Bradley International Airport, a medium-sized hub and regional facility, is located 12 miles north of downtown Hartford in Windsor Locks. The airport is the second busiest in New England and served over six million passengers in 2004. Twelve airlines serve the airport out of two terminals, one of which was recently completed. Bradley is currently in the process of completing further renovations, including the modernization of the older terminal, the addition of restaurant and retail space, and a revamped baggage system. Brainard-Hartford Airport, built in 1921 and located in the southeast corner of the city, was the nation's first municipally-owned airport. Now state-owned, the airport is used for charter, instruction, and private aircraft.
Two interstate highways serve Hartford. I-91 runs north-south (alongside the Connecticut River in Hartford) while I-84 runs northeast-southwest. Passenger train service is provided by Amtrak, which operates passenger service to major points throughout the country, and several interstate bus companies provide long-distance passenger service. The Union Station Transportation Center, a century-old brownstone structure restored to its original beauty, serves as the region's central rail and bus station.
Connecticut Transit operates more than thirty routes in and around the city and will take tourists to many Hartford area tourist attractions outside the downtown area. The Downtown Council and Business for Downtown Hartford sponsors a Park, Shop and Dine program providing the first hour of parking free at lots and garages with a minimum purchase. The Scooter Bus system reaches many major employers downtown and throughout the city. It operates every 10 to 30 minutes from early morning to early evening. Riverfront Recapture and other downtown Hartford revitalization projects have created walkways and open areas that are conducive to pedestrian traffic in the city.