What is the best mode of transportation from/to New London. I will be traveling to USCGA for a Bears Day Visit and just wondered what the easiest Airport is to get in/out of and how to get from those Airports to USCGA. Looks like there are lots of surrounding airports in Hartford, Providence but just looking at what might be the best option. I am traveling in from Norfolk VA. How about AMTRAK?
Travel to New London
- Thread starter NavyUMO
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Amtrak is a great option since there is an Amtrak terminal right in New London (about 1.5 miles from USCGA). You can get very inexpensive tickets for Amtrak if you plan enough in advance.
If you fly, the most common airports used are Providence and Hartford. Those are both about 1 hour away, so an Uber is expensive. Some people fly into Boston and then take Amtrak to New London. There is also a small airport in New Haven, but most airlines don't fly there. Avelo is one airline that does, but only from a small selection of cities.
You might be able to find a local family who would be willing to pick you up and bring you to USCGA from either the train station or one of the airports. Did the information you received about Bears Day give you any information on transportation?
If you fly, the most common airports used are Providence and Hartford. Those are both about 1 hour away, so an Uber is expensive. Some people fly into Boston and then take Amtrak to New London. There is also a small airport in New Haven, but most airlines don't fly there. Avelo is one airline that does, but only from a small selection of cities.
You might be able to find a local family who would be willing to pick you up and bring you to USCGA from either the train station or one of the airports. Did the information you received about Bears Day give you any information on transportation?
castlema924
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When I went up to the Academy for AIM over the summer they provided shuttles to and from two of the airports in the area for people flying in on their own. I simply reported my flight times and when my flight there landed I just had to wait for a couple other people. On my way out I had a late flight, and the only shuttle was leaving around 4 am, so I wound up waiting in the airport for about 8 hours before my flight left. I'm not sure if they'd do this for Bear's Day though since it's a much smaller group traveling to and from the Academy.
GWU PNS (emeritus)
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For context, my information dates back to my enlisted bubblehead days in 1987. But somethings in New London never change.
If you are flying, TF Green airport in Providence is a little easier to navigate than the Hartford airport. And the commute from Providence to New London has less traffic than going from Hartford north.
If using amtrak, the New London stop is very convenient. If you are boarding the train south of DC, make sure you are in the correct cars before you get to Hartford. Back in the day, the trains split at the Hartford stop, with the first 3 or 4 cars heading west toward Springfield, and the rest of the cars staying along the coastal corridor.
If you want to splurge, get one of the Acelas. It's a long enough transit to make the extra cost worth it and you can bypass some of the little stations along the way.
If you are flying, TF Green airport in Providence is a little easier to navigate than the Hartford airport. And the commute from Providence to New London has less traffic than going from Hartford north.
If using amtrak, the New London stop is very convenient. If you are boarding the train south of DC, make sure you are in the correct cars before you get to Hartford. Back in the day, the trains split at the Hartford stop, with the first 3 or 4 cars heading west toward Springfield, and the rest of the cars staying along the coastal corridor.
If you want to splurge, get one of the Acelas. It's a long enough transit to make the extra cost worth it and you can bypass some of the little stations along the way.
SurferGirl
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Another plug for Amtrak. From the Baltimore area it is a smooth ride and rather pretty and relaxing. Cabs and rental cars are available in New London. Enterprise rental car will pick you up if you have a reservation. Driving to New London can be tricky around NYC. We usually avoid the George Washington bridge and take the CUOMO bridge to the north. For a visit Amtrak is probably the easiest way. If flying Providence is the most convenient airport
USCGA definitely provide shuttles for AIM. I'm not sure if they do for Bears Day visits and Cadet for a Day visits. OP should definitely check their registration information to see if any transportation info is provided.
Mamahopeful
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It is also easy to Uber from the train station to the USCGA
You could also walk. It’s 1 mile and there’s sidewalks. I wouldn’t walk to or from the train station at night though.
USCGABound
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Anyone with prior experience know the Thanksgiving schedule? Planning on a Wednesday night flight is probably too tight, but I understand the Academy provides bus service to BDL airport Thursday morning? Anyone know what time the bus leaves the Academy Thursday morning? Thank you
They do not have classes on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. They are released on Tuesday after their last military duty and have to be back on Sunday (not sure what time). This could always change, but here is the academic calendar: https://uscga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Calendar.pdf
And yes, they usually have shuttles to Providence Airport and Hartford Airport on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The cadets need to sign up for those in advance. I don't know the times. If you are booking flights, it is a good idea to book 2 one-way flights since your cadet might not know their duty schedule (or their finals schedule at Christmas), but the return time with be consistent for everyone.
We chose to fly our son home last year for Thanksgiving. I learned from someone on here (or the facebook page) to always buy one way refundable/changeable tickets (Southwest is great with this!). I originally bought Wednesday tickets but then was able to change them to Tuesday afternoon once he realized he would be done with his exams early Tuesday morning. On the way back, and I can't stress this enough, getting them back with plenty of time is key! The deadline will most likely be 6pm on Sunday OR 10 pm. The first time he flew back was at Thanksgiving and even landing on Sunday morning brought too much stress. I remember him saying that flying back on Saturday would have been better! Less time with us but much much less stress worrying about flight cancellations and delays
2026cgahopeful
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I think this past year the bus left at 4 for the airports on Tuesday, but I’m sure that can change and they won’t know for sure til about 2 weeks before. However lots of cadets share Ubers to/from the airport so that’s always an option.
Fireirsh29
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Can the incoming cadets use a military discount at area hotels? DD just received an appointment and we're trying to get travel arrangements for the 25th. We haven't received any paperwork from the USCGA (in transit) Most decent hotels are booked around New London - the Mohegan Sun area has a few and the military rate is pretty cheap. Just wondering can they use it and what paperwork authorizes it? Thanks.
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Military/veteran discounts are usually given to those who can produce military (CAC card) or veteran ID, as proof of current or past service, or online by being registered with a verification company such as id.me, who can verify status for a merchant. The incoming appointees will not be in the military until they have signed paperwork and taken an oath.
That said, call the hotel property direct, and ask if they have local “Coast Guard Academy friends and family” discounts, with rates not shown in the online site. They want your business, hoping you will be repeat customers over the next 4 years.
You can also check AirBnB and similar.
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27BearDad
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You may already be aware, but there are some preferred hotels with discount codes for the academy. Good chance many are booked, but wanted to share just in case.
JAH2002
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I have a friend who lives in Chincoteague. He rides AMTRAK whenever he goes home.
Keep in mind, if you choose to take the train, the walk to the academy takes about 20 minutes and you have to go around a slightly sketchy part of town. I've made the trek plenty of times, twice at night, but it can be nerve-racking. Many cadets just opt to get an Uber.