BED · medium airport

Laurence G Hanscom Field

Bedford, United States

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BEDmedium airport

Laurence G Hanscom Field

Bedford, United States

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Destinations

KBED

ICAO

133 ft

Elevation

TravelerPulse profile

Boston's premier general aviation and military airport.

Opened

1941

Location

Bedford, United States

Laurence G. Hanscom Field (IATA: BED, ICAO: KBED) is a public airport located in Bedford, Massachusetts, approximately 17 miles northwest of downtown Boston. It is one of the busiest general aviation airports in New England and serves as a key facility for corporate, charter, and private aircraft operations. The airport is jointly managed by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and the United States Air Force, as it shares its facilities with Hanscom Air Force Base, a major installation for Air Force research and development programs. The field is named in honor of Lieutenant Laurence Gaige Hanscom, a Massachusetts aviator who died in an aircraft accident in 1941. Hanscom Field does not offer scheduled commercial airline service but is heavily utilized by business aviation, flight training operations, and government and military aircraft. Its proximity to the Route 128 technology corridor makes it a popular destination for corporate travel.

Terminals

Hanscom Field has no commercial passenger terminal; it is served by multiple fixed-base operators (FBOs) catering to general and business aviation.

Getting to & from

Ground access is primarily by car via Route 2 and Interstate 95/Route 128, with limited taxi and ride-share options available but no direct public transit service.

Airlines here

No scheduled commercial airlines operate at Hanscom Field; it is exclusively a general aviation and military facility.

Notable facts

›Named after Lieutenant Laurence Gaige Hanscom, a Massachusetts pilot killed in a 1941 crash.
›Jointly operated by Massport and the United States Air Force.
›Home to Hanscom Air Force Base, a key USAF research and development center.
›One of the busiest general aviation airports in New England by aircraft operations.
›Located in the Route 128 high-technology corridor, making it popular for corporate aviation.

Official website Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

New England's premier general aviation gateway nestled in historic Bedford

Laurence G. Hanscom Field, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, is one of the busiest general aviation airports in New England, serving corporate jets, private aircraft, and military operations. Named after Laurence Hanscom, a civilian aviator killed in 1941, the airport has roots dating back to World War II when it served as a key military installation. Today it operates alongside Hanscom Air Force Base, making it a unique joint-use facility serving both civilian and defense purposes.

Terminals

General Aviation Terminal — Primary civilian terminal handling corporate and private aircraft with FBO services and passenger amenities.
Hanscom Air Force Base Facilities — Military side of the joint-use field supporting Air Force operations and restricted to authorized personnel.

Ground Transport

Taxi and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) available curbside
Car rental agencies on or near the airport property
Private limousine and black car charter services
MBTA Bus Route 76 connects Bedford to Alewife Station (Red Line)
Personal vehicle parking available on site

Nearby Hotels

Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Woburn
Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston/Billerica-Bedford
Fairfield Inn & Suites Stow
The Inn at Hastings Park, Lexington
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Burlington

Dining

Dining options inside the airport are limited primarily to FBO lounges offering light refreshments for general aviation passengers. The surrounding Bedford and Lexington areas offer a solid range of restaurants, cafes, and chain eateries within a short drive. Travelers are advised to plan meals before arrival or head into nearby town centers for more varied options.

Traveller Tips

Confirm FBO services in advance as multiple FBOs operate at Hanscom and amenities vary.
Allow extra time when entering the airfield due to proximity to active Air Force Base security zones.
Traffic on Route 2 and I-95 near Bedford can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours — plan accordingly.
Lexington and Concord's historic sites are just minutes away, making a pre- or post-flight visit worthwhile.

Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Airlines serving this airport

No scheduled airline data available.

Routes

No route data available.

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