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| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| New Britain City (S Main St) | • Lower rates than airport rentals • Convenient to downtown and CCSU • Less wait time for pickup |
• Limited business hours (usually 8AM-6PM) • Smaller selection of vehicles • May be closed on Sundays |
| Hartford Area | • More provider options • Extended hours at some locations • Larger vehicle selection |
• Requires transportation from New Britain • City traffic during commute hours • Slightly higher rates than New Britain |
| Bradley International Airport | • Widest selection of vehicles • 24/7 availability for most providers • Immediate pickup after flights |
• Higher rates (approximately 18% premium) • Airport facility fees • 30-minute drive from New Britain |
Transportation to Rental Depots: Local bus service connects New Britain to Hartford via CTfastrak. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are readily available throughout the area. Some rental companies offer pickup service from hotels or the bus station when requested in advance.
On average, car rentals in New Britain cost around $88 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Pick up in New Britain, not at Bradley Airport – city depots are about 18 % cheaper and you can hop over with CTfastrak or a quick rideshare instead of paying the airport premium.
Cross-check nearby towns (Newington, West Hartford, even Hartford city) in the search results; a 10-minute drive can uncover a lower base rate or a promo car class.
Target the price dips – mid-winter (Jan-Feb) and early spring/fall (Nov – early Dec, Mar-May) often run $35-55/day. Shifting your trip by a week outside summer or holiday peaks can slash the bill.
Book weekly if you're around 5+ days – in this region a 7-day rate can cost less than paying six individual days. Extend an extra day and just return early if the math works.
Finding a Spot:
Local Driving Rules:
Helpful Tips: Downtown New Britain garages are most economical for full-day visits. Street spots are limited to 2 hours in most areas. During special events at CCSU or downtown venues, arrive early to secure convenient spaces.
Renting a car in New Britain lets you explore central Connecticut and neighboring states with ease:
Hartford – Capitol, museums
Litchfield Hills – countryside drives, foliage
New Haven – Yale campus, pizza
Westfarms Mall – shopping

What's the cheapest place to rent a car near New Britain?
Rental places in New Britain or nearby towns often have rates 15–25% lower than you'll find at Bradley International Airport. Compare a few companies, since their prices can be very different.
Can I drive to New York City for the day from New Britain?
Yes. It's about a 110-mile (177 km) drive to NYC, which takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. You might want to drive to New Haven and take the Metro-North train to avoid the challenge of parking in Manhattan.
What kind of car is best for visiting New Britain and central Connecticut?
Most visitors find that a compact or midsize car works fine. In winter (December to March), you should consider an AWD SUV if you plan on driving a lot during snowy weather.
Are there scenic drives near New Britain?
If you take Route 4 west toward Farmington, you'll see beautiful countryside and get to the Litchfield Hills area. The drive is amazing during the fall when the leaves change color.
Where can I park for a day visit to downtown New Britain?
You can use the Badolato Parking Garage on Chestnut Street, right off Main Street. It offers all-day parking for about $5–10 per day. You can also park on the street, but most spots have a 2-hour limit.