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Hartford, Connecticut, a city rich in history and bustling with modern energy, is a vital hub for train travelers in New England. If you’re planning a trip to, from, or through the Capital City by rail, Hartford’s Amtrak station (HFD), officially known as Hartford Union Station, is your gateway.

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the station, its services, and how it connects you to key cities and airports across the region.

Hartford Union Station (HFD): An Overview

Hartford Union Station is more than just a train stop; it’s a historic landmark. Built in 1889, the granite Romanesque Revival building with its iconic clock tower maintains much of its original grandeur while serving as a modern transportation center.

Location: One Union Place, Hartford, CT 06103

Key Features:

• Historic Architecture: Admire the grand waiting room and exterior.
• Amtrak Services: Ticket kiosks are available for purchasing or printing tickets. A staffed ticket counter may be available during peak hours; otherwise, conductors can assist on board.
• Waiting Areas: Comfortable seating is available in the main hall.
• Restrooms: Facilities are located within the station.
• Accessibility: The station is generally accessible for passengers with disabilities, including ramps and accessible restrooms.
• Connectivity: The station is a multi-modal hub, also serving CTfastrak (bus rapid transit) and CTtransit local buses.

While it’s a beautiful and functional station, don’t expect the extensive shops and restaurants you’d find at a major metropolitan terminal like Penn Station. It’s best to grab any snacks or drinks beforehand.

Getting To and From HFD

Hartford Union Station is conveniently located downtown, making it easily accessible:

• Walking: Many downtown hotels, businesses, and attractions (like Bushnell Park and the State Capitol) are within walking distance.
• Public Transit:
  • CTfastrak: Hartford is the central hub for Connecticut’s bus rapid transit system, offering fast and frequent service to West Hartford, Newington, New Britain, and other destinations.
  • CTtransit: Local buses connect the station to various parts of the city and surrounding towns.
• Rideshares & Taxis: Services like Uber, Lyft, and local taxis frequently pick up and drop off passengers directly at the station entrance.
• Parking: Several paid parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity of the station, though direct station parking is limited.

Amtrak Routes & Services from Hartford

Hartford is served by two primary Amtrak routes, providing vital connections throughout New England and down the Northeast Corridor:

1. Northeast Regional: This is Amtrak’s most popular route, connecting Hartford to:
   • New Haven, CT (connecting to points further south like New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.)
   • Springfield, MA (and points north via the Vermonter)
   • Some trains continue directly south from New Haven, bypassing the need for a transfer to reach NYC or beyond.
2. Vermonter: This route takes you north from Hartford to:
   • Springfield, MA
   • Northampton, MA
   • Greenfield, MA
   • Various scenic towns in Vermont, all the way to St. Albans, VT.
   • Southbound, Vermonter trains continue down the Northeast Corridor to New York City and Washington D.C.
3. Valley Flyer: A newer, regional service connecting New Haven, CT, Hartford, and Springfield, MA, with more frequent intra-state service.

Distances to Key Cities by Train (Approximate Travel Times)

When planning your trip from Hartford, understanding the approximate travel times can be crucial. These times are estimates and can vary based on specific train schedules, transfers, and potential delays.

• Springfield, MA: ~30-40 minutes
• New Haven, CT: ~1 hour
• New York City (Moynihan Train Hall/Penn Station): ~2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours (often direct or with a quick transfer in New Haven)
• Stamford, CT: ~1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes
• Providence, RI: ~2 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes (typically via transfer in New Haven)
• Boston, MA (South Station): ~3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes (typically via transfer in New Haven or a longer route through Springfield)
• Philadelphia, PA (30th Street Station): ~3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours 30 minutes
• Washington D.C. (Union Station): ~5 hours – 6 hours

Connecting to Key Airports from HFD

While Hartford doesn’t have an airport directly connected to the train station, several major airports are within reasonable reach.

1. Bradley International Airport (BDL) – Windsor Locks, CT:
   • Distance: Approximately 15-20 miles north of Hartford.
   • Travel Time (Drive): ~20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
   • Connection Options:
     • Taxi/Rideshare: The most convenient and direct option.
     • CTtransit Bus: Route 30 (Bradley Flyer) connects downtown Hartford (with stops easily accessible from Union Station) directly to BDL. This is a cost-effective option.
2. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – Boston, MA:
   • Distance: Approximately 100 miles northeast.
   • Travel Time (Combined Train & Transit):
     • Train from Hartford to Boston South Station: ~3 – 3.5 hours.
     • From South Station, take the MBTA Silver Line SL1 directly to Logan Airport: ~20-30 minutes.
   • Total Estimated Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours 30 minutes, plus buffer for transfers.
3. New York City Area Airports (JFK, LGA, EWR):
   • First, take Amtrak from Hartford to New York Penn Station (NYP): ~2.5 – 3 hours.
   • From NYP, you’ll need to transfer to airport-specific transportation:
     • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Take a short NJ Transit train ride directly from NYP to the EWR AirTrain station. This is often the easiest NYC airport to reach by public transit from Manhattan.
     • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): From NYP, take the A or C subway lines to Howard Beach-JFK Airport or the E subway line to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Ave-JFK Airport, then transfer to the AirTrain JFK.
     • LaGuardia Airport (LGA): From NYP, take a subway (like the E, M, or R to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Ave) or a taxi/rideshare to connect to MTA Q70 LaGuardia Link or M60 SBS bus services.
   • Total Estimated Time (Hartford to NYC Airport): ~4 – 5.5 hours, depending on the airport and transfer efficiency.

Tips for Travelers Using HFD

• Buy Tickets in Advance: Especially for popular routes and peak travel times, booking online or via the Amtrak app can save you money and ensure a seat.
• Check for Delays: Always check the Amtrak app or website for real-time train status, as delays can occur.
• Arrive Early: Give yourself at least 15-20 minutes before departure to find your platform, use restrooms, and prepare for boarding.
• Limited Amenities: Plan to bring your own snacks, drinks, and entertainment, as station amenities are minimal.
• Baggage: Be mindful of Amtrak’s baggage policies. You can carry on two personal items and two larger bags, with additional bags allowed for a fee.

Hartford Union Station stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and convenience of train travel. Whether you’re commuting to New Haven, embarking on a scenic journey through Vermont, or heading to the bustling streets of New York City, HFD provides a comfortable and historic starting point for your adventures. Happy travels!