Hertz Car Hire
Burlington

The rental car desks at Burlington International Airport are located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage from the baggage claim carousel, walk across the main floor towards the escalators. You will see clear signs directing you to the rental car desks, which are grouped together in one area for easy access. Once you have completed the paperwork, staff will direct you to the adjacent car park where the vehicles are kept.

While exact times can vary, a realistic expectation from landing to driving away is typically between 45 and 75 minutes. This allows time to disembark, walk to baggage claim and wait for your luggage. From there, you’ll proceed to the rental desk, complete the necessary agreement, and then walk to the car park to locate your vehicle. The process is generally efficient, but planning for about an hour provides a comfortable buffer for minor delays.

For a first-time visitor, the most straightforward route is to follow the main roads directly from the airport. As you leave the airport you will be on Airport Drive, which quickly leads to a roundabout. Take the exit for US Route 2 West, also known as Williston Road, which then becomes Main Street. This road takes you directly into the heart of downtown Burlington, passing the University of Vermont en route. It’s well signposted and direct, minimising turns and potential confusion.

For driving and parking ease, the Waterfront and the South End are generally the most straightforward. The Waterfront has several large, accessible car parks, making it simple to park and explore the park and lake. The South End is more spread out with many businesses having their own lots, so driving between breweries and shops is easy. The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian-only area, so you will need to park in a nearby garage and explore on foot, making it slightly less car-friendly by design.

Parking near Church Street Marketplace is manageable if you know what to expect. Several large public car parks are located within a block or two of the marketplace and are the most convenient option for longer visits. On-street parking is also available but is metered and often has strict time limits, making it better for quick stops. During peak times like weekends or evenings, car parks are your most reliable bet, though you should still allow some time to find a space.

Visitors staying near the Burlington Waterfront have a few reliable options for overnight parking. The most common solution is to use parking provided by your hotel, which is often the most secure and convenient choice. If your accommodation doesn’t offer parking, several public car parks in the downtown area offer overnight rates. These car parks allow you to leave your vehicle in one spot for the duration of your stay, providing a stress-free way to explore the waterfront and downtown on foot.

Driving on the I-89 around Burlington is generally much less congested than in a major metropolitan area. However, you will notice an increase in traffic during typical commuter hours, roughly from 07:30 to 09:00 and again from 16:30 to 18:00 on weekdays. Slowdowns are most common around Exit 14 (US-2), which serves downtown Burlington and the University of Vermont. Even during these peak times traffic usually keeps moving, albeit at a slower pace.

The most notable feature for first-time visitors leaving BTV is the roundabout at the junction of Airport Drive and Williston Road (US-2). While roundabouts are efficient, they can be unfamiliar if you don’t encounter them often. It’s important to give way to traffic already in the circle and pay close attention to signage for your desired exit, whether it’s for the I-89 or downtown Burlington. Otherwise the road system is well signed and relatively straightforward.

The town of Waterbury, located directly off the I-89 at Exit 10, is the perfect midway stop on the drive from Burlington to Stowe. It requires almost no detour and is home to several well-known Vermont attractions ideal for a short break. You can visit the Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a tour and a treat or stop at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider donuts. Both locations offer food, restrooms and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing on Route 100 to Stowe.

Under normal conditions the drive from Burlington to Stowe takes about 45 to 55 minutes. However, during peak fall foliage weekends in late September and October you should plan for that time to potentially double. The route, especially scenic Route 100, becomes very popular with visitors, leading to significant slowdowns and congestion in Waterbury and Stowe. To avoid the heaviest traffic it’s best to travel early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

A great way to create a scenic loop is to start by taking the I-89 South from Burlington to Exit 10 in Waterbury. After exploring Waterbury’s attractions, continue north on the scenic Route 100, which will take you directly into the village of Stowe. For your return you can simply retrace your path by taking Route 100 back to the I-89. This out-and-back route is the most efficient and ensures you don’t miss anything along the popular Waterbury–Stowe corridor.

For a relaxed and scenic drive, heading north from Burlington on US Route 2 is an excellent choice. This route takes you out of the city and onto the Lake Champlain Islands via a causeway, offering expansive views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains. Traffic is generally lighter and the pace slower compared to heading south on the more commercial US Route 7. The islands provide a peaceful, rural landscape perfect for a leisurely afternoon drive.

When driving near Waterfront Park and the Burlington Greenway (bike path), it’s crucial to be extra vigilant and maintain a slow speed. This area is extremely popular with pedestrians, cyclists, runners and skateboarders, especially on sunny days and weekends. Expect people to be crossing the road at designated and undesignated points. Always be prepared to stop, give way and give everyone plenty of space to ensure a safe experience for all.

