MileHacker Logo
Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

New England, USA

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) is regional, mainly served by Avelo Airlines for select U.S. Cities. Bradley International Airport (BDL) near Hartford, about 45 miles north, offers wider domestic and some international connections with major airlines. New York City's JFK, EWR, LGA, and Boston Logan (BOS) serve as major international hubs, offering extensive global connections.

Airport Info

  • HVN is convenient for regional travel, with limited options.
  • BDL serves as a practical choice for reaching New Haven by air.
  • NYC & BOS airports offer the widest range of flight options and global connections.

Transfers to New Haven

From HVN, taxis/rideshares cost $15-25 (10-15 min); CT Transit Bus Route 206 is inexpensive. From BDL, shared-ride shuttles ($50-70) or rental cars are available. Public transit from BDL involves a bus to Hartford, then train to New Haven. From NYC Airports, train (AirTrain to Jamaica/Newark, then Amtrak/Metro-North to New Haven) is efficient.

Transfer Choices

  • Taxi/Rideshare is most convenient from HVN.
  • Shared shuttles or rental cars from BDL.
  • Train connections from NYC airports often prove most efficient.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices elevate during summer (June-August), major U.S. Holidays, and significant Yale events. Booking several months in advance comes recommended for these periods.

Direct Flights

Direct flights to HVN confine themselves to specific domestic routes. International travelers typically route through larger regional airports, then connect to New Haven via ground or domestic flight.

Airport Facilities

HVN has limited facilities. Larger airports (BDL, JFK, EWR, BOS) offer extensive dining, shopping, duty-free stores, car rental, and Wi-Fi services.

Flight Booking Resources

Discovering Deals

  • Dollar Flight Club: Email alerts for cheap flights.
  • Skyscanner: Comprehensive flight search engine.
  • Compare prices across multiple airlines and dates.
  • Flexibility with travel dates can save money.

Car Rental Options

  • DiscoverCars.com: Compare rental prices globally.
  • Major rental companies available at airports and in New Haven.
  • Booking in advance can yield better rates.
  • Useful for exploring beyond the city.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

New Haven Union Station (NHV) is a busy hub. Amtrak connects to Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. Metro-North Railroad offers frequent service to NYC. CT Rail links to coastal towns and Hartford.

Long-Distance Bus

New Haven's bus terminal near Union Station offers connections. Peter Pan Bus Lines services New England and Mid-Atlantic. Greyhound presents a wider network for long-distance travel across U.S. Cities.

Self-Driving

Driving offers flexibility. Major highways I-95, I-91, and Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) serve New Haven. A valid U.S. Driver's license or International Driving Permit comes required. Traffic on I-95 can be heavy.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing the U.S. Beyond what is included in your airline ticket or transportation fare. Plan your departure with sufficient time.

Timing Recommendations

  • Domestic flights (HVN or BDL): Allow at least 2 hours before departure.
  • International flights (BDL, JFK, EWR, BOS): Allow at least 3 hours.
  • Train/Bus: Arrive 20-30 minutes prior for trains, 15-20 minutes for buses.

Airport & Station Facilities

New Haven Union Station offers basic amenities. Major airports (JFK, EWR, BDL, BOS) present extensive facilities for departing travelers, including dining, retail, duty-free shops, lounges, and Wi-Fi. Plan to spend some time here if you have an early arrival.

Services Available

  • Wide array of dining options.
  • Retail stores and duty-free shops.
  • Wi-Fi services for connectivity.

Important Travel Notes

Always reconfirm your flight or train schedule 24-48 hours before departure. Check for any delays or changes, especially during adverse weather conditions. Border crossing information is not applicable for travel within the contiguous U.S.

Reconfirmation Protocol

  • Confirm schedule 24-48 hours prior.
  • Monitor for weather-related delays.
  • Adjust plans as needed for smooth travel.

Sea/River Arrivals

Typical tourist travel to New Haven does not involve sea or river arrivals. There are no regular passenger ferry services or cruise ship ports for public arrivals in New Haven Harbor. Long Island Sound is mainly for recreational boating and commercial shipping.

Water Travel Context

  • No public water transportation in New Haven.
  • Long Island Sound supports recreational boating.
  • Commercial shipping is also present.

Important Documents for Departure

  • Valid Passport (and visa/ESTA).
  • Confirmed flight/train/bus tickets.
  • Any boarding passes or digital confirmations.
  • Medical documentation for prescriptions.
  • Emergency contact information.
  • Allow ample time at the airport for security.

Ground Transportation Visuals

Union Station

Commuter Hub

  • A major stop for Amtrak and Metro-North.
  • Frequent, reliable connections to NYC.
  • Also serves CT Rail lines.

Public Bus Stop

CT Transit Access

  • New Haven mainly uses the CT Transit bus system.
  • Extensive bus routes throughout the city.
  • Affordable single ride fare of $1.75.

Walking Friendly

Downtown New Haven and Yale campus offer a highly walkable experience. Explore hidden gems and charming streets on foot. Many attractions are close.

Cycling Options

New Haven has some dedicated bike lanes. Recreational cycling thrives in East Rock Park and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail for longer rides.

Ride-sharing

Uber and Lyft are widely available in New Haven. Fares vary based on demand and distance. Confirm vehicle and driver details via the app for safety.

Parking & Driving

Car Rental Information

Major car rental companies operate in New Haven and at nearby airports (BDL, HVN). These include Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis. Minimum age is typically 21-25, with possible surcharges for under 25. A major credit card is required. Booking in advance is recommended.

Rental Requirements

  • Valid U.S. Driver's license or IDP with national license.
  • Major credit card in renter's name.
  • Book in advance for better rates and vehicle type.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. A right turn on red after a full stop is generally permitted unless a sign prohibits it. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Roads in Connecticut are generally well-maintained. Traffic on I-95 can be heavy during peak hours.

Driving Facts

  • Drive on the right.
  • Seatbelts mandatory.
  • Pay attention to road signs, especially for tolls.

Parking Information

Downtown Parking

Paid parking garages and street meters are available. Street parking is often limited and has time restrictions.

Parking Garages

The most reliable option for downtown parking. Rates vary. Use apps like SpotHero for reservations.

Free Parking

Limited free parking exists in some residential areas further from the city center.

Navigation Note

For convenience and to save money, consider using mapping applications for public transit directions and ride-sharing services. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when navigating unfamiliar areas.