Car Rental in Hartford CTThe best Car Rental in Hartford CT
All-in coverage with no hidden fees
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More transparent than a rental, with a new car every 6-12 months
The benefits of FINN vs Car Rental in Hartford CT
All-in coverage
Insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance included in a single monthly fee.
Flexible terms
With a new car every 6-12 months, you’re not tied to long-term contracts.
Incredibly simple
Get your subscription in just 5 minutes. No more complicated paperwork.
Delivery to your home
FINN delivers your new car right to your door so you can focus on the road ahead.
Start exploring Hartford CT with FINN
Take a road trip with a car rental in Connecticut in and around Hartford.
Art fans should stop by the oldest continuously operating public art museum, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, for literary fans there’s Mark Twain House and Museum, and for history fans, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.
Get started with a FINN car subscription to drive through Hartford and Providence in neighboring Rhode Island or Boston and Manchester just further north.
Top tips for driving in Hartford
Speed Limits in Hartford
Residential areas: 25 mph
Urban freeways: 55 mph
Rural freeways: 65 mph
However, it's important to note that speed limits can vary depending on specific road conditions and signage. Certain areas such as school zones or construction zones may have lower speed limits for safety reasons.
It's crucial to drive attentively and comply with the posted speed limits to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Parking in Hartford
In central Hartford, you'll find on-street parking options with free parking on weekends and weekday evenings. Be sure to check the meter for the maximum allowed duration.
One Financial Plaza Garage (06103) has more than 1,000 spaces near Hartford Police Museum.
At Goodwin Square Garage (06103) near Bushnell Park you can find room for 300 cars.
Connecticut Convention Center (06103) has 2,600 parking spaces available for those visiting for an event.
There’s room for around 1,300 vehicles at Church Street Garage (06103) opposite the XL Center.
Main St. Stadium Lot (06103) over the road from Dunkin Donuts Park can accommodate up to 600 vehicles.
Highways and Interstates in Hartford
Interstate 84 (I-84)
Runs east-west through Hartford and connects the city to other major cities in the region, such as Waterbury, Danbury, and Hartford's eastern suburbs.
Interstate 91 (I-91)
Runs north-south through Hartford and connects the city to New Haven, Springfield (MA), and other destinations in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Interstate 291 (I-291)
It forms a partial beltway around the city, connecting various major routes and providing a bypass for through traffic. I-291 intersects with I-84 in the southwest and I-91 in the northeast of Hartford. This interstate serves as a key transportation route for commuters and travelers navigating the Hartford metropolitan area.
Route 2
Also known as the Founders' Bridge Highway, this east-west state highway passes through Hartford and connects the city to Glastonbury and Norwich.
Route 15
Also known as the Wilbur Cross Highway, this highway passes through the southern part of Hartford and provides a route between New Haven, Hartford, and the northeastern part of the state.
Driving conditions in Hartford
Driving conditions are generally pleasant with well-maintained roads. However, winters bring snow and ice, so it's vital to be prepared. Ensure your rental car has winter tires and snow chains, especially for countryside excursions.
Additionally, be aware of pedestrian-only areas, such as the pedestrian-only bridge over I-91 crossing the Connecticut River and Pratt Street which during lunchtime is also closed to cars and is reserved for foot traffic only.
Plan around annual festivals like the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz and Envisionfest, as they often close the city center to traffic.
Rush hours occur on weekdays (7:30-9 am and 4:30-6:30 pm), so plan accordingly, particularly when heading to the airport.
FAQs on Car Rental in Hartford CT
The answer depends on your personal preferences, driving needs, and financial situation.
Leasing may be a good option if you want to drive a new car every few years. Renting is a short-term option if you need a car for a specific period but can be more expensive in the long run. While buying a car may be more cost-effective in the long run if you plan on keeping it for a longer period of time, you'll also have to pay for maintenance, insurance and repairs.
Additionally, a car subscription may be a good alternative that provides flexibility without long-term commitment. Unlike leasing, renting or buying, your transparent monthly fee includes everything you need to hit the road: insurance, maintenance, registration and emergency roadside assistance.
Tips for renting a car and hitting the road in Hartford CT
Mark Twain House and Museum
Author Mark Twain lived in this Victorian home from 1874 to 1891. Tour the interior while learning about the author through the permanent exhibitions.
Connecticut's Old State House
The building was home of Connecticuts state government until 1878. Nowadays, you can tour the interior, which was converted into a history museum.
Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
The life of author Harriet Beecher Stowe is remembered and preserved at the center. Learn about her life and work by joining a guided tour.