The most effective strategy for parking at the University of Vermont is to head directly to a designated visitor parking area rather than searching for limited on-street parking. UVM’s website provides up-to-date information on where visitors are permitted to park, which often includes the Gutterson Fieldhouse car park or the Jeffords Hall lot. Using one of these official visitor lots saves time and frustration, allowing you to park once and then explore the campus on foot.

During major events driving in Burlington becomes significantly more challenging, so planning ahead is key. Expect increased traffic congestion on all major routes into the city, especially around the centre and the UVM campus. Street closures are common, particularly around Church Street for festivals, and parking becomes extremely scarce. It’s wise to arrive early, secure a spot in a car park for the day, and rely on walking to get around the main event areas.

Reaching the Shelburne Museum by car is very straightforward. From Burlington you simply take US Route 7 South for about seven miles, and the museum will be clearly signposted on your right. The route is a primary commercial road, making it an easy and direct drive. Once you arrive you’ll find parking is simple and plentiful, with a large dedicated lot available for visitors right at the museum entrance.

For a stress-free day trip to Montpelier, the best plan is to drive after the morning rush and return before the evening one. Leaving Burlington around 09:30 will help you miss the commuter traffic on the I-89. For the return trip, aim to leave Montpelier by 15:30 to get back to the Burlington area before traffic starts to build up for the evening commute. This timing makes for a much more relaxed and enjoyable drive both ways.

A same-day round trip from Burlington to Lake Placid is quite manageable and makes for a fantastic excursion. The journey involves a scenic drive to the ferry crossing from Charlotte, VT, to Essex, NY, which is a highlight in itself. There is no border or checkpoint for this trip as you remain within the United States. The key planning detail is to check the ferry timetable in advance for departure times and plan your arrival at the dock accordingly, especially during peak season.

For a day trip to Montréal, ensuring all passengers have the proper travel documents, such as a valid passport or other accepted identification, is the most critical step. Before you leave, it’s essential to check current border wait times online, as they can fluctuate significantly depending on day and time. Crossing early in the morning and returning during off-peak hours in the afternoon can help minimise time spent waiting in line at the US–Canada border.

The best way to ensure a smooth border crossing is to pay close attention to the overhead signs as you approach the customs plaza on the I-89. The signs will clearly direct passenger vehicles into specific lanes, separated from commercial trucks or NEXUS cardholders. Reduce your speed well in advance of the booths and read the signs carefully to select the correct lane. A satnav can help with the overall route, but the final lane choice depends on following the official signage at the crossing itself.

To make loading bulky ski or snowboard gear less stressful, a good strategy is to have one person from your group head to the rental desk while another waits with the gear at baggage claim. Once the driver has the car, they can either pick everyone up at the passenger loading zone on the departures level or meet in the rental car garage. Loading in the garage often feels less rushed than at the kerb, giving you ample space and time to arrange your equipment securely.

For a winter trip to the Burlington area, selecting a vehicle with all‑wheel drive (AWD) or four‑wheel drive (4WD) can provide extra traction and stability on snowy or icy roads. These features are particularly helpful when driving on mountain roads that lead to ski resorts like Stowe or Sugarbush. Additionally, a vehicle with good ground clearance can be beneficial in deeper snow. These features contribute significantly to a more confident and secure driving experience in Vermont’s variable winter conditions.

After a snowfall, main roads and city streets in Burlington are typically ploughed and treated relatively quickly. However, as you drive out of the city and onto the more rural and mountainous roads leading to ski areas, conditions can be more challenging. These roads may remain snow‑packed or icy for longer periods, especially at higher elevations. It’s important to adjust your speed, increase your following distance, and drive more cautiously once you leave the main highways.

Vermont Route 108 through Smugglers’ Notch is a very narrow, winding mountain pass with tight turns and steep drop‑offs. Visitors should know that this section is closed to all traffic during the winter, typically from mid‑October to mid‑May. Even when open in summer and autumn, it is not suitable for large vehicles like RVs or trucks. It’s a beautiful but demanding drive that requires full attention.

During Vermont’s spring 'mud season', which typically occurs from late March through April, it’s the unpaved dirt and gravel roads in rural areas that become problematic. These roads can get extremely soft, muddy, and deeply rutted as the ground thaws, making them difficult and sometimes impassable for a standard passenger car. To avoid issues, it’s highly advisable to stick to paved state and US highways during this time of year, as they remain in good condition.

After picking up a car at BTV, the most convenient places to stock up on groceries and supplies are in the neighbouring towns of South Burlington and Williston. Both are just a few minutes’ drive from the airport and have several large supermarkets, pharmacies and big‑box stores. These shopping centres are located along the main routes you would likely take to head towards ski resorts or other destinations, making them an easy and efficient first stop before settling in.

