Payless Car Rental
Windsor

At Bradley International Airport (BDL), the Payless rental car counter is located within the airport's consolidated Rental Car Center. This facility is separate from the main terminal building, housing multiple rental agencies in one convenient location. After you collect your luggage from the baggage claim area, you will need to take a short shuttle ride to reach this dedicated building. Clear signage throughout the terminal will direct you toward the ground transportation area where you can board the appropriate shuttle for rental car pickup.

The most straightforward way to reach the Payless counter is to follow the overhead airport signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation" as soon as you exit the secure area. These signs will lead you out of the terminal to the designated shuttle bus pickup zones. The airport runs frequent, complimentary shuttles that specifically serve the Rental Car Center. Boarding one of these shuttles is the only step required, as it will take you directly to the entrance of the building where the Payless counter is located.

During peak travel times, such as a busy morning, it's wise to budget around 60 to 75 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you're driving off the lot. This accounts for the time it takes to deplane, walk to baggage claim, wait for your luggage, and then catch the shuttle to the Rental Car Center. The shuttle ride itself is quick, but you may experience a short wait for the bus and potentially a line at the rental counter. Planning for this extra buffer helps ensure a low-stress start to your trip.

For a pre-sunrise departure, plan to arrive at the rental car return area at least 45 minutes before you want to be at your airline's check-in counter. This allows ample time to complete the vehicle return process, gather your belongings, and take the shuttle back to the main terminal. Since it will be dark, driving slowly and carefully following the "Rental Car Return" signs is crucial. Factoring in this extra time ensures you won't feel rushed navigating the airport roads and getting to your flight on schedule.

A common point of confusion when returning a vehicle to BDL is the final turn-off for the Rental Car Center. As you approach the airport on the main access road, the signage splits for "Departures," "Arrivals," and "Rental Car Return." Many drivers instinctively follow the "Departures" signs too early. The key is to stay in the designated rental car return lane, which often has its own separate exit. Using a GPS set specifically to the rental facility's address, not just the airport, can help prevent a last-minute, stressful lane change.

A great strategy is for the person handling the car rental to proceed alone to the Rental Car Center via the shuttle. The rest of the family can wait comfortably inside the terminal at the baggage claim level, near the exit doors. Once the driver has the car, they can circle around to the passenger pickup curb, which is clearly marked outside baggage claim. Coordinating via cell phone when the car is ready makes for a smooth and efficient rendezvous without everyone having to manage luggage on the shuttle.

To avoid the worst of rush hour traffic from BDL to downtown Hartford, taking Route 20 East to I-91 South is the most direct path. While this is the primary commuter route, the key to a less stressful drive is timing. If possible, try to delay your departure from the airport until after 9:00 AM. During peak times, stay in the center or left lanes on I-91 as the right lane often backs up with merging traffic and early exits. Be prepared for congestion around the I-84 interchange as you get closer to the city.

The drive from BDL to Springfield is generally quite quick, as it's a straight shot north on I-91. During off-peak hours, such as mid-day or later in the evening, you can expect the trip to take about 25 to 30 minutes. However, during the morning and evening commuter rush (approximately 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM), the travel time can easily extend to 45 minutes or more. Weekend traffic is usually lighter, but always check a real-time traffic app before you depart.

For a straightforward drive to UConn in Storrs, the simplest route involves avoiding the more complex interchanges around Hartford. From the airport, take Route 20 East to I-91 South for a very short distance. Then, take Exit 35A to merge onto I-291 East. Follow I-291 until it ends and merges with I-84 East. From I-84, you'll take Exit 68 and follow Route 195 directly to the university campus. This route is well-signed and keeps you on major highways for most of the journey.

When staying in Windsor, the main local road to be mindful of is Route 75 (Poquonock Avenue), which runs parallel to the airport. This road can get congested during morning and evening rush hours, especially near the intersections with Route 187 and Route 20. Additionally, Day Hill Road, a major corporate corridor in Windsor, experiences significant bottlenecks around business start and end times. If your accommodations are near these areas, it's wise to allow for an extra 10-15 minutes of travel time during peak periods.

