Bridgeport, Connecticut, often called the “Park City,” holds a unique position on the Northeast Corridor. For travelers, its multi-modal transportation center, anchored by the Amtrak station (BRP), is a vital hub connecting locals and visitors to major cities, charming towns, and bustling airports across the region.
If you’re planning a trip to or from Bridgeport, or just passing through, this complete guide will help you navigate BRP, understand its connections, and estimate your travel times and distances.
The Bridgeport Transportation Center (BRP) At a Glance
Located right on the waterfront, the Bridgeport Transportation Center is more than just an Amtrak station. It’s a true intermodal hub, serving:
- Amtrak: Your gateway to the Northeast Corridor and beyond.
- Metro-North Railroad: Connecting you to New Haven, Stamford, and New York City.
- CT Rail (Shore Line East): Offering service between New Haven and New London.
- Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA): Local bus service throughout the city and surrounding towns.
- Intercity Bus Lines: Select bus services operate from here as well.
Location: 525 Water St, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Key Features:
- Accessibility: The station is ADA compliant, with elevators and ramps for easy platform access.
- Waiting Area: A comfortable waiting area with seating.
- Ticketing: Staffed ticket counters (during operating hours) and Quik-Trak kiosks for self-service.
- Restrooms: Available for passengers.
- Vending Machines: Snacks and beverages.
- Parking: A large, multi-level parking garage (operated by the city) is conveniently located adjacent to the station.
- Nearby Amenities: Within walking distance to the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Total Mortgage Arena, and several restaurants.
Understanding Amtrak Routes from Bridgeport
Bridgeport is primarily served by two key Amtrak services along the Northeast Corridor:
- Northeast Regional: Offers frequent service with numerous daily trains, making stops at most major stations between Boston and Virginia.
- Acela Express: Amtrak’s high-speed service, offering fewer, faster trips between Boston and Washington D.C., with select trains stopping in Bridgeport. Always check schedules for Acela stops.
Key Amtrak Destinations & Distances from Bridgeport (BRP)
Here’s a breakdown of popular destinations, approximate driving distances (for context), and typical train travel times. Note: Train times are estimates and can vary based on service, time of day, and track conditions.
Within Connecticut:
- New Haven (NHV):
- Driving Distance: ~18-20 miles
- Amtrak Train Time: ~20-30 minutes
- Also served frequently by Metro-North and CT Rail.
- Stamford (STM):
- Driving Distance: ~20-22 miles
- Amtrak Train Time: ~25-35 minutes
- Also served frequently by Metro-North.
- New London (NLC):
- Driving Distance: ~60-65 miles
- Amtrak Train Time: ~1 hour 15 min – 1 hour 30 min
- Also served by CT Rail Shore Line East (transfer in New Haven).
- Hartford via New Haven (HFD):
- Driving Distance: ~55-60 miles
- Amtrak Train Time: ~1 hour 45 min – 2 hours (requires transfer at New Haven to Hartford Line service).
To Major Cities:
- New York City (NYP – Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station):
- Driving Distance: ~60-65 miles
- Amtrak Train Time: ~1 hour 30 min – 2 hours
- Also served very frequently by Metro-North (Grand Central Terminal).
- Boston (BOS – South Station):
- Driving Distance: ~160-170 miles
- Amtrak Train Time: ~3 hours 30 min – 4 hours 30 min (frequently requires a transfer at New Haven or Providence if not on a direct through-train).
- Providence (PVD):
- Driving Distance: ~95-100 miles
- Amtrak Train Time: ~2 hours – 2 hours 45 min (frequently requires a transfer at New Haven if not on a direct through-train).
- Philadelphia (PHL – William H. Gray III 30th Street Station):
- Driving Distance: ~150-160 miles
- Amtrak Train Time: ~3 hours 30 min – 4 hours 30 min
- Washington D.C. (WAS – Union Station):
- Driving Distance: ~250-260 miles
- Amtrak Train Time: ~5 hours 30 min – 6 hours 30 min
Connecting to Major Airports from Bridgeport (BRP)
The Bridgeport station offers excellent connections to several major airports, though most require multiple modes of transport.
1. New York Area Airports (JFK, LGA, EWR)
Connecting to these airports from Bridgeport typically involves taking Amtrak or Metro-North to New York Penn Station, then transferring to airport-specific transit.
- JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport – Code: JFK)
- Approx. Driving Distance: ~70 miles
- Train + AirTrain Travel Time: ~2 hours 30 min – 3 hours 30 min
- How To: Take Amtrak/Metro-North to New York Penn Station. From Penn Station, follow signs for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica Station. At Jamaica, transfer to the JFK AirTrain directly into the airport terminals.
- LaGuardia Airport (Code: LGA)
- Approx. Driving Distance: ~65 miles
- Train + Bus/Taxi Travel Time: ~2 hours 30 min – 3 hours 30 min
- How To: Take Amtrak/Metro-North to New York Penn Station. From Penn, you can take a subway (E to Roosevelt Ave/Jackson Heights, then Q70-SBS bus) or a taxi/rideshare directly to LGA. The new LaGuardia Link M60-SBS bus also connects from 125th Street (reachable via subway from Penn).
- Newark Liberty International Airport (Code: EWR)
- Approx. Driving Distance: ~80 miles
- Train + AirTrain Travel Time: ~2 hours 30 min – 3 hours 30 min
- How To: Take Amtrak/Metro-North to Newark Penn Station (NJ). From Newark Penn, take a connecting NJ Transit train one stop to Newark Liberty International Airport Station. At the airport station, transfer to the AirTrain directly into the airport terminals.
2. Connecticut & Regional Airports:
- Bradley International Airport (Code: BDL – Windsor Locks, CT)
- Approx. Driving Distance: ~60 miles
- Train + Ground Transport Travel Time: ~2 hours 30 min – 3 hours 30 min
- How To: Take Amtrak or CT Rail to New Haven (NHV). From New Haven, you can take the Hartford Line train to Windsor Locks, then a short taxi/rideshare to the airport. Alternatively, from New Haven, you can arrange a pre-booked shuttle, taxi, or rideshare directly to BDL.
- Westchester County Airport (Code: HPN – White Plains, NY)
- Approx. Driving Distance: ~40 miles
- Train + Ground Transport Travel Time: ~1 hour 45 min – 2 hours 45 min
- How To: Take Amtrak or Metro-North to Stamford (STM) or New Haven (NHV), then a taxi/rideshare the rest of the way to HPN. Alternatively, take Metro-North to White Plains (WPP), then a short taxi/rideshare to the airport. This can be less direct via Amtrak.
Tips for Travelers Using Bridgeport Amtrak Station
- Book in Advance: Especially for peak travel times, holidays, or Acela service, booking your Amtrak tickets ahead can save you money and ensure a seat.
- Check Schedules: Always verify Amtrak, Metro-North, and CT Rail schedules on their respective websites or apps before your trip, as times can change, and delays can occur.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to find parking, purchase tickets, and locate your platform, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the station.
- Utilize Apps: The Amtrak app, MTA TrainTime app (for Metro-North), and CT Rail/Bus apps can provide real-time updates and make navigation easier.
- Accessibility Needs: If you require assistance, notify Amtrak when booking your ticket or speak to a station agent upon arrival.
Bridgeport’s Amtrak station (BRP) is a highly efficient nexus for anyone looking to explore the Northeast by rail. Whether you’re commuting to New York City, connecting to an international flight, or heading north to Boston, BRP offers convenient access and a vital link in your travel plans. Happy travels!
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