Bradley Flyer Bus: Route, Schedule, Fares & Stops 2026

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The Bradley Flyer bus is CTtransit's semi-express Route 30 connecting downtown Hartford to Bradley International Airport in roughly 30 minutes, with a one-way fare of approximately $1.75. It is the only public bus route that runs directly between Hartford and BDL, making it the go-to transit option for car-free travelers in the region. The route operates along the Ella Grasso Turnpike (Route 75) corridor and drops riders at Terminal A — the main departure terminal at the airport. For context, a week of on-airport Economy Lot 4 parking costs $42, per the Connecticut Airport Authority, while seven one-way bus trips cost under $13 total.

• Route: CTtransit Route 30 — downtown Hartford (Union Station Transit Center) to BDL Terminal A, semi-express along Route 75
• Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes (per CTtransit and airport data)
• Fare: Around $1.75 one-way — exact change required; no large bills, no credit cards on the bus
• Frequency: Roughly hourly on weekdays; reduced service on weekends and holidays — always verify the live schedule at CTtransit.com
• Luggage: Carry-on luggage is permitted; oversized bags may not fit in tight seating — plan accordingly
• Connections: The Hartford Line (CTrail/Amtrak) and CTfastrak both connect to Union Station Transit Center, making multi-modal journeys possible
• Parking comparison: Taking the bus round-trip costs roughly $3.50 total vs. $7–$30 per day for on-airport parking at BDL

If you are driving instead, compare BDL off-airport parking rates from $5.49/day on Triply — that is the cheapest verified alternative to on-airport lots for travelers who need to leave a car behind.

What Is the Bradley Flyer Bus and How Does It Work?

The Bradley Flyer bus is CTtransit's Route 30, a semi-express bus service operated by CTtransit Hartford that links downtown Hartford's Union Station Transit Center directly to Bradley International Airport. It is classified as "semi-express" because it makes limited stops compared to a local route, cutting travel time to around 30 minutes on a clear run. According to the airport's official public transportation page, Route 30 is the primary bus option for reaching BDL from the Hartford area.

The bus is managed and operated by CTtransit, the Connecticut public transit authority. Fares are paid on board at boarding — exact change is required. The route is part of CTtransit's Hartford-area network, which means it connects to a broader web of local bus routes, the CTfastrak bus rapid transit line, and the Hartford Line commuter rail. Riders board at Union Station Transit Center and exit directly at Terminal A at BDL.

The service is straightforward for airport use. You board downtown, ride roughly 30 minutes north on Route 75 (Ella Grasso Turnpike), and the bus drops you at the terminal. There are no transfers required on the core Hartford-to-BDL segment. For most travelers from downtown Hartford, West Hartford, or Springfield, MA, this is the simplest transit path to the airport without a car.

Bradley Flyer Bus Stops: Full Route from Hartford to BDL

The Bradley Flyer bus runs a semi-express route, which means fewer stops than a standard local bus. The core stops on the Hartford-to-BDL segment include the downtown Hartford origin point, a handful of stops along Route 75 through Windsor Locks, and the terminal drop-off at BDL.

Key stops along the route include:

• Union Station Transit Center, Hartford — The main origin point. Located at 1 Union Place, Hartford, next to Hartford Union Station. This is where most riders board heading to BDL. CTfastrak and multiple CTtransit local routes depart from here, as does the Hartford Line train (from the adjacent rail station).
• Connecticut Convention Center area / Downtown Hartford stops — The bus picks up along its Hartford corridor before heading north toward Route 75.
• Route 75 (Ella Grasso Turnpike) corridor — Windsor Locks — The route travels north along Route 75 through Windsor Locks, the town where BDL is located. Several stops serve local commuters in this stretch.
• Bradley International Airport — Terminal A — The final stop. The bus drops riders at Terminal A, the main departure and arrival building. Terminal A serves all airlines at BDL, including Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, American, United, and others. Terminal B is the International Arrivals Building — most departing passengers use Terminal A.

For the exact list of all stops with current GPS locations, check the official CTtransit route finder. Stop positions can shift during construction periods, and the airport is currently in the middle of a $250+ million Terminal A improvement program running through 2030 — always verify stop placement before your trip.

What Is the Bradley Flyer Schedule and How Often Does It Run?

The Bradley Flyer bus runs approximately once per hour on weekdays, with reduced frequency on weekends and holidays. Because schedules are subject to seasonal and operational changes, always confirm departure times directly on CTtransit.com or via the CTtransit mobile app before you travel.

