Car Hire
Burlington

At Burlington International Airport the hire car desks are conveniently located directly opposite the baggage reclaim area in the main terminal. After collecting your luggage, you simply walk across the arrivals hall to find the desks for all the major hire firms. The hire car car park is attached to the terminal via a covered walkway, making it a very short and easy walk to your vehicle. This streamlined setup means you can be on your way quickly without needing a shuttle bus.

For late-night arrivals at BTV, the process depends on the specific hire company's after-hours policy. It's best to confirm the desk's opening hours and provide your flight details when you make the booking. Some companies may have staff available for delayed flights, while others use a key-in-car system or a secure lockbox. Instructions are typically left at the hire desk, guiding you to your assigned vehicle in the adjacent car park.

During the busy ski season it's wise to add extra time to your airport arrival plan when returning a hire car. Aim to be at the airport at least two hours before your flight's departure. This buffer accounts for potentially longer queues at the hire return, the need to clear snow or ice off your vehicle, and increased passenger numbers at check-in and security. Allowing for these small delays ensures a more relaxed departure from Burlington.

Navigating from BTV to downtown Burlington is straightforward. As you exit the airport, follow Airport Drive until it ends at a traffic light. Turn right onto Williston Road, which is also US Route 2. This main road takes you west for about three miles, where it becomes Main Street as you enter the heart of downtown. Staying on this single primary road is the most direct and easiest way to reach the city centre without complex turns.

The most direct route from the airport to the waterfront and Church Street is to follow the main artery, US Route 2. From the airport exit, take a right onto Williston Road (US‑2) and continue straight for approximately three miles. This road changes name to Main Street as it enters downtown. To reach the Church Street Marketplace, you can turn right onto South Winooski Avenue or St Paul Street and look for public parking. For the waterfront, continue down Main Street until it ends near the lake.

Driving in downtown Burlington at weekends can be busy, with significant pedestrian and bicycle traffic, especially around the Church Street Marketplace. On‑street parking is metered and can be hard to find at peak times. For a more predictable experience, it's highly recommended to use one of the public car parks, such as the Marketplace Garage or the Corporate Plaza Garage. These are centrally located and provide easy walking access to the waterfront, shops and restaurants.

If your hotel near Church Street has limited parking, your most practical option is to use one of the city's public car parks. The Marketplace Garage and Corporate Plaza Garage are both secure, well lit, and offer overnight parking options. You can temporarily park to unload your luggage at the hotel and then move your car to a garage for the duration of your stay. These garages are a short walk from most downtown accommodation, making them a convenient solution.

Winter visitors are often surprised by how quickly road conditions can change, especially with lake‑effect snow squalls coming off Lake Champlain. Black ice is a common hazard, particularly on bridges, overpasses and shaded back roads, even when main roads appear clear. Many of Vermont's rural and mountain roads are also winding and can have steep grades that become challenging in snow or ice. Always allow extra travel time and drive with caution appropriate for the conditions.

A day trip to Stowe is a classic Vermont experience and the drive is simple. From Burlington take Interstate 89 South to Exit 10 in Waterbury. From there follow Route 100 North directly into Stowe, a scenic drive of about 45–50 minutes. For the return after dark, reversing this route is the most straightforward and safest option, as I‑89 and Route 100 are major, well‑maintained roads that are consistently ploughed and treated in winter.

The drive from Burlington to the Mad River Valley ski areas typically takes about an hour in good conditions. The route involves I‑89 South to Exit 9 or 10, then state routes like 100B and 17. The most challenging part in winter is often the final mountain access roads leading up to the resorts. These can be steep and winding, requiring slow, careful driving, especially during or after a snowstorm.

When skiing multiple resorts from a base in Burlington, an early start is essential. Plan to be on the road well before 08:00, especially on weekends or powder days, to beat traffic and secure a good parking spot. Check road and weather conditions before you leave and have your kit packed in the car the night before. Arriving early not only guarantees parking but also gives you a more relaxed start to your day on the slopes.

The drive from Burlington to Lake Placid is very scenic and can involve a car ferry across Lake Champlain, such as from Grand Isle, VT to Plattsburgh, NY. Once in New York the route takes you through the Adirondack Mountains on two‑lane state roads. Be prepared for a rural drive with limited services and potentially spotty mobile reception in places. This is not an international border crossing but a state line crossing into New York.

