Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Hartford Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
it wasn’t that bad, except the cleaning guy hit me with the vacuum, and claimed that he was only doing his job. – a traveller
BDL Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Hartford Bradley Airport (code: BDL).
What to Expect
Hartford Airport has a mid-size terminal with two concourses, 23 gates, and about two dozen eateries and shops, most of which are on the airside. Almost all services close down at about 8:00 PM, so plan accordingly. WiFi is available, and additional comfort can be found through fee-based access to one of the airport’s first-class lounges.
Sleeping in Hartford Airport
After security checkpoints close for the night, all passengers are restricted to the landside areas and must re-clear security the next day when the checkpoints open. Travellers report that airport staff are accommodating to overnight sleepers, that the airport is clean, and that some spots on the landside are conducive to sleeping. In particular, benches and chairs in the carpeted hallway leading to the hotel and some couches in lounge areas near the lower-level baggage claim. While the terminal is quiet at night, the lighting can be bright, so bring eyeshades. For uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is connected to the airport, and others nearby provide free shuttles. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Hartford Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The terminal is open 24 hours, but airline check-in counters and security checkpoints are not. Most airline counters open between about 4:00–5:00 AM for early departures, and you generally cannot get through security into the airside area until the morning. Check your airline’s published check-in and baggage-drop times — they vary by carrier and flight.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in Bradley Airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Bradley Airport:
Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport – Connected to the terminal; you can walk inside from Delta/Airline check-in area. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport with free shuttles:
- La Quinta Inn Hartford Bradley Airport » Check Rates
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford Bradley Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Hartford Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door.
- Escape Lounge – Location: Location: East Concourse, Airside, near Gate 1. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
Drinking Water
There are multiple water bottle filling stations past security, including near gates and restrooms in each concourse.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the terminal operate on varying schedules, most opening between 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. There are currently no full 24-hour dining options in the terminal. Some vending machines and bottled drinks are available overnight.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
There is no luggage storage or locker service. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
There are charging outlets and USB ports integrated into seating and work counters throughout the gate areas.
Showers
There are no public shower facilities. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Hartford Bradley Airport. Connect to the “BDL Public” network.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available both before and after security. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling. Locations:
» Landside – Baggage Claim, near Door 3 (opposite Delta Baggage Claim Carousel) • Ticketing Level, near Door 3 (opposite Aer Lingus counter).
» Airside – Near the Gates 1–12 and Gates 20–30 areas
Baby Care Facilities – A Mother’s Nursing Room offers a quiet space with seating, a changing table, sink, and power outlets for breast pumps. Location: Airside, near the CNBC store.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are not available.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside in the international departure area. A small selection of retail shops is also located throughout the terminal, with a few opening early in the morning.
Information Desk – An information desk is located in the Baggage Claim area. Volunteers are available to assist with directions, transportation, hotel information, and general questions.
Pet Relief Areas – Pet relief areas are available both inside and outside the terminal, including near Gate A and outside the lower-level exits.
Shoe Shine – Shoe-shine services are available airside near the Gates 20–30 area.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Bus
Bradley Airport is served by bus route 30-Bradley Flyer, an economical and direct route to downtown Hartford, stopping at the Connecticut Convention Center and Union Station in Hartford. The 30-minute ride costs $1.75 one-way and departs every 40 to 60 minutes, seven days a week. For further information, visit the CTTransit website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies are connected to the airport via free shuttle service: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Thrifty.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Candlewood Suites Windsor Locks • Days Inn Windsor Locks at Bradley International Airport • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford – Bradley Airport • Fairfield Inn & Suites Hartford Airport • Hampton Inn Hartford/Airport • Hartford/Windsor Marriott Airport • Hilton Garden Inn Hartford North/Bradley International Airport • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bradley Airport • La Quinta Inn Hartford Bradley Airport • Marriott Hartford/Windsor Airport.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Ride Sharing
Uber and Lyft operate throughout the USA. A ride to the city centre will cost you about $25.
Taxis
Taxis are available 24 hours a day in the ground transportation area. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required.
Last updated: 2026-01-27
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.