When planning to visit Burlington’s many breweries, travellers often designate a driver for the day to ensure everyone stays safe. Another popular and convenient strategy is to park the rental car at the hotel or a central downtown car park. From there, they can explore the numerous breweries located within walking distance in the South End or downtown areas. For venues further afield, using a local taxi or rideshare is a great way to enjoy the craft beverage scene responsibly.

When planning to take the ferry from Charlotte, Vermont, to Essex, New York, it’s wise to arrive well ahead of your desired departure time. The ferry operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and vehicle lineups can become quite long, particularly during summer weekends and fall foliage season. Arriving at least 30–45 minutes early is a good rule of thumb to help secure a spot on your intended crossing and avoid a potentially long wait for the next boat.

You should budget about one hour for the drive from Burlington to Middlebury via US Route 7 South. The drive is straightforward and passes through several Vermont towns along the way. Once you arrive in downtown Middlebury, you can typically find on‑street metered parking or spaces in several small public lots conveniently located near the main shops and restaurants. Parking is generally less challenging to find than in downtown Burlington, making for a relaxed visit.

The most direct and common route to Killington is to take the I-89 South from Burlington to Exit 3, then follow VT‑107 West to VT‑100 North, and finally take US‑4 West. The most challenging part of the drive is the section of US‑4 that climbs into the mountains towards the Killington access road. This part of the highway is winding and can be slow, especially when behind lorries or in winter weather, so it’s important to be patient and focused.

A logical way to visit these ski areas is to group them by location to minimise driving time. You could dedicate one day to Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch, as they are close to each other (though you must drive around the closed mountain pass in winter). On a separate day you can drive south from Burlington to the Mad River Valley to ski at Sugarbush and the nearby Mad River Glen. This approach avoids crisscrossing the region and makes for a more efficient trip.

Fall foliage traffic typically peaks on weekends from late September through the first two weeks of October, especially around popular areas like Stowe and along Route 100. To enjoy a calmer driving experience, plan your scenic drives for weekdays if possible. If you must travel on a weekend, heading out early in the morning (before 10:00) or later in the afternoon (after 16:00) can help you avoid the worst of the mid‑day congestion on the most popular routes.

When driving on rural Vermont roads at dawn or dusk, it’s extremely important to be vigilant for wildlife, particularly deer. These animals are most active during these times and can appear on the road suddenly and without warning. Reduce your speed, scan the sides of the road and use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. Being alert and cautious is the best way to prevent a potential collision when returning to Burlington after a day of exploring.

Yes, the area known as the 'Hill Section', located between downtown and the University of Vermont campus, can be challenging to navigate. This area features several steep streets, which can be especially tricky in winter conditions. On‑street parking is also very tight and often restricted, making it a more difficult area for visitors to drive and park in compared with the flatter, more open layouts of the downtown waterfront or the South End.

An excellent strategy is to drive into Burlington and park your car for the day in one of the central public car parks, such as the Marketplace Car Park or the Corporate Plaza Car Park. This approach allows you to pay once and leave your vehicle in a secure, convenient location. From the car park you can easily explore the entire downtown area, including Church Street and the waterfront, on foot without the stress of finding a new parking spot at every destination.

The most direct route from downtown Burlington is to take Main Street east, which becomes Williston Road (US‑2). Follow the signs for the airport, which will be on your left. Alternatively, you can take the I‑189 to the I‑89 North for one exit to get to the airport. During morning traffic (around 07:30–09:00) it’s wise to allow an extra 15–20 minutes for your drive to account for potential congestion on these main routes.

The process is very simple and well signposted. After dropping your passenger and their luggage at the upper‑level departures curb, continue following the one‑way loop. The signs for 'Rental Car Return' will appear almost immediately on your right. The entrance to the return area is located just past the terminal building, allowing you to complete the drop‑off and return in one continuous, easy‑to‑navigate loop without ever leaving the airport road system.

During busy travel times like holidays, ski season or fall foliage weekends, a safe plan is to arrive at the airport two hours before your flight’s departure time. This provides a comfortable buffer of about 30 minutes to return the car, unload luggage and complete the vehicle check‑in process. The remaining 90 minutes should be ample time to check in with your airline, get through security and walk to your gate without feeling rushed.

The main challenge for a first‑time visitor is ensuring you get on the correct interstate heading in your intended direction. From the airport area you will need to navigate onto the I‑89, so it’s crucial to follow signs for either I‑89 North (towards Canada) or I‑89 South (towards Montpelier and Boston). Using a satnav is highly recommended to provide clear, turn‑by‑turn directions, which will help you confidently navigate the initial interchanges and get your road trip started on the right path.