Lois Larson
Spending the night at an airport can be uncomfortable, but it is possible. If you're wondering whether you can stay overnight at Bradley International Airport (BDL), the answer is yes. BDL is open 24 hours, and while the terminal is quiet at night, travellers report that the airport is clean and safe. Most services close around 8 pm, and after security checkpoints close for the night, passengers are restricted to the landside areas. However, there are some spots conducive to sleeping, such as benches and chairs in the carpeted hallway leading to the hotel and couches in lounge areas near the lower-level baggage claim. If you're looking for more comfort, there are also hotels connected to the airport or nearby that provide free shuttles. Additionally, free unlimited WiFi is available at BDL, and you can find ATMs, eateries, and shops within the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | BDL is considered a safe airport to stay overnight at. However, it is recommended to stay near other travellers or close to security. |
| Comfort | The airport is not considered comfortable for sleeping. The lighting can be bright, and there are limited comfortable spots to sleep. |
| Services | Most services close down around 8 pm. There are eateries and shops, but no food service after 8 pm. There are ATMs available. |
| WiFi | Free unlimited WiFi is available. |
| Hotels | There are hotels connected to the airport and nearby. |
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What You'll Learn
Safety precautions for sleeping in the airport
Sleeping in an airport may not be ideal, but it can be a good way to save money and rest before an early morning flight or a long layover. While it may include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone, there are several safety precautions you can take to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are some tips for staying safe while sleeping in an airport:
Know the Airport Policies and Layout
Before your trip, check if the airport allows overnight stays as some airports close at night. Understanding the airport's layout and available amenities, such as designated sleeping areas, quiet zones, nearby hotels, or sleep pods, can help you prepare for your stay.
Choose a Safe Spot
Look for areas with minimal foot traffic to avoid disturbances, but remain within well-populated areas for safety. If you're travelling alone, consider staying near other travellers or close to security. This can help deter potential thieves and make you feel more secure.
Secure Your Belongings
Keep your luggage close to you and use luggage locks if possible. Hide your valuables and don't leave them out in plain view to avoid becoming a target for theft. Use your bags strategically as pillows or to support your body, making your sleep more comfortable.
Be Alert and Vigilant
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in areas before security where anyone can walk in and out with ease. If you're travelling with a partner or a group, consider sleeping in shifts so that someone can keep watch over your belongings and personal safety.
Comfort and Hygiene
Bring items like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, earplugs, or noise-cancelling headphones to create a comfortable and cozy sleeping environment amidst the airport's noise and bright lights. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring an extra layer in case the airport gets cold at night.
Additional Tips
- Do gentle stretches before and after your nap to improve circulation and prevent stiffness.
- Consider bringing an inflatable pillow or a foam seat cushion with a memory foam pillow for extra comfort.
- If you need cash, locate the ATMs within the airport, and check for any fees and your bank's daily withdrawal limit.
- If you prefer more comfort and privacy, research nearby hotels or accommodations, which may provide free shuttles.
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Nearby hotels and transport
Nearby hotels
The Sheraton Hartford Hotel is located right at the airport, so you can walk from the gate to the front desk. The airport is also surrounded by major hotels, all within minutes of the airport. Some of the closest hotels include Marriott, Holiday Inn Express, and Lily House.
Transport
Bradley International Airport is located in Windsor Locks, only 30 minutes from Hartford, Connecticut's capital city. The following public transportation options are available:
- Bus service to/from Hartford: CTtransit provides a dedicated bus, the 30-Bradley Flyer, which connects the airport and downtown Hartford. The trip lasts approximately 30 minutes and operates every 40 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, and hourly during early mornings, late nights, and Sundays.
- Bus service to/from Windsor Locks Train Station: CTtransit operates the Route 24 Bus Service from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM on weekdays, connecting the Windsor Locks RR station with the airport.
- Passenger rail service: The closest station to the airport is in Windsor Locks (South Main Street at Stanton Road), which is accessible by the Route 24 Bus Service. The Hartford Line rail service offers daily travel between New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield, MA, with a combination of CTrail and Amtrak trains.
- Taxi, ride app, or limo: These can be booked at the airport.
- Rental car: Rental cars are also available at the airport.
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Food and drink availability
If you're spending the night at Bradley International Airport (BDL), you'll want to plan ahead for food and drink. The airport has a mid-size terminal with about two dozen eateries and shops, but almost all of these close down at 8 pm.
There are a few options for overnight dining. McDonald's at the A/B Food Court is open 24/7 with a limited food menu overnight. Dunkin' Donuts in the Main Terminal is also open 24/7 and can be found in the hallway behind the American Airlines ticket counters.
Vending machines are available throughout the airport, and there are ATMs located landside and airside if you need cash. Fees may apply, so check with your bank.
If you book an airport lounge, you'll have access to complimentary food and drink as well as free WiFi.
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Sleeping spots in the airport
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 some 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 security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night. The airport is safe, but the surrounding area can be a little sketchy.
Don’t Seclude Yourself: If you’re travelling alone, stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables: Don’t leave your valuables out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft.
Stay Alert: If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, it’s best to stay awake. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages, and remember that you can always sleep during your flight.
- Benches and chairs in the carpeted hallway leading to the hotel.
- Couches in lounge areas near the lower-level baggage claim.
- Comfortable benches in the baggage reclaim hall of the lower level.
- Seats where you can lay down in the hallway opposite the security checkpoint.
If you’re looking for a more comfortable sleep, there is a hotel connected to the airport, and other nearby hotels provide free shuttles. The Sheraton at BDL is recommended by travellers for a clean and comfortable stay. There are also cheaper accommodations with transport to the hotel near the old Bradley Bowl, such as Holiday Inn Express, EconoLodge, and Air BnB rooms.
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Other accommodation options
If you would prefer to stay in a hotel, there are a few options near the airport. The Sheraton at BDL is clean and comfortable, and it's easy to get to from inside the airport. The Holiday Inn Express is another option that has been described as "cheap and clean". There is also an EconoLodge nearby that costs $72 per night, and some Air BnBs in the area for $42 per night.
If you would like to stay in the airport, there are some comfortable benches in the baggage reclaim hall of the lower level, and seats where you can lie down in the hallway leading to the airport hotel and opposite the security checkpoint. The airport is generally quiet at night, but the lighting can be bright so it's recommended to bring an eye mask.
There are also some first-class lounges in the airport that can be accessed for a fee, which may offer more comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can stay overnight at the airport. However, most services close around 8 pm, and the lighting can be bright. It is recommended to stay near other travellers or close to security.
Yes, there are hotels near the airport, including the Sheraton, which is connected to the airport, and the Holiday Inn Express, which provides free shuttles. There are also cheaper accommodations near the old Bradley Bowl.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It is recommended to stay alert, know where the security office is, and keep your valuables hidden.
There are some comfortable benches in the baggage reclaim hall of the lower level and seats in the hallway leading to the airport hotel and opposite the security checkpoint.
Yes, you can look into nearby accommodations such as EconoLodge or Airbnb, which may offer more affordable options.
