Getting to Vermont: Routes, Journey Times, and Fares

Plan your Vermont escape with practical details on trains, buses, and driving from major hubs.

By Air: Burlington and Beyond

Burlington International Airport (BTV) is Vermont's main gateway, located three miles east of downtown Burlington. It serves nonstop flights from major East Coast hubs like New York (JFK, LGA), Washington D.C. (DCA), and Chicago (ORD). Fares from New York typically range from $150 to $300 round-trip, with flight times around 1 hour 30 minutes. From BTV, a taxi to downtown costs about $20 and takes 10 minutes; rental cars are available on-site. If you're heading to southern Vermont, consider flying into Albany (ALB) or Hartford (BDL). Albany is a 1-hour drive to Bennington, while Hartford is about 1 hour 45 minutes to Brattleboro. Fares from major East Coast cities to ALB or BDL often run $120–$250 round-trip, and rental cars are plentiful. For the best availability, book flights 6–8 weeks ahead, especially for fall foliage season (late September to mid-October).

For Essex Junction and Colchester, BTV is the closest airport, just 15 minutes away. If you're visiting South Burlington, BTV is also ideal. For Bennington, Albany is more convenient. During winter, flights can be delayed by snow, so allow extra time. I'd book a flight into BTV if I were staying in Burlington or Essex Junction, but for Bennington, Albany is the smarter choice.

By Train: Amtrak's Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express

Amtrak's Vermonter runs daily from Washington D.C. to St. Albans, stopping in Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Windsor, White River Junction, Montpelier, Waterbury, Essex Junction, and Burlington (as of 2022). The journey from New York's Penn Station to Burlington takes about 9 hours, with fares starting around $70 one-way if booked early. The Ethan Allen Express runs from New York to Rutland, continuing to Burlington since 2022. From Albany, the Vermonter reaches Brattleboro in 2 hours 30 minutes. Trains offer scenic views, especially along the Connecticut River. However, delays can occur, so don't plan tight connections. For Essex Junction and Colchester, the Essex Junction station is a 10-minute drive to both. If you're heading to Bennington, the nearest Amtrak station is in Rensselaer, NY, about 45 minutes away.

I'd take the Vermonter if I were visiting Burlington, Essex Junction, or Montpelier. For Bennington, driving from Albany is more practical. Book train tickets at least two weeks in advance for the best fares, and consider business class for extra comfort on the long haul.

By Bus: Megabus and Greyhound

Megabus and Greyhound serve Vermont from Boston and New York. Megabus runs from Boston to Burlington with stops in Montpelier and Waterbury; the trip takes about 5 hours and fares start at $30 one-way. Greyhound connects New York to Burlington via Albany, taking around 8 hours with fares from $50. From Boston to Brattleboro, Greyhound takes 3 hours. Buses are budget-friendly but less frequent; Megabus often has only one departure per day. For Essex Junction and Colchester, the bus stops in Burlington, then you'll need a local taxi or rideshare (about $15). For Bennington, you can take a bus from Albany (1 hour 30 minutes, $20). I'd book a bus if I were traveling solo on a tight budget, but for groups, driving is more economical.

Bus travel is less reliable in winter due to weather, so check schedules. Also, buses have limited luggage space. For South Burlington, the bus stop is in downtown Burlington, a short taxi ride away.

By Car: Interstates and Scenic Routes

Driving gives you the most flexibility. From Boston, take I-93 North to I-89 North into Burlington; the 220-mile drive takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. From New York City, take I-95 North to I-91 North, then I-89 North; the 300-mile trip takes about 5 hours 30 minutes to Burlington. From Albany, take I-87 North to I-89 North; the 150-mile drive to Burlington takes 2 hours 45 minutes. To Bennington from Albany, take NY-7 East to VT-9 East; the 40-mile drive takes 1 hour. Toll costs: I-95 has tolls in New York and Connecticut (about $15), while I-93 in New Hampshire has tolls (about $5). Gas in Vermont averages $3.20 per gallon. Winter tires are recommended from November to April. I'd drive if I were exploring multiple towns like Bennington and Burlington, but for a single-city trip, train or bus is easier.

For South Burlington, Essex Junction, and Colchester, use exit 14 off I-89. Parking in downtown Burlington can be expensive ($10–$20 per day), so check if your hotel offers parking. For fall foliage, book accommodations early; peak season is late September to mid-October.

Questions, answered

What's the cheapest way to get to Burlington, Vermont?

Megabus from Boston starts at $30 one-way, making it the cheapest option if booked early. From New York, Greyhound fares start around $50. Amtrak's Vermonter can be affordable if booked in advance, with one-way fares from $70.

How long does it take to drive from Boston to Burlington?

The 220-mile drive via I-93 and I-89 takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes without traffic. In winter, allow extra time for snow and ice, and consider winter tires.

Which airport is best for southern Vermont?

Albany International Airport (ALB) is closest to Bennington, about a 1-hour drive via NY-7 and VT-9. Hartford's Bradley Airport (BDL) is also an option, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to Brattleboro.

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