Here is what travelers should know about the schedule:

• Weekday frequency: Roughly hourly throughout the day, with some gaps in early morning and late evening
• Weekend frequency: Reduced — expect less frequent departures on Saturdays and Sundays; always check the live schedule
• Holiday service: Service is typically reduced on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day). CTtransit publishes holiday schedules on its website in advance.
• First and last buses: Exact first and last departure times vary by season and day type. CTtransit does not guarantee early-morning service that matches very early flight departures — check the timetable carefully if you have a flight before 7 AM.
• Real-time tracking: CTtransit buses are trackable in real time. Use the CTtransit app or a third-party app like Transit to see live bus locations and updated departure times.

One planning note: if your outbound flight departs before 6 AM or your return arrives after 11 PM, the Bradley Flyer may not have a run that works. In those cases, a rideshare, pre-arranged car service, or one of the off-airport park-and-fly lots may be a better fit. See the full BDL ground transport guide for all options side by side.

How Much Does the Bradley Flyer Cost — and How Does It Compare to Parking at BDL?

The Bradley Flyer bus costs approximately $1.75 one-way, making a round trip roughly $3.50 total. That is one of the lowest-cost ways to reach BDL from downtown Hartford. By comparison, on-airport parking at BDL ranges from $7/day for Economy Lot 4 up to $30/day for the Garage, per the Connecticut Airport Authority's official published rates (verified October 2026).

Here is a direct cost comparison for a 7-night trip:

The savings from taking the bus are significant — up to $131.50 vs. the BDL Garage on a 7-night trip, based on official parking rates. Even compared to the cheapest on-airport lot (Economy Lot 4 at $42/week), the bus saves you over $38 for a round trip. That said, the bus only works if your schedule aligns with the roughly hourly service. For travelers who need to leave a car, BDL park-and-fly hotel rates starting at $5.49/day are the next most affordable option. You can also compare all BDL parking options on Triply to find the best rate for your dates.

How Do I Ride the Bradley Flyer? Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Riders

Riding the Bradley Flyer bus for the first time is straightforward. Here is the full process from door to terminal:

1. Check the schedule. Go to CTtransit.com or open the CTtransit app and look up Route 30. Find the departure time that gives you enough buffer before your flight. Allow extra time — a good rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic flights, more if you have checked bags. BDL's expanded TSA checkpoint is part of the ongoing $250 million construction program, so security lines may vary.
2. Get exact change ready. The fare is approximately $1.75 one-way. You must have exact change — the fare box does not accept bills larger than $1, and it does not give change. Coins and $1 bills work. There is no credit card or contactless payment on board.
3. Go to Union Station Transit Center. Head to 1 Union Place, Hartford. This is the main transit hub next to Hartford Union Station. Look for the Route 30 bay — signs are posted at the transit center.
4. Board the bus and pay as you enter. Drop your fare in the box as you board. Tell the driver you are going to Bradley Airport if you are unsure about the stop — the driver will let you know when you are there.
5. Ride to BDL — about 30 minutes. The bus heads north on the Ella Grasso Turnpike (Route 75) corridor toward Windsor Locks. Sit back and watch the stops. Do not miss your stop.
6. Exit at Terminal A. The bus stops at BDL's Terminal A — the main building for departing passengers. From the drop-off point, walk into the terminal for check-in and security. All airlines at BDL depart from Terminal A.
7. Check in, clear security, and board. If you have TSA PreCheck, use the dedicated lane to speed through the checkpoint. BDL's security expansion is underway, so arriving a few minutes early helps.

How Do I Get from Bradley Airport Back to Hartford on the Bus?

The return trip on the Bradley Flyer bus works the same way, but there are a few extra steps when you are coming from the airport side. The bus stop for departures from BDL back to Hartford is located at Terminal A — the same building where you arrived. After collecting your bags, exit Terminal A and find the bus stop on the curbside.

Key tips for the return journey:

• Confirm the schedule before you land. Check CTtransit.com for the Route 30 schedule from BDL. If your flight arrives late in the evening, the last bus may have already run.
• Allow time after landing. Factor in taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, and the walk to the bus stop. If your bags are delayed, you could miss a bus. Most travelers arriving with checked luggage should add at least 30-45 minutes to their post-landing estimate.
• Have exact change ready for the return trip too. Same fare (~$1.75), same payment rules — exact change only.
• International arrivals (Terminal B): If you arrived on an international flight and cleared customs in Terminal B, you will need to walk to Terminal A to catch the bus. Terminal B is the International Arrivals Building — the Bradley Flyer stop is at Terminal A.
• Late arrivals with no bus: If the last bus has run, options include Uber/Lyft (available via the BDL ground transportation center), taxi, or pre-arranged car service.

How Does the Bradley Flyer Connect with Other Transit (Trains, CTfastrak, and More)?

The Bradley Flyer bus is most powerful when you use it as part of a multimodal journey. Union Station Transit Center in Hartford is a major hub where Route 30 connects to several other transit options, making door-to-door car-free travel possible from a wide area.

