Hartford-Bradley Airport Car Rental

Renting a car at Hartford-Bradley International Airport (BDL) is a convenient way to explore Connecticut and the surrounding New England region at your own pace. The airport offers a seamless rental experience, with all major car rental companies located in the modern Ground Transportation Center, just a short covered walk from Terminal A—no shuttle needed.

Rental Car Companies and Location

You’ll find nine major brands at BDL, all open 24/7 for arrivals and returns:

Avis, Budget, Payless (Floor 2)
Enterprise, National, Alamo (Floor 3)
Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty (Floor 4)

The Ground Transportation Center is at 180 Schoephoester Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096. After collecting your baggage, follow signs for “Rental Cars” and proceed to level 2 of Terminal A to access the walkway to the center.

Approximate Prices and Vehicle Types

Rental prices vary by company, car type, and season, but you can expect:

Economy/compact cars: $45–$65 per day
Midsize/full-size sedans: $55–$80 per day
SUVs: $75–$120 per day
Minivans and passenger vans: $90–$150 per day
Luxury vehicles: $120+ per day

Most rented vehicles are midsize sedans, SUVs, and minivans, popular for both business trips and family vacations.

Book in advance and compare rates to secure the best deal, especially during peak travel periods.

Popular Destinations by Car

With your rental, you can easily reach:

Downtown Hartford (20 minutes)
Springfield, MA (30 minutes)
New Haven and Yale University (1 hour)
Boston (1.5–2 hours)
New York City (2.5 hours)
Scenic drives through the Connecticut countryside and New England coast

Car Rental Insurance Explained

Rental companies offer several insurance options:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental car.
Liability Insurance: Covers damages to others in case of an accident.
Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical costs for you and passengers.
Personal Effects Coverage: Protects your belongings in the car.

Check if your personal auto insurance or credit card already provides rental coverage to avoid paying for duplicate protection.

Additional Tips

Join loyalty programs (such as Avis Preferred or Budget Fastbreak) for faster pick-up and drop-off.
Ask about discounts for AAA, AARP, military, or corporate travelers.
There is no parking for personal vehicles at the rental pick-up location—use airport parking if needed.

With easy access, a wide variety of vehicles, and competitive pricing, renting a car at Bradley International Airport is an excellent option for both business and leisure travelers looking to explore Connecticut and beyond.