A day trip to Montreal from Burlington is very manageable and popular. The drive to the US–Canada border takes about an hour, and Montreal is another 45–60 minutes from there depending on traffic. To make the most of your day, plan to cross the border during off‑peak hours, such as mid‑morning on a weekday, to avoid potential delays. Always check current border wait times online before you depart to help plan the smoothest crossing.

When planning an international trip, including a day trip to Canada, it's essential that all travellers carry proper identification that meets border crossing requirements. Before your trip confirm what specific documents are needed for everyone in your vehicle. It's also good practice to check with your hire company about their cross‑border travel policies to ensure a smooth journey.

For a low‑stress trip to Montreal, stick to the main motorways into the city, such as Autoroute 10 or 15. As you approach the centre, look for signs directing you to large underground public car parks. Choosing one of these car parks near your destination, such as Old Montreal or the shopping district, lets you park for the day and explore on foot or by using the excellent Metro system, avoiding narrow or congested streets.

Driving in Vermont during winter requires a vehicle prepared for snow and ice. Many hire vehicles in the region are fitted with all‑season tyres suitable for most conditions, but it's the driver's responsibility to operate the vehicle safely. On mountain roads conditions can be more severe, so reduce speed, increase following distance and drive smoothly. Always check the weather forecast and road condition reports before heading to higher elevations.

For travellers with ski or snowboard equipment, hiring an SUV or a larger vehicle is often the most convenient choice. These vehicles typically offer more interior space and often have folding rear seats, allowing you to store your gear inside the car. This keeps your equipment protected from the elements and secure when you are away from the vehicle. Some cars may also have a roof rack, which is another excellent option for transporting kit.

After leaving BTV you can find several convenient shopping centres without heading into downtown Burlington. By turning right onto Williston Road (US‑2) you will find major grocery stores, pharmacies and retailers within a five‑minute drive. Alternatively, turning left onto Williston Road and then right onto Dorset Street leads to another area with large supermarkets and stores in South Burlington. These options let you stock up on supplies easily before heading to your final destination.

A great scenic loop is to drive north from Burlington on Route 127 to the Colchester Causeway, then take US Route 2 through the Champlain Islands. You can drive to the northern end of the islands and cross back to the mainland. For a varied return consider taking the Grand Isle–Plattsburgh ferry across the lake to New York and driving south before crossing back into Vermont over the Lake Champlain Bridge. This route offers stunning lake views, charming small towns and lovely state parks for stops.

The Lake Champlain ferries operate as a drive‑on, drive‑off service, functioning like a floating bridge between Vermont and New York. You simply drive your hire car into a designated lane, pay the fare at a toll booth and then follow directions to drive aboard the vessel. Before you go, check the ferry's website for schedules, fares and any weather‑related service alerts. The process is straightforward and a common way for locals and visitors to cross the lake.

Visiting both Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms is easy from a parking perspective, as both attractions have ample facilities for visitors. Each location has its own large, dedicated car park with plentiful free parking a short walk from the main entrance. You can drive from one to the other — they are only a few minutes apart — and park easily at each site. No complex parking strategy is needed.

Accessing the Burlington Greenway (Bike Path) is very popular on summer weekends, and parking can be competitive. The largest and most convenient car parks are at Waterfront Park, Perkins Pier and Oakledge Park. These lots tend to fill up quickly, especially on warm, sunny days, so arriving earlier in the morning is your best strategy to secure a spot. Once parked you have direct access to the path and can enjoy a full day of activities along the scenic shoreline.

During major University of Vermont (UVM) events like move‑in weekend, parents' weekend or graduation, expect significantly increased traffic congestion. The main roads to and around the campus, including Williston Road/Main Street (US‑2), Colchester Avenue and I‑89's Exit 14, can become very slow moving. If your travel coincides with these dates, allow substantial extra travel time or find alternate routes to bypass the campus area if possible.

Driving in Vermont during peak fall foliage weekends is beautiful but often slow. Expect heavy traffic and frequent stops on popular scenic routes like Route 100, the Green Mountain Byway and roads leading to mountain gaps. Main roads in and out of Burlington will also be much busier than usual. To make the most of it, start early, pack your patience and be prepared to share the road with many other leaf‑peepers.

When driving in downtown Burlington it's important to be aware of the one‑way street grid, particularly around the Church Street Marketplace. The intersection of Main Street and South Winooski Avenue can be complex, with multiple turning lanes and heavy traffic flow. The downtown core is very pedestrian‑heavy, so drive slowly and be vigilant for people crossing the street, especially in areas with shops and restaurants. Paying close attention to signage will help you navigate smoothly.