When driving on I-91 near Windsor and Hartford, be aware that exits can come up quickly and sometimes exit from the left lane, which can be surprising for out-of-state drivers. The interchange where I-91 meets I-84 in Hartford is particularly complex, requiring you to be in the correct lane well in advance. Pay close attention to overhead signs and your GPS navigation. Local drivers are accustomed to the traffic flow, so signal your intentions early and be prepared for traffic to slow down abruptly, especially during commuter hours.

Yes, certain seasonal events can definitely impact traffic. In the fall, major events at the Big E fairgrounds in West Springfield, MA, can cause significant backups on I-91, affecting travel to and from BDL. During the summer, concerts at the Xfinity Theatre or major sporting events at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in Hartford can create considerable congestion on I-84 and I-91. It's always a good idea to check a local events calendar for your travel dates to anticipate any unusual traffic patterns.

The most direct route is to take Route 20 East from the airport to I-91 South. For the XL Center, take Exit 32A-32B for Trumbull Street. For the Connecticut Convention Center, continue on I-91 South to Exit 29A for the Capitol Area. On an event night, traffic will be heavy, so plan to leave the airport at least 90 minutes before your event starts. This provides a buffer for potential delays on the highway and for finding parking once you arrive in downtown Hartford.

The route to Six Flags New England is very simple from BDL. You'll take I-91 North across the Massachusetts border to Exit 47A (Route 159). The park is located just off the exit and is well-signed. To avoid the worst of the traffic heading to the park, plan to leave the airport so you arrive about 30 minutes before the park opens. This usually means getting on the road by 9:30 AM. Leaving the park can also be congested, so consider staying until closing or leaving an hour beforehand.

A day trip to Mystic is very practical and popular with a rental car from BDL. The drive is approximately 75-90 minutes each way, primarily on major highways. You'll take I-91 South to Hartford, then switch to Route 2 East, and finally connect to I-395 South and I-95 North. The drive is generally scenic and straightforward outside of rush hour. This allows for a full day to explore the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium before heading back in the evening.

A same-day round trip to Boston is ambitious but certainly possible, though it will be a long day. The drive is about two hours each way without traffic. The best route is I-91 South to I-84 East, which then merges into I-90 East (the Massachusetts Turnpike). To make it comfortable, leave Windsor very early in the morning, aiming to be on the road by 6:00 AM to beat the worst of the Hartford and Boston commuter traffic. Plan to leave Boston either mid-afternoon or after 7:00 PM to avoid the evening rush.

The most straightforward route to New Haven is to take I-91 South directly from the Windsor area. This highway goes all the way to New Haven, making it a very simple drive with minimal changes. The journey typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes without heavy traffic. As you approach New Haven, I-91 has several exits for the downtown area and Yale University, such as the Trumbull Street exit. Following your GPS for the final city streets is recommended once you get off the highway.

For a relaxed and scenic drive to the Northampton/Amherst area, take I-91 North from the airport. This is a direct and easy-to-navigate interstate that takes you right into the heart of Western Massachusetts. The drive is typically under an hour and offers pleasant views, especially in the fall. For Northampton, you'll take Exit 18, and for Amherst, you'll continue a bit further and take Exit 19, following Route 9 East. The route is well-marked and avoids any major urban congestion.

When picking up a rental car at BDL during winter, the first step is to check the local weather forecast before you even leave the terminal. If snow or ice is predicted, allow significant extra time for the entire pickup process. Once you have your vehicle, take a moment in the parking lot to familiarize yourself with the controls, especially the defroster and windshield wipers. Drive slowly and cautiously when leaving the airport, leaving plenty of distance between you and the car ahead, as road conditions can change quickly.

