Payless Car Hire
Burlington

On arrival at Burlington International Airport and after collecting your luggage, look for the clear signs for the "Rental Car Center." The Payless desk is located within this dedicated area inside the terminal building. After you complete the rental paperwork with the agent, they will give you instructions on how to proceed to the designated car park or lot where your vehicle is waiting. The pick-up area is typically a short walk from the terminal, making the transition from the arrivals hall to the driver's seat straightforward.

For a smooth late-night pick-up at BTV, preparation is key. Before your flight, check the Payless counter's opening hours to ensure they align with your arrival. Once you land, go straight to baggage claim and then follow signs for the rental car desks. Having your reservation details and required ID ready will speed up the process. Since the airport is usually quieter late at night, the walk to the car pick-up area should be quick and uncomplicated.

During Vermont's popular foliage season, it's sensible to allow extra time for collecting your rental at BTV. Account for possible flight delays, baggage collection waits and longer queues at the rental desk. A realistic timeframe is about 60 to 90 minutes from landing to driving away. This buffer covers the increased traveller volume and ensures you can complete the rental formalities, check the vehicle and get organised without rushing.

A practical approach for a group pick-up is to designate one driver to handle the rental while the others wait. After gathering all luggage, the rest of the group can wait in a comfortable spot in the arrivals area, out of the main flow. The designated driver can go to the Payless desk with their documents to complete the paperwork. Once the car is ready, the driver can return to the terminal passenger pick-up kerb to load the luggage and the rest of the group.

International travellers should be ready to present standard travel credentials at the rental desk. This generally includes a valid driving licence from their home country and their passport for identification. It's good practice to have all official travel documents organised and accessible on arrival. To ensure a seamless experience, it’s advisable to confirm any specific requirements with the rental provider well in advance of your trip to Burlington.

When collecting a rental car during a Vermont snowstorm, a quick vehicle check is important for safety. Before leaving the BTV lot, make sure the car has an ice scraper and snow brush. Clear any accumulated snow from all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof. It’s also sensible to test the windscreen wipers, demister/defroster and heater to confirm they work properly. This simple check will help you start your winter drive with confidence and clear visibility.

For a low-stress winter drive from BTV to downtown Burlington, stick to the main, well-travelled roads. From the airport follow the signs for Airport Drive and then turn onto US Route 2 (Williston Road). This main route is a primary road for snowploughs and is generally well maintained in winter. Following US-2 west will lead you directly into the heart of downtown Burlington, reducing the need to tackle smaller, potentially more slippery side streets.

Parking in downtown Burlington, particularly near the popular Church Street Marketplace, can be competitive but manageable with some planning. The area is served by several public parking garages, often the most convenient option for visitors. These garages offer hourly rates and shelter your car from the elements. On-street metered parking is also available but can be harder to find at peak times. Using a parking app can help locate available spaces in garages and save time.

When staying near the University of Vermont (UVM), pay close attention to parking signs. Many streets in the area have residential permit restrictions, especially during business hours. Check for signs indicating time limits or permit requirements to avoid a fine. Your hotel should provide specific guest-parking instructions. Also be aware of city-wide winter parking bans that come into effect during snowstorms and restrict overnight on-street parking.

Driving in Burlington during a busy weekend or festival takes a bit of patience and planning. Expect increased traffic, particularly