What Is a Park and Ride Lot?

Connecticut’s Park and Ride lots are free, designated parking areas where you can leave your vehicle and continue your trip by bus, carpool, or vanpool. The lots are intended for short-term use to support daily commuting and shared travel and not intended for extended stays. The lots are typically situated near major highways and transit corridors, and they’re easy to find and use.

Why Make the Switch?

Convenient Park and Ride lots help travelers:

• Save money on gas and city parking
• Reduce wear-and-tear on your vehicle
• Connect seamlessly to local and regional transit
• Reduce driving stress
• Lower your carbon footprint
• Make commute time more productive by simply sitting back, relaxing, and letting someone else do the driving

For frequent commuters, the savings and peace of mind add up quickly.

Where Can I Find a Lot?

Connecticut has close to 170 Park and Ride locations statewide in Hartford, Danbury, Waterbury, Norwalk, New Haven, and dozens of other cities and towns, with many situated directly off I-84, I-91, I-95, and I-395 and other state routes.

Lot sizes range from small community spots to large commuter hubs; Manchester’s Buckland Street lot, for example, holds 743 vehicles. Some offer express or local bus service; others serve as convenient carpool meetup points. Features vary by location, so it’s worth checking ahead.

Ready to Make Your Trip Easier?

Once you experience the ease of Connecticut’s Park and Ride lots, you’ll wonder how you ever got around without them. Whether you’re a daily commuter or meeting up with friends to carpool to a game, concert or trip to the shore, there’s likely a lot near you with a spot waiting.

For a full list of locations with maps and directions, visit https://portal.ct.gov/dot/travel-gateway/roads-and-highways/park-and-ride and click on the first letter of the town where the lot is located.

The post Your Stress-free Ride Starts Here: A Guide to Connecticut’s Park and Ride Lots appeared first on CTrides.

Bradley International (BDL) – Hartford Area

• Bradley Flyer (Route 30): Daily service from Hartford Union Station
• Route 24: From Windsor Locks station to the terminal (weekdays only)

Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) – New Haven Area

• Route 206: Daily service from downtown New Haven (Elm & Chapel St.)

Connecting from Farther Away

If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Connecticut, you may be able to connect to these services:

• For Bradley: The CTrail Hartford Line and CTfastrak both serve Hartford Union Station, where you can transfer directly to the Bradley Flyer
• For Tweed: The CTrail Hartford Line, CTrail Shore Line East, and Metro-North all serve State Street Station in New Haven – from there it’s a short walk to the Elm & Chapel St. bus stop for Route 206

Local CTtransit bus routes may also serve both areas. Not sure what’s available near you? Visit CTrides.com to find transit options from your area – there may be more connections than you think.

Check Schedules & Plan Your Trip

Service schedules and hours vary – always check with the operator before you travel:

• CTtransit bus schedules: cttransit.com
• CTrail Hartford Line hartfordline.com
• CTrail Shore Line East: shorelineeast.com
• CTfastrak: cttransit.com
• Metro-North: mta.info

The post Getting to Connecticut’s Airports by Transit appeared first on CTrides.

Small Boats, Big History

Connecticut’s two state-operated river ferries run from April 1 through November 30, carrying passengers, cyclists, and vehicles across the Connecticut River. They’re quick, charming, and packed with history – the kind of hidden gems locals love and visitors remember.

Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry: Dating back to 1655 – a ful l120 years before the American Revolution – this is the oldest continuously operated ferry service in the United States. Originally known as Warner’s Ferry, it helped transport supplies across the river for the American cause. Today, it’s a peaceful and scenic shortcut that still carries travelers the same way it has for generations.

Chester-Hadlyme Ferry: In service since 1769, this route is beloved for its postcard-worthy views. The short crossing puts you right on the Connecticut River with views that make it feel like a mini excursion. It’s also the easiest and most enjoyable way to reach Gillette Castle State Park and Devil’s Hopyard State Park, and the charming village of Chester -perfect for pairing with lunch, shopping, or a great day trip.

Hours & Fares: Both ferries run seven days a week. Fares are $5 on weekdays and $6 on weekends. Closed Thanksgiving. Check CT.gov for current schedules and fares before heading out.

Beyond the River: Connecticut’s Interstate Ferry Routes

Connecticut is also a departure point for several privately operated routes that make regional travel faster, easier, and a lot more fun:

● Cross Sound Ferry (New London to Orient Point, NY) – longislandferry.com
● Block Island Express (New London to Block Island, RI) – goblockisland.com
● Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry (Bridgeport to Port Jefferson, NY) – 88844ferry.com
● Game-Day Ferry from Stamford to Citi Field (select Mets home games) – seastreak.com

Why Take Ferries? Because the Journey Should be Part of the Fun

Whether you’re chasing history, scenery, convenience, or a new way to explore the region, Connecticut’s ferries offer a uniquely memorable experience.

Plan Your Trip: CT River Ferry info at CT.gov

The post Connecticut’s Ferries: History, Scenery & Unexpected Adventure appeared first on CTrides.