During winter weather events, major interstate highways are the top priority for road crews, making them the safest and best-maintained routes. To get from BDL to Windsor or Hartford in snowy or icy conditions, stick to I-91. While local roads like Route 75 might seem more direct, they are often treated and cleared after the interstates. Relying on I-91 ensures you are on the most consistently plowed and salted surface, providing a much safer journey to your destination.

A key rule in Connecticut is that turning right on a red light is permitted after a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. Be aware that drivers expect this, so hesitating might be met with a honk. Another important rule is the mandatory use of headlights whenever you are using your windshield wipers, regardless of the time of day. Also, fines for speeding in designated school zones and work zones are significantly higher, so pay close attention to posted speed limits in these areas.

A great option for a scenic but manageable fall foliage drive is to head north on I-91 from BDL into Massachusetts and then take Route 2 West, also known as the Mohawk Trail. This historic road offers stunning views and charming towns without being overly remote. Alternatively, for a Connecticut-based trip, you can drive west on Route 20 from the airport area towards Granby and then explore the network of state routes like Route 189 and Route 202 through the Litchfield Hills, which are well-maintained and beautiful.

After picking up your car, a convenient place to get organized is the cluster of shops and restaurants just a few minutes from the airport on Route 75 in Windsor Locks. You can easily find a large parking lot at a coffee shop or fast-food restaurant where you can safely pull over. This gives you a chance to install car seats, set up your navigation, and let everyone have a quick snack or bathroom break before hitting the highway for a longer journey.

A simple and efficient plan is to head south from the airport on Route 75 (Poquonock Avenue). Within a five-minute drive, you will find several major grocery stores, such as Stop & Shop or Geissler's Supermarket, located directly on this road. These stores have large parking lots, making it easy to maneuver a rental car. This allows you to quickly stock up on essentials before continuing on to your hotel or accommodation in Windsor without having to go far off your primary route.

When adding a second driver to your rental agreement, the most important thing is for both individuals to be present at the Payless counter at the time of pickup. Each driver will need to present their valid driver's license to the rental agent for verification. The agent will then be able to review the credentials and officially add the second person to the rental contract. This ensures that everyone who will be driving the vehicle is properly authorized before you begin your trip.

One of the conveniences of driving in this area is that Connecticut does not currently have any toll roads, so your travel around Windsor and Hartford will be toll-free. Similarly, I-91 heading north to Springfield, Massachusetts, is also free of tolls. However, if your New England road trip takes you further east into Massachusetts on I-90 (the Mass Pike) or into New York State, you will encounter all-electronic tolling systems. It's a good idea to discuss toll payment options with the rental agent when you pick up your car.

The most straightforward route to begin a drive to New York City is to take I-91 South from the airport area. Follow I-91 South through Hartford down to New Haven. In New Haven, you will merge onto I-95 South, which will take you the rest of the way toward the city. An alternative with often lighter traffic is taking I-91 South to the Merritt Parkway (Route 15 South), which is a scenic but sometimes narrow parkway. Both routes are well-signed and will get you heading in the right direction.

Reaching the Berkshires from BDL is a beautiful and relatively easy drive. The most direct route is to take I-91 North from the airport into Massachusetts. Near Springfield, you will merge onto I-90 West, also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike. This highway cuts directly through the heart of the Berkshires. You can take various exits, such as the one for Lee (Exit 10) or Stockbridge, depending on your final destination. The drive typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

For an easy-to-reach ski destination, consider the mountains in Southern Vermont, such as Mount Snow or Stratton. The drive involves taking I-91 North directly from the airport area through Massachusetts and into Vermont, a journey of about two hours. I-91 is a major interstate and is generally well-maintained during winter, but it's crucial to check road conditions before you depart. The final leg of the journey will be on smaller state roads, so driving cautiously and having a vehicle equipped for winter conditions is advisable.

Visitors often find on-street parking in downtown Hartford challenging due to limited availability and time restrictions. If your hotel lacks convenient parking, the simplest plan is to use one of the many public parking garages located throughout the downtown area. Garages near the XL Center or the Connecticut Convention Center are plentiful and well-lit. Identifying a garage near your hotel ahead of time using a map app can save you the stress of circling the block looking for a spot upon arrival.

