Navigating to The Big E, New England’s largest fair, can often be as much of a journey as enjoying the event itself. With anticipated traffic congestion, especially around the Morgan/Sullivan Bridge area near the fairgrounds, planning your transportation is key to a stress-free experience. Fortunately, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has once again partnered with The Big E to provide convenient and efficient Big E Transportation options. This year, fairgoers can take advantage of dedicated train and park-and-ride shuttle services, designed to bypass traffic hassles and parking difficulties, making your trip to The Big E smoother and more enjoyable.
Connecticut Department of Transportation Big E Shuttle Service
Effortless Big E Transportation via Train Shuttle
For those traveling via the Hartford Line, a seamless big e transportation solution awaits at Springfield Union Station. CTDOT is offering a complimentary shuttle service exclusively for Hartford Line train passengers. Upon arrival at Springfield Union Station from New Haven, simply head to berth 24 in the bus area of the newly renovated station. There, a dedicated shuttle, operated by King Ward Coach Lines, will be ready to whisk you directly to The Big E.
This free big e transportation option is available on all three weekends of The Big E and on Connecticut Day. The shuttle schedule is meticulously timed to meet incoming Hartford Line trains, ensuring minimal wait times and a swift transfer to the fairgrounds. When it’s time to depart, return shuttles from The Big E Transportation Center, near Gate 1, will conveniently connect you with southbound trains, completing your round trip big e transportation plan with ease.
Train Shuttle Schedule for Big E Transportation
To help you plan your visit, here are the train and shuttle schedules for weekend and Connecticut Day big e transportation:
Saturday Arrivals
| Train Number | Springfield Union Train Arrival | Big E Shuttle Departure Union Station Berth 24 |
|---|---|---|
| CTrail Hartford Line 6400 | 9:42 AM | 9:55 AM |
| Amtrak Hartford Line 450 | 10:18 AM | 10:35 AM |
| CTrail Hartford Line 6402 | 11:33 AM | 11:45 AM |
| Amtrak Hartford Line 460 | 12:23 PM | 12:45 PM |
| Amtrak Hartford Line 464 | 4:24 PM | 4:40 PM |
Saturday Departures
| Big E Transportation Center Shuttle Departure | Train Number | Springfield Union Train Departure |
|---|---|---|
| 4:40 PM | Amtrak Hartford Line 467 | 5:30 PM |
| 9:00 PM | CTrail Hartford Line 6411 | 9:45 PM |
Sunday Arrivals
| Train Number | Springfield Union Train Arrival | Big E Shuttle Departure Union Station Berth 24 |
|---|---|---|
| CTrail Hartford Line 6400 | 9:42 AM | 9:55 AM |
| Amtrak Hartford Line 450 | 10:18 AM | 10:35 AM |
| CTrail Hartford Line 6402 | 11:33 AM | 11:45 AM |
| Amtrak Hartford Line 460 | 12:23 PM | 12:40 PM |
| Amtrak Hartford Line 464 | 4:24 PM | 4:40 PM |
Sunday Departures
| Big E Transportation Center Shuttle Departure | Train Number | Springfield Union Train Departure |
|---|---|---|
| 3:10 PM | Amtrak Hartford Line 465 | 4:00 PM |
| 6:30 PM | Amtrak Hartford Line 497 | 7:30 PM |
| 9:00 PM | CTrail Hartford Line 6411 | 9:45 PM |
Connecticut Day – Wednesday, September 18th Arrivals
| Train Number | Springfield Union Train Arrival | Big E Shuttle Departure Union Station Berth 24 |
|---|---|---|
| CTrail Hartford Line 4404 | 9:47 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Amtrak Hartford Line 490 | 10:24 AM | 10:40 AM |
| Amtrak Hartford Line 470 | 11:49 AM | 12:04 PM |
| CTrail Hartford Line 4406 | 1:07 PM | 1:20 PM |
| Amtrak Hartford Line 474 | 5:25 PM | 5:40 PM |
Connecticut Day – Wednesday, September 18th Departures
| Big E Transportation Center Shuttle Departure | Train Number | Springfield Union Train Departure |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 PM | Amtrak Hartford Line 475 | 3:55 PM |
| 4:50 PM | Amtrak Hartford Line 417 | 5:45 PM |
| 6:25 PM | Amtrak Hartford Line 479 | 7:25 PM |
| 9:25 PM | CTrail Hartford Line 4415 | 10:25 PM |
For complete Hartford Line train schedules, please visit www.hartfordline.com.
Park and Ride Shuttle: Another Great Big E Transportation Choice
Beyond train travel, CTDOT also provides a convenient park and ride shuttle service for big e transportation. Located at the Enfield Square Mall park and ride lot (I-91, Exit 48), this shuttle offers a direct route to The Big E for those driving in. Operating every half hour from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with return trips until 11:00 pm, this service runs on weekends and Connecticut Day, mirroring the train shuttle schedule.
Tickets for the Enfield shuttle represent excellent value, priced at $20 for adults and $15 for children (ages 6-12). This ticket not only covers round-trip big e transportation but also includes admission to The Big E itself! For those who already have admission, a shuttle-only round trip ticket is available for $5 for ages 6 and up. Please note that purchases are cash only, and tickets are sold on-site from 8:45 am to 5 pm.
Why Choose Shuttle Transportation to The Big E?
Opting for big e transportation shuttles offers numerous advantages. As Richard Andreski, CTDOT Public Transportation Bureau Chief, aptly stated, these services “will get Connecticut residents to the fair without the traffic and parking hassles so they can take advantage of all The Big E has to offer.”
By choosing the train or park and ride shuttle, you directly avoid the anticipated traffic congestion around the fairgrounds, particularly near the Morgan/Sullivan Bridge construction. Parking at The Big E can also be challenging and costly; shuttles eliminate these concerns entirely. Instead of circling for parking and dealing with traffic delays, you can relax and start enjoying your Big E experience sooner. Whether you choose the free train shuttle or the affordable park and ride option, these big e transportation services are designed to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
For further details about the shuttle services, you can visit www.KingWard.com or www.TheBigE.com/train. Enjoy your trip to The Big E!
