley International Airport, contact the relevant department below:

• For items left on an aircraft, contact the relevant airline.
• For anything left at a security checkpoint, complete the TSA lost and found form.
• For items left anywhere else in the airport, contact the state police at 860-292-7400.

Additional Airport Information

Travelers Aid

BDL has a Travelers Aid information center on level 1 in baggage claim. Assistance is available daily from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Children’s Play Areas

Bradley International Airport does not offer dedicated children’s play areas, but younger travelers can still enjoy meeting Bradley’s Buddies, the airport’s friendly therapy dogs, which regularly visit the terminal.

Baby Facilities

There is a nursing room after security, near the entrance to gates 1 to 12. It features comfortable seating, a changing table, and power outlets for pumps.

Pet Relief Areas

BDL offers 2 pet relief areas for traveling animals. One is presecurity on level 1 near door 1, while the second is airside, close to the restrooms just to the left after exiting the security checkpoint.

Duty-Free

Duty-free shopping is available to the right as you exit the security checkpoint, near gate 8.

Smoking Areas

There are no smoking areas anywhere inside Bradley International Airport. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminal.

Prayer

There are no prayer rooms at BDL.

Money

ATMs can be found:

• In baggage claim, near door 3
• At check-in, near door 3
• To the right as you exit the security checkpoint
• Near the entrance to gates 1 to 12
• Near the entrance to gates 21 to 30

There are no foreign currency services at BDL.

Luggage

No luggage storage is available at BDL.

Important BDL Phone Numbers

Customer service: 860-292-2000
Airport parking: 860-627-3555
Ground transportation: 860-292-2040
Lost and found: 860-292-7400

Travel to and From BDL

Transport Options

Train

Passengers can reach BDL by taking a train to the nearest station at Windsor Locks. From there, the airport is about 3 miles away and easily reached by the Route 24 bus, which runs every 20 minutes. The following services operate from Windsor Locks:

• Hartford Line: Services operate between Springfield and New Haven Union Station.
• Amtrak: Services operate through Connecticut and onward to New York, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and beyond. Services call at Springfield, Windsor Locks, and Hartford.

From New Haven Union Station, travelers can connect to the New Haven Line and Shore Line East.

Bus

Buses arrive and depart on level 1 outside arrivals exit door 6.

• 30-Bradley Flyer: Services run between the airport and downtown Hartford, with stops at the Connecticut Convention Center and Union Station in Hartford. Buses depart every 40 minutes at peak times and every hour off-peak.
• Route 24: Buses operate between BDL and Windsor Locks Station on weekdays every 20 minutes from 4:10 to 12:30 a.m.

Taxi

On-demand and prearranged taxis can be found on level 1 outside arrivals doors 2 and 3. Prearranged taxis to downtown Hartford typically start at around $45, while picking up a taxi on arrival can cost up to $75.

Limousine

Limousines are available for prebooking only, and the airport recommends these companies.

Ride-Sharing Services

Lyft and Uber are authorized to operate at BDL. Drop-off is outside the terminal, and pickup is permitted at the designated area with the sign “Ride App Pick-up” outside exit door 2.

Driving to BDL

Arriving From Downtown Hartford

Take I-91 North until you reach exit 40 for CT-20 toward Bradley International Airport. Continue onto CT-20 West and take the CT-75 exit toward Poquonock/Suffield. Turn right onto CT-75 N/Ella Grasso Turnpike and turn left onto Schoephoester Road to access the airport.

Arriving From Springfield Metro Center

Take I-91 South for around 20 miles and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 40 for CT-20 toward Bradley International Airport. Continue onto CT-20 West and then onto Bradley Airport Connector for access to the terminal.

BDL Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

Garage Parking

Garage parking is the closest to all airlines in Terminal A and serves both short- and long-term parking. Walkways to the parking garage are on the ground level and level 1. Vehicle height is limited to 6 feet, 8 inches, except on the ground floor, where it is up to 9 feet, 6 inches.

Express Lot 1

Express Lot 1 is north of Terminal A, next to Terminal B. It’s a short walk to Terminal A, but passengers can also take the complimentary shuttle bus, which operates 24/7.

Park & Walk Lot 2

The Park & Walk Lot 2 is between Terminal A and the international arrivals building. It’s a short walk to Terminal A from the parking lot, with no shuttle service available, unlike Express Lot 1.

Economy Lot 3

Economy Lot 3 is south of Terminal A and accessible via the 24/7 shuttle bus, which runs on a continuous loop.

Economy Lot 4

Economy Lot 4 is also south of Terminal A and is reachable via the parking shuttle.

Lot 5B

Lot 5B is an overflow parking area to the east of the terminal. It is only opened when required, with parking priced at $35 per week.

sPark Rewards

The service sPark Rewards Parking at Bradley International Airport lets drivers earn points every time they park at the airport. Points can be redeemed for future parking discounts, making frequent trips more cost-effective for regular travelers and local flyers.

Pickup or Drop-Off Parking

BDL has a cell phone waiting lot where family and friends can park for free until the passenger is ready for curbside pickup. This is at Light Lane, Windsor Locks, CT 06096.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking, including hotel lots, can often be cheaper than parking directly at the airport. Rates start at around $5 per day when booked through airportparkingreservations.com, a useful tool for comparing prices and distances to the terminal.

Accessible Parking

Clearly marked accessible parking spaces are provided in both the parking garage and all surface parking areas for vehicles with the appropriate permits. The Park & Walk Lot 2 does not have shuttle transfers to and from the terminal.

Parking Contact Numbers

Parking inquiries: 860-627-3555
sPARK Rewards: 877-735-9280

Car Rental at BDL Airport

Rental car counters are in the Ground Transportation Center across from the terminal. Covered walkways are available on the ground level and level 1. The rental car counters are split across 3 floors:

Hot Tip:

Rental car insurance at the counter can add up fast. Many credit cards already include coverage when you pay with the card, potentially saving you money and extra paperwork. Check which cards offer car rental insurance before you book.

BDL Airport Hotels

Airport Hotels by Distance From BDL

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport is directly connected to the terminal via a covered walkway, making it ideal for early flights or late arrivals. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, on-site dining, Starbucks coffee, a fitness center, and meeting spaces for both leisure and business travellers. Marriott Bonvoy members can book a free night’s stay from 37,000 points.

Days Inn by Wyndham Windsor Locks / Bradley Intl. Airport offers budget-friendly accommodation close to the airport with free coffee and a breakfast item for every guest. Rooms are simple and practical, and guests can take advantage of free Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle, and a fitness center. Wyndham Rewards members can redeem a free night for 15,000 points.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Windsor Locks Hartford provides spacious, suite-style accommodation just over a mile from Bradley International Airport. Guests can use fully equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and evening socials, making it a comfortable place for longer stays, families, or travelers who prefer extra space and amenities. Hilton Honors members can redeem from 39,000 points for a free night’s stay at this hotel.

Hot Tip:

If you’re looking for something to do during your stay, check out our article on the best museums in Connecticut.

Final Thoughts

Bradley International Airport offers a straightforward, efficient travel experience, with easy access to parking, ground transportation, and nearby hotels. Its manageable size, modern facilities, and growing route network make it convenient for both local travelers and those connecting through Connecticut.

Recent upgrades at BDL have focused on terminal improvements, expanded dining and shopping, updated security areas, and wider infrastructure works to improve passenger flow. Further developments are on the way, including 3 new departure gates, so there is plenty more to look forward to.