To avoid the stress of finding parking for a major event in Hartford, plan to arrive downtown at least 60 to 90 minutes before the event's start time. This allows you to beat the peak rush of attendees all converging on the same garages. Driving directly to a recommended parking garage slightly further from the venue can also be a smart strategy, as it may have more availability and allow for a quicker exit after the event. A short walk is often much faster than being stuck in traffic right next to the venue.

Before you leave the rental lot, take five minutes for a thorough check. First, do a walk-around of the exterior to note any pre-existing scratches or dings. Inside, adjust your seat, steering wheel, and all mirrors for clear visibility. It's also wise to pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth system and enter your first destination into the GPS while you are safely parked. Finally, locate the controls for headlights and windshield wipers so you're not searching for them in a sudden rainstorm on the highway.

For a safe and simple drive after a late flight, the best plan is to take the most direct, well-lit route to your hotel in Windsor. From the airport's Rental Car Center, follow signs for Route 75 South (Poquonock Avenue). This is a main local road that runs directly into the heart of Windsor and passes by many of the area's hotels. It avoids complex highway interchanges and allows you to drive at a slower, more comfortable pace until you reach your accommodation for the night.

This is a great multi-city itinerary. After picking up your car at BDL, it's a short drive south on I-91 to your base in Hartford. When you're ready to head to Rhode Island, the most efficient route is to take I-84 East from Hartford. You can then connect to I-395 South and follow signs for Providence via Route 6 East. For the beaches, you would continue south on I-95. The drive from Hartford to Providence is typically around 90 minutes, making it an easy second leg of your journey.

Yes, visiting both the Mark Twain House and Elizabeth Park in one afternoon is very realistic and a great plan. The two attractions are located quite close to each other in the west end of Hartford. After driving from BDL, you can park at one location and potentially walk or take a very short drive to the other. Plan for about two to three hours at the Mark Twain House for a tour and then an hour or so to stroll through the beautiful rose gardens at Elizabeth Park.

Both of these attractions are conveniently located very close to the airport. For the New England Air Museum, you will exit the airport area and follow signs for Route 75 North; the museum is just a minute or two down the road. To reach the Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail, you will also take Route 75, but head south into the town of Windsor Locks. The main entrance to the trail is off Route 159, which is easily accessible from Route 75, making for a quick and simple drive.

For a smooth handoff, the person dropping you off should follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" just as you would if you were driving the car back yourself. They can pull into the return area, where you can quickly get out with your luggage. After you've exited the vehicle, they can simply follow the signs to exit the facility without having to park. This avoids any confusion with the main terminal's departures or arrivals curbs, which are often congested.

The most important rule for luggage security is to always keep it out of sight. Whenever you park the car to visit an attraction or a restaurant, make sure all bags, backpacks, and valuables are stored in the trunk before you arrive at your stop. Moving items to the trunk in a busy parking lot can signal to thieves that you have valuables inside. A vehicle with a covered cargo area or a sedan with a separate trunk is an excellent choice for this reason.

For a trip that combines highway driving with city exploration, a mid-size sedan often provides the best balance. It offers enough space and comfort for a smooth ride on interstates like I-91 and I-84. At the same time, it remains maneuverable and relatively easy to park in Hartford's downtown garages, where spaces can be tighter. A larger SUV might be more comfortable on the highway but can become cumbersome when navigating narrow city streets or compact parking spots.

A common mistake is simply putting "Windsor, CT" into the GPS, which might lead you on a confusing route through industrial parks or back roads. To avoid this, it's best to input the specific street address of your hotel or destination. When leaving the Rental Car Center, pay close attention to the physical road signs for major routes like I-91 or Route 75. Sometimes a GPS will suggest an immediate turn that isn't the most logical or well-marked path out of the airport complex.