A long layover in Stratford is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Igor I Sikorsky Memorial Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 45 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of BDR:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 45-minute journey each way by Greater Bridgeport Transit Bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Getting from BDR to Stratford
You have two main options for getting from Igor I Sikorsky Memorial Airport into town:
- Greater Bridgeport Transit Bus: About 45 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 65 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Stratford layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Stratford, we’d suggest Lordship Beach and Boothe Memorial Park and Museum. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
If you’d rather stay inside BDR — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Volo Aviation FBO Lounge
- BDR Plane Spotting Area
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Dockside Brewery and Outriggers Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Stratford.
- At the airport: Avellino’s Apizza Stratford and Volo Aviation Pilot Lounge Refreshments will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Bag Storage Near BDR
Specific locker facilities at BDR aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Stratford itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BDR, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Stratford itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at BDR.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Stratford doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 45 minutes from BDR, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.