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Hartford Union Station: A Guide to Hartford's Train and Bus Station

By , About.com Guide

Hartford Union Station in Hartford Connecticut

Union Station in Hartford, Connecticut, is the capital city's transportation hub. The 1914 train and bus station is on the National Register of Historic Places.

© 2006 Kim Knox Beckius

Hartford Union Station Overview:

Union Station, Hartford, Connecticut's train and bus station, is conveniently located in downtown Hartford. The brownstone station, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was rebuilt in 1914 following a devastating fire. On the Spruce Street side of Union Station, a colorful, 636-foot mural (see photo at right) designed in 1988 by artist Cleve Gray makes the train and bus station an easily recognizable Hartford landmark. Titled "Movement in Space," the mural is made of enameled steel tiles. Here is your guide to Hartford's transportation hub.

Transportation Options at Union Station:

The following train and bus lines serve Hartford's Union Station:

Amtrak

Connecticut Transit

Connecticut Limousine

Greyhound Bus Lines

Peter Pan Bus Lines

Directions to Union Station in Hartford:

The main entrance to Union Station is located on Spruce Street in downtown Hartford, Connecticut. From I-84 Eastbound, take exit 48A for Asylum Street and proceed straight onto Spruce Street. The station will be on your right. From I-84 westbound, take exit 48 for Asylum Street. Turn left onto Asylum Street, then left on Spruce Street, and the station will be on your right.

Parking at Union Station:

The Spruce Street Parking Lot is conveniently located across the street from Union Station. I have never had difficulty finding parking in this lot. However, when I returned to my car after a March 2008 trip, my sideview mirror was smashed, and the lot operator refused to accept any liability. Consider parking away from other cars.

As of 2009, rates are $1.75 for the first half hour and $1.75 per half hour thereafter with a maximum daily rate of $12. If you are picking someone up or dropping someone off at Union Station, there is no need to park. You can pull in front of the station to pick up or drop off passengers.

Hotels Near Union Station:

There are a number of hotels within walking distance of the train and bus station including:

Holiday Inn Express (Book Direct)
440 Asylum Street, Hartford, 860-246-9900
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Hartford Downtown
338 Asylum Street, Hartford, 860-524-0223
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Hilton Hartford
315 Trumbull Street, Hartford, 860-728-5151
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Residence Inn Hartford Downtown (Book Direct)
942 Main Street, Hartford, 860-524-5550
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Restaurants and Food Concessions at Union Station:

If you want to grab a quick bite before boarding your train or bus, you'll find a Dunkin' Donuts and a Subway inside Union Station.

If you have time to linger over a meal, or if you're meeting someone in Hartford, the closest restaurant is Hot Tomato's, which is located right at Union Place. This Italian eatery, which is something of an institution in Hartford, has both indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations are a good idea.

Other Recommended Restaurants Within Walking Distance:

Black-eyed Sally's BBQ & Blues
Bin 228
Agave Grill

Hartford Union Station Tips for Visitors:

  • Union Station is small, and you won't have any difficulty finding your way around. For example, there is only one train track--Track 1--so you can be pretty sure you're in the right spot.
  • There is a steep set of stairs leading up to Track 1. If you are unable to climb or are carrying heavy luggage, you'll find an elevator on the opposite side of the station.
  • If you will need a taxi when you arrive at Union Station, it's always a good idea to call ahead to make arrangements. Here is a list of Hartford taxi services.
  • Before you call a cab, see if the free Hartford Star Shuttle might take you to your destination.

Contact Union Station:

Union Station is owned and operated by the Greater Hartford Transit District. For information, call 860-247-5329.

Union Station
One Union Place
Hartford, CT 06103

Helpful Links:

Getting Around in Hartford
More Downtown Hartford Landmarks

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