Bradley International Airport soon will mark the end of time-wasting shuttle bus rides for travelers picking up rental cars, a significant milestone celebrated Thursday with the completion of the airport’s $210 million ground transportation center.

All the airport’s rental car companies — now scattered in and around Bradley — will be consolidated in two weeks at the transportation center, connected to the terminal by a skywalk.

At a ceremony in the space Thursday and attended by dozens, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said the airport forms a potent first impression both for leisure and business travelers. The ease of securing a rental car is so crucial, it can play a role in a company’s decision to locate in Connecticut and the Hartford area, Murphy said.

“This is going to pay immediate dividends when it comes to marketing the state, when it comes to the governor’s efforts to bring new companies to this state,” Murphy said, “as well as providing a much better experience for families coming to visit loved ones here, and Connecticut residents as well.”

Gov. Ned Lamont hailed the massive structure for the time it will save travelers and build on the addition of multiple nonstop destinations at Bradley since the start of the pandemic.

“Speed matters,” Lamont said. “It makes a big difference, and what an incredible introduction this is.”

Construction on the transportation center began three years ago, and work continued through the pandemic.

The project was financed by the sale of bonds by the Connecticut Airport Authority, the quasi-public agency that operates Bradley. But the debt will be paid off by user fees collected by the car rental companies, which include Hertz, Enterprise, Avis and Budget.

The user fees are $8.40 a day, the authority said.

Kevin A. Dillon, the authority’s executive director, said the transportation center will contribute to major environmental benefits, eliminating a quarter million bus trips each year.

“And the rental car [companies] will be making a significant investment in electric charging stations so they can ultimately convert their fleet to electric,” Dillon said. “Another plus.”

Dillon said he also foresees redevelopment potential in the next few years for land on Schoephoester Road where many of the car rental companies now have their lots.

Here are seven things to know about the new transportation center:

When does it open to the public?

July 13.

How big is the transportation center?

The transportation center is 1.4 million square feet, almost 200,000 square feet larger than Westfarms mall on the West Hartford/Farmington line.

How do I reach the transportation center after arriving in the terminal?

A skywalk connects the terminal to the transportation center. The skywalk leads to the third level of the transportation center, where Enterprise, National and Alamo are located. The level above hosts Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty; the floor below Avis, Budget and Payless.

How many rental cars can the new transportation center accommodate?

Up to 2,300. Each level has vacuuming and car washing stations that can turnaround returned rentals in 15 to 20 minutes, according to Bob Bruno, the authority’s director of engineering.

How do you exit once you have your rental car?

A ramp in the shape of a helix on the western side of center leads to a highway entrance that eventually leads to I-91. A second helix on the eastern side is for the return of the rentals.

Is there additional parking incorporated in the transportation center?

Yes. There are 850 spaces divided between the ground level of the transportation center and an adjacent covered lot.

The daily rate is $25 for the “covered” parking and the rate for the lot has not yet been determined, the authority said.

The authority now operates about 8,000 parking spaces at the airport, with 3,500 in the existing garage. The spaces in the transportation center — representing a 10% increase — will be used if the garage — connected by a short access road to the transportation center — is filled, Bruno said.

Are there connections to public transportation?

The transportation center will eventually house bus arrivals and departures, providing connections to trains. A final timetable has not be determined.

It is hoped that the transportation center also will have a direct connection in the future to a light rail spur of the Hartford Line.