You will find reliable mobile service and GPS coverage throughout the city of Burlington and along major highways like Interstate 89. However, once you venture onto more rural state routes or into the Green Mountains for hiking or skiing, service can become spotty or completely unavailable. It's highly recommended to download maps of the region for offline use on your navigation app before you leave Burlington to ensure you can find your way without a consistent signal.

Parking at popular trailheads for Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump is extremely limited and fills up very early, especially on fine‑weather weekends. To secure a spot you ought to arrive at the trailhead early in the morning, often before 08:00. Arriving later almost guarantees you won't find a legal parking space. Always have a backup walking plan in a less crowded area in case the lot is full when you get there.

For a relaxed day trip to Waterbury take Interstate 89 South for a quick 25‑minute drive. Once you take Exit 10 you are right in the heart of the area's main attractions. Plan your stops in advance, as popular spots like the Ben & Jerry's factory can have long lines. To avoid feeling rushed, consider focusing on two or three key destinations rather than trying to see everything. This lets you enjoy the experience and the scenic drive along Route 100 between stops.

A trip to the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) from Burlington requires some planning due to its remote nature. The drive is beautiful and often involves I‑89 to US‑2 East or I‑91 North. Before you go, make sure your hire car has a full tank of fuel, as service stations can be far apart. It's also wise to pack snacks and water and to download maps for offline use, as mobile service is unreliable in many parts of the NEK. Enjoy the solitude but be prepared for long, scenic stretches between towns.

The drive south from Burlington to Vergennes and Middlebury is a pleasant trip primarily along US Route 7. This is a major road that is direct and easy to navigate. For a more scenic alternative you can explore roads closer to the lake, such as Lake Street through Charlotte. These back roads offer lovely views of farmland and Lake Champlain but are less direct, so allow extra travel time and keep your GPS handy.

Burlington offers several family‑friendly attractions with very convenient parking. The ECHO, Leahy Centre for Lake Champlain on the waterfront has its own adjacent car park, making it incredibly easy to access with children. Shelburne Farms and the nearby Shelburne Museum, a short drive south of the city, both feature large, free car parks right at their entrances. These destinations are designed for easy visitor access, minimising hassle and maximising family fun.

To enjoy popular spots like North Beach or Sand Bar State Park in summer, plan to arrive early. On hot weekend days car parks can fill to capacity by late morning. Most public beaches charge a per‑person or per‑car entry fee. By planning to get there before 10:00 you can secure a parking spot, claim a good place on the beach and avoid the peak crowds that arrive in the afternoon.

When driving near Lake Champlain in winter it's critical to be cautious of particular weather hazards. Bridges and causeways, like the one on US‑2 through the islands, are highly susceptible to icing over before other road surfaces, so reduce your speed significantly when crossing. High winds from the lake can affect vehicle stability and cause blowing snow that dramatically reduces visibility. In these conditions slow down, increase your following distance and always use your headlights.

A common mistake for visitors is not noticing abrupt speed limit changes when entering Vermont's towns and villages. On many state roads the limit can drop from 50 mph to 30 mph or 25 mph with little warning as you enter a populated area. These transition zones are often monitored by local law enforcement. Always be vigilant for speed limit signs and adjust your speed accordingly as you travel between towns to ensure a safe and ticket‑free drive.

The most efficient way to get supplies is to stop at one of the large shopping areas in South Burlington or Williston, just minutes from the airport. These are located along the main routes you would likely take to get to I‑89, which is the primary motorway to most ski resorts. Stopping here allows you to visit a supermarket, pharmacy or off‑licence without diverting far from your path, saving you significant time compared with navigating downtown Burlington.

For a smooth drop‑off at BTV the best method is to first pull up to the departures curb on the upper level of the terminal. Here your passengers can unload with all the luggage and proceed directly to airline check‑in. After they are on their way, the driver can then follow signs for 'Rental Car Return' and complete the vehicle drop‑off process alone, which is much quicker and easier without extra passengers and bags.

Driving at night in rural Vermont requires heightened awareness. Most roads outside towns are unlit, so visibility is limited to your headlights. The biggest hazard is wildlife, particularly deer, which are very active at dusk and dawn and can appear on the road suddenly. It's essential to drive at a moderate speed, use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic, and constantly scan the sides of the road for animals to give yourself more time to react.