Getting to Burlington, Vermont

Despite it bring a small city, Burlington, Vermont is easier to travel to than you may think. Whether you’re arriving by car, plane, train, ferry, or bus, there are plenty of convenient travel options to suit your needs. Once you arrive, you’ll find ample options to get around. No matter how you choose to arrive, a vacation in Burlington is well worth the trip.

By Air: Burlington International Airport (BTV)

Flying into Burlington is the most convenient option for many visitors. Located just a 10 minute drive from downtown, it’s an easy gateway to the city. BTV offers direct flights from major cities, including:

·      Atlanta

·      Charleston

·      Charlotte

·      Chicago

·      Detroit

·      Denver

·      Fort Myers

·      New York City

·      Orlando

·      Philadelphia

·      Raleigh -Durham

·      Tampa

·      Washington D.C. and more.

Major airlines serve BTV including Delta, American, and United. Once you land, you’ll find ride-shares and rental cars readily available, as well as public transportation via Green Mountain Transit (GMT) busses. Our favorite way to book your travel is via Kayak: search Flights, Hotels, and Rental Cars.

By Train: Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express

This scenic train provides direct service between Burlington and New York City. The newly extended rail line drops passengers off right downtown, with stops in Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Middlebury. From Penn Station to Burlington the train ride takes approximately 7.5 hours. The Burlington stop is Union Station, conveniently located on the waterfront just steps from hotels, restaurants, and attractions like the Whistling Man Schooner Company.

The Ethan Allen Express is a fantastic option for travelers looking to enjoy a relaxing ride with beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains.

By Car: Scenic Drives into Burlington

If you’re driving to Burlington, you’re in for a treat. Our city is nestled in an area that is only accessible through scenic drives, so no matter which roads you take you will be awed by the scenery. The one recommendation I can make- if you are travelling to/from Maine, make sure to take the Kancamagus highway through New Hampshire. You will pass right by Mt. Washington and get the most spectacular views of the White Mountains.

Drive times:

·      From Boston, MA: 3.5 hours

·      From New York, NY: 5.5 hours

·      From Montreal, QC: 1.5 hours

·      From Bar Harbor, ME: 6.5 hours

By Ferry:

There are two ferry crossings on Lake Champlain operated by Lake Champlain Transit (LCT). Weather permitting (it’s rare that the close) the ferries operate 24 hours a day, 7 days week with service between

·       Grand Isle, VT and Plattsburgh, NY

·      Charlotte, VT and Essex, NY

By Bus:

There are budget friendly travel services offered by Greyhound, Megabus, and Vermont Translines. The local bus station is called the Burlington Downtown Transit Center and is a central hub for bus arrivals and connections, it is conveniently located right next to Church St.

Getting Around Once You’re Here:

Burlington is an incredibly walkable city. Most downtown hotels, restaurants, and attractions are within easy walking distance. If you need to venture further, here are taxi services such as Burlington Taxi and Vermont Shuttle.

 There are ride share options such as Uber and Lyft. Pro tip- if there is not an Uber or Lyft available, try searching for an XL. As of recently, there are rental bikes and E-scooters around town as well.

Whether you fly, drive, or take the train, getting to Burlington is simple- and once you’re here, you’ll see why it’s worth the trip!