Cheap Flights to Connecticut

Connecticut, the small New England state is known as the Constitution State, with a history dating back to colonial days.

Bordered by Long Island Sound to the south, New York State to the west, Massachusetts to the north, and Rhode Island to the east, Connecticut is diverse. Beaches give way to mountains and rolling farmland. Industrial cities contrast with charming towns, clustered around a green and often featuring a small white church, town hall, tavern and old colonial houses.

There are five regions. Fairfield County is in the southwest, near New York City. Greater New Haven has Connecticut’s longest shoreline beach – Hammonasset Beach State Park – as well as Yale University.

Litchfield Hills, in the northwest, is rural, popular with second homers and, in the autumn, “leaf peepers” who are drawn to the colourful fall foliage.

Mystic Country has eight lighthouses, 19 state parks and 13 public beaches and two of the largest casinos in the world: Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun.

Finally, River Valley is located along the Connecticut River. The state capital, Hartford, is just a two-hour drive from New York or Boston. Connecticut flights land at Bradley International, minutes from the capital.

Connecticut climate

Although a New England state, Connecticut’s weather is relatively mild. Hartford may occasionally go above 32 degrees (Celsius) in the summer), and even more rarely goes to zero or below in winter. The northwestern hills can be as much as ten degrees cooler than the central valley.Temperatures in January are usually in the minus figures, gradually climbing to the mid-teens in April and upper 20s by June. July and August see the mid-20s and then the weather starts to cool in September.

When is the best time to fly to Connecticut?

Peak Season:
Summer is high season for most attractions when visitors have the most options, and the most crowds, especially along the shore.

July and August, and weekends from May to Columbus Day are packed with tourists in Mystic and the Southeastern coast. Along with the crowds, attractions and restaurants are packed and Connecticut flights and rooms need to be booked months in advance.

Off Season:
Many attractions close in the winter, but autumn and spring are excellent times to visit — autumn for the changing leaves and spring for the gardens and town greens in bloom. Several of the attractions that close in the winter reopen in April or May.

Getting around Connecticut

The third-smallest state (145km (90 miles) wide and 88km (55 miles) from top to bottom) is well connected by major roads. With several interstates you have ample access to all parts of the state from the Long Island shoreline north and northeast of Hartford. For more scenic routes through the state, try as the Merritt Parkway, US 7, and Route 8.

Rail service connects New London and New Haven, Stamford and stops along the way to Waterbury, and Hartford. Several bus lines provide transportation throughout the state, and ferries take travelers along the waterways.

How long is the flight to Connecticut?

A flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Bradley International (BHL) takes around 15-16h including layover time in Miami. A connecting flight from Chicago to Tweed New Haven with no stops will land in around 2h. However, many flights to Connecticut include at least one stop and often two. This can bring the total travel time up to over 20h. Although this might not be the most ideal option, this can present some unique opportunities for cheap flights to Connecticut.

Where can you get a direct flight to Connecticut?

Unfortunately there are currently no direct flights from any London Airport to Connecticut. You can get another connecting flight to Connecticut from a few airports in the United States. Tweed New Haven and Bradley International are the two most popular airports that take flights from some of the major travel destinations. Airports in Charlotte, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Miami all offer direct flights. Cheap flight deals to Connecticut can also be found in Midwestern states such as Chicago and Detroit. The two airlines that typically offer direct flight options are United Airlines and American Airlines.

What is the best way to travel around Connecticut?

Connecticut is a mix of green rural spaces and urban cities, ideal for camping, stargazing, cloud watching, or even experiencing nightlife. A hire car is the best option for travellers who want to explore more than just the city they land in. Driving to Roxbury from Hartford takes approximately 1h. Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are a great alternative for travellers who would like to stay in the general area. Public transport such as buses, provided by CT Transit, is also available to travellers. Additionally, Northeast Regional can take passengers from New Haven to Greenwich in 2h.

What are some fun things to do or see in Connecticut?

Connecticut is a historic state with plenty of old architecture to explore. The Hartford House, built in the late 19th Century, was once home to Mark Twain and is an example of American High Gothic architecture. It has since been converted into a museum. About an hour's drive away from here, you will find the largest maritime museum in the United States: the Museum of America and the Sea. Connecticut sits on the Eastern Seaboard. There's nothing like being greeted with soothing sea air while you enjoy your lunch and watch the sailboats on the sea. There's an almost mystic feeling to the coast. It's not loud like a party beach, but it's full of life and a sense of ease.

Do I need a visa or passport to fly to Connecticut?

When flying from within the continental United States, travellers do not require a visa or a passport. In this case, you will need a valid form of ID, such as your driving licence, to provide to security. Travelling from outside the United States, such as from the United Kingdom, requires a valid passport with at least six months and a visa that is appropriate for your journey. More information can be found with the Official Connecticut Office of Tourism.