Traveling to Wesleyan
The closest major airport to Wesleyan University’s campus in Middletown is Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut. Depending on where in the world students are flying from, some choose to fly into BDL while others enter the U.S. through Boston’s Logan (BOS) or one of New York City’s three airports: John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR).
It is important for the Office of International Student Affairs and Residential Life to know your complete flight itinerary. Please submit your flight information through WesPortal by completing the ISO Student Registration Form.
Make sure to also review our Entering the United States page for important information about what to expect at the airport and how to check in with OISA once you arrive.
Getting to Campus from Bradley International Airport (BDL)
Wesleyan will provide free shuttles from BDL to campus on Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24, 2024, the two-day arrival period for undergraduate international students. Please note that this free transportation is only for students and only provided from BDL, not the other regional airports listed above. If you will be arriving with family members, you must arrange alternative ground transportation for them.
Two options for traveling to campus are using a rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) or an airport limousine service:
- Rideshares: Download the app for Uber or Lyft. You can use Uber or Lyft to travel directly from BDL to Middletown. The cost depends on the time of the day you travel and the type of vehicle you choose. Prices range from $50 to $80 USD.
- Limousine Services: There are several limousine services that will pick you up at BDL and drive you to the Wesleyan campus. Prices are determined by the size of vehicle reserved. Regular-sized cars (sedans) cost approximately $150 while larger cars (like SUVs) which can transport more people and/or luggage cost approximately $200. Bradley International Airport has a list of limousine services on their website.
Traveling from New York City
Flying from NYC to Hartford (BDL) is often quite expensive and unnecessary. You should consider traveling by car, shuttle, or train. Depending on how many suitcases you have, how many people are in your party, and your budget, you have several options:
- Rideshares: Download the app for Uber or Lyft. You can use Uber or Lyft to travel directly from New York’s airports or Manhattan to Middletown. The cost depends on the time of the day you travel and the type of vehicle you choose. The cheapest option (a regular size car) is between $160-$200 USD. A bigger car (will be able to transport more suitcases than a regular size car) will cost $300-$350 USD. This is the most convenient way to travel door-to-door.
- Airport Shuttles: There are several shuttles that will pick you up at NYC airports and drive you to Connecticut. The ride-share shuttle charges per person. Connecticut Limo travels from JFK, LGA, or Newark to New Haven. GO Airport Shuttle travels from JFK or LGA (no shuttle from EWR) to New Haven. Once you get to New Haven, take an Uber or Lyft to Wesleyan University. The cost from New Haven to Middletown is around $40 USD (regular size car) or $75 (SUV/other larger cars). Please note that if you plan to use this option, the shuttle will only pick you up from the airports, not from Manhattan.
- Metro North: This commuter train goes from Manhattan (either Grand Central Terminal or Harlem-125 St.) to New Haven. From New Haven, use Uber or Lyft to get to Wesleyan.
- Amtrak: Amtrak, the national railroad service, goes from Penn Station (station code: NYP) in Manhattan to Meriden, CT (station code: MDN). Once you get to Meriden, Uber or Lyft to Wesleyan. The cost will be around $20 (regular size car) or $30 (SUV or larger cars).
Be sure to practice health precautions for your personal safety and that of any travelers accompanying you to campus. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for more information.
Travel FAQs
May I travel with my family?
Of course you may! Please note that all visitors to campus, including family members, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Your family may find the following information helpful when planning their visit:
What happens if I arrive late or have travel delays?
For travel delays, students should call the ISO office and leave a detailed message at 860-685-1096 or email oisa@wesleyan.edu to inform us about your delay.
If you arrive at Wesleyan University after midnight, go to the Office of Public Safety to get a key and be escorted to your room. Public Safety is located at 208 High Street, Middletown, Connecticut 06459. In case of emergency, please call: 860-685-2345.
What do I do if my visa, passport, or other important documentation are lost during the trip?
- Email the Office of International Student Affairs at oisa@wesleyan.edu and inform them of the problem.
- You will be required to return home to obtain replacement documents.
- First, you should contact the local police immediately. You will need a police report to present to the consulate/embassy to prove that your documents were lost.
- Contact the Office of International Student Affairs at oisa@wesleyan.edu and inform them of the problem. They will tell you what to do based on your individual situation.