Here are the key connections:

• Hartford Line (CTrail / Amtrak): The Hartford Line commuter rail stops at Hartford Union Station, directly adjacent to the transit center. Travelers from New Haven, Meriden, Berlin, and New Britain can take the Hartford Line into Hartford and transfer to the Bradley Flyer. Amtrak Northeast Regional trains also stop at Hartford, connecting travelers from New York and Boston. Visit hartfordline.com for schedules and fares.
• CTfastrak (Bus Rapid Transit): CTfastrak's BRT line runs on a dedicated busway and connects New Britain, Newington, West Hartford, and Hartford to Union Station Transit Center. If you are coming from West Hartford or New Britain, CTfastrak gets you to Union Station quickly — then transfer to Route 30 for BDL.
• CTtransit local routes: Dozens of local Hartford-area CTtransit routes converge at Union Station, covering neighborhoods throughout Hartford, East Hartford, Windsor, and Enfield. If you are not walking distance from Union Station, a local route connection is likely available.
• Windsor Locks rail connection: CTtransit Route 24 connects to Windsor Locks station (CTrail / Amtrak), which is approximately 3 miles from the airport. This is a less direct option than Route 30 but useful if you are approaching from a different rail corridor.
• Springfield, MA travelers: BDL is about 15 minutes south of Springfield, MA. Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) routes serve the Springfield area. Travelers from western Massachusetts sometimes combine PVTA service to Hartford with the Bradley Flyer for a full transit journey to BDL — though this requires careful schedule coordination.

For a deeper look at all the ways to reach BDL by road, rail, rideshare, and shuttle, see the complete 2026 BDL ground transport guide, which covers every option with timing and cost.

Bradley Flyer Tips: Luggage, Payment, Accessibility, and What to Expect

These practical tips will help you avoid surprises on the Bradley Flyer bus — especially if this is your first time riding to an airport on public transit.

Luggage and Bags

Standard carry-on bags and personal items fit on most CTtransit buses, but space is limited. Large checked-bag-sized suitcases are harder to manage, especially during busy periods when the bus is full. There is no dedicated luggage storage area — your bags travel with you in the aisle or overhead. If you are traveling with multiple large suitcases, a rideshare or off-airport shuttle may be more practical. Pack smart and consider which bags you truly need in the cabin.

Payment

• Fare: approximately $1.75 one-way (verified October 2026 based on CTtransit published fares)
• Exact change only — the fare box does not make change
• Accepted: coins and $1 bills
• Not accepted: $5, $10, or $20 bills; credit or debit cards; contactless/tap-to-pay
• CTtransit passes (monthly or day passes) are accepted if you hold one

Accessibility

CTtransit buses are ADA-compliant with low-floor designs, kneeling capability, and wheelchair ramps or lifts. Securement areas for wheelchairs and mobility devices are available on all fixed-route buses. If you need accessibility assistance or have specific mobility needs, contact CTtransit directly before your trip to confirm the Route 30 vehicles in service on your travel day. The airport itself also has accessible pathways throughout Terminal A.

What to Expect at Each End

• Union Station Transit Center: Well-signed, covered boarding bays. Look for Route 30 or "Bradley Airport" on the bay signs. Arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled departure.
• At BDL: The bus drops you curbside at Terminal A. Walk in through the main entrance for check-in counters and the security checkpoint. All departing airlines are in Terminal A.
• Construction awareness: BDL's ongoing $250 million improvement program includes a new inline baggage screening facility, new exit lanes, and an expanded TSA checkpoint. Construction activity can affect curbside drop-off zones — allow a few extra minutes and follow posted signage.

Seasonal and Holiday Changes

CTtransit adjusts service on major holidays. On days like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, Route 30 may run on a reduced holiday schedule or not at all. Always check the CTtransit holiday schedule page before booking any transit-dependent travel around peak holiday periods. This is especially important because early-morning holiday flights are common and the bus may not have a run that matches your departure time.

Real-Time Tracking

CTtransit buses are trackable in real time. Use the official CTtransit app or a third-party transit app to see live bus positions. This is especially useful if you are waiting at a stop and want to know exactly how far away the next Route 30 bus is. Real-time data helps you avoid waiting in winter cold — a real concern at Connecticut airports from November through March. For more on cold-weather travel planning at BDL, see the BDL airport parking in winter guide.

The Bradley Flyer bus is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach BDL — especially for downtown Hartford travelers who do not need a car. A round trip costs roughly $3.50 versus $42–$135/week for on-airport parking, based on Connecticut Airport Authority published rates. If your schedule works with the roughly hourly service, taking the bus is hard to beat on price. If you need to leave a car near the airport, compare BDL parking rates from $5.49/day on Triply and find the best option for your trip.