Book Amtrak Train

Tucked away in the scenic Connecticut River Valley, the Windsor Locks Amtrak station (WNL) might not be a bustling metropolis hub, but it’s a surprisingly crucial gateway for travelers looking to connect to Bradley International Airport (BDL), explore charming New England towns, or commute to bigger cities like Hartford, New Haven, and beyond.

If you’re planning a trip that involves train travel through north-central Connecticut, here’s everything you need to know about the WNL station.

What to Expect at WNL Station: Small, But Mighty

First things first: set your expectations. Windsor Locks is a smaller, unstaffed platform station. Don’t expect a Grand Central Terminal or even a large regional station.

• Platform Only: WNL consists of a raised platform with a small, covered shelter and benches. There is no indoor waiting room, ticket agent, or restrooms.
• Accessibility: The station is generally accessible, with ramps leading to the platform.
• Parking: There is a dedicated parking lot adjacent to the platform, offering convenient (usually free or low-cost) parking for daily commuters or those leaving a car for a short trip.
• Tickets: All tickets must be purchased in advance online or via the Amtrak app. Conductors do not sell tickets at unstaffed stations.
• Amenities: Bring anything you might need (water, snacks, entertainment) as there are no services directly at the station. Local businesses are a short walk or drive away.

Trains Serving Windsor Locks

Windsor Locks is served by two primary Amtrak routes:

1. The Hartford Line / Valley Flyer: This regional service offers frequent daily trains linking Springfield, MA, Hartford, CT, and New Haven, CT. It’s an excellent option for commuters and travelers exploring the heart of Connecticut.
2. The Vermonter: This long-distance route provides daily service north to Vermont (Bellows Falls, White River Junction, Montpelier, Waterbury, Burlington) and south through Hartford, New Haven, and New York City, all the way to Washington D.C.

Getting To & From WNL

• On Foot: The station is located near the center of Windsor Locks, making it walkable to some local shops, restaurants, and residences.
• Taxi/Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft are generally available in the area, though wait times can vary. Local taxi services also operate. This is the recommended method for connecting to Bradley Airport.
• Local Bus: CT Transit buses operate in the area, check their schedules for routes that might serve the station or connect to key locations.

Key Distances & Connections from Windsor Locks (WNL)

Here’s where WNL truly shines, especially for its proximity to a major airport and its connections to the wider region:

Airports:

1. Bradley International Airport (BDL) – Windsor Locks, CT
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Travel Time: 5-10 minutes by car/taxi/rideshare.
   • Connection: This is perhaps the most significant draw of WNL. While there’s no direct walkway or shuttle, a quick and inexpensive taxi or rideshare can get you from the train to your airport terminal in minutes. It’s an excellent alternative to driving and parking at BDL.
2. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – Boston, MA
   • Distance: Approximately 90-100 miles
   • Travel Time: ~3 – 3.5 hours by train with connection.
   • Connection: Take the Hartford Line/Vermonter south to New Haven. From New Haven, you can transfer to a Metro-North train to Grand Central in NYC, or an Acela/Northeast Regional train to Boston South Station. From South Station, take the MBTA Silver Line (SL1) directly to Logan Airport.
3. New York City Airports (JFK, LGA, EWR)
   • Distance: Approximately 110-130 miles
   • Travel Time: ~4 – 5 hours by train with connection.
   • Connection: Take the Vermonter or Hartford Line south to New Haven, then transfer to a Metro-North train to Grand Central Terminal (for JFK/LGA via subway/AirTrain) or Penn Station (for EWR via NJ Transit/AirTrain).

Major Cities (by Train):

1. Hartford, CT (HFD)
   • Distance: Approximately 12 miles
   • Travel Time: ~15-20 minutes
   • Connection: Multiple daily Hartford Line and Vermonter trains. A quick and easy commute to downtown Hartford.
2. Springfield, MA (SPG)
   • Distance: Approximately 20 miles
   • Travel Time: ~25-30 minutes
   • Connection: Multiple daily Hartford Line and Vermonter trains heading north.
3. New Haven, CT (NHV)
   • Distance: Approximately 45 miles
   • Travel Time: ~1 hour
   • Connection: Multiple daily Hartford Line and Vermonter trains heading south. New Haven is a major transfer point for trains to NYC and points south.
4. New York City, NY (NYP – Penn Station)
   • Distance: Approximately 110 miles
   • Travel Time: ~3.5 – 4 hours (includes transfer in New Haven for most Hartford Line connections).
   • Connection: Take the Vermonter direct, or Hartford Line to New Haven and transfer to an Acela or Northeast Regional train.
5. Boston, MA (BOS – North Station / South Station)
   • Distance: Approximately 90-100 miles
   • Travel Time: ~3.5 – 4 hours (involves transfers).
   • Connection: Take the Vermonter (which terminates at Boston North Station). For South Station, take the Hartford Line to New Haven, then an Amtrak train or CT Rail/MBTA commuter rail to Hartford, and then a bus or commuter rail to Boston South Station, or an Amtrak train from New Haven. Note: Boston connections are often less direct than NYC.
6. St. Albans, VT (SAB)
   • Distance: Approximately 200 miles
   • Travel Time: ~4.5 – 5 hours
   • Connection: Daily service on the Vermonter, extending to the Canadian border.

Why Choose Windsor Locks (WNL)?

• Bradley Airport Access: It’s hands-down the most convenient train station for BDL, offering a stress-free alternative to airport parking.
• Convenience for Local Residents: An easy option for those living in Windsor Locks, Suffield, East Granby, and surrounding towns to access regional train service without driving to Hartford.
• Avoid City Traffic: For travelers heading to Hartford or points north/south, WNL allows you to avoid downtown Hartford traffic and parking hassles.
• Gateway to the Connecticut River Valley: Perfect for exploring the region’s historical sites, like the New England Air Museum or the picturesque towns themselves.

Tips for Travelers

• Check Schedules: Always verify Amtrak schedules online or on the app, as service times can change.
• Buy Tickets in Advance: Purchase your tickets before arriving at the station.
• Arrive Early: Although it’s a small station, give yourself a few extra minutes to find parking and get to the platform, especially if you have luggage or are unfamiliar with the area.
• Dress for the Weather: Since there’s only an open-air shelter, be prepared for whatever weather conditions are present.
• Plan Your “Last Mile”: If you need a taxi or rideshare upon arrival, consider pre-booking or having the app ready, especially for off-peak hours.

Windsor Locks (WNL) is more than just a dot on the Amtrak map; it’s a practical and efficient point of origin or destination, particularly for those flying into or out of Bradley International Airport. So, next time your travels take you through this part of Connecticut, consider letting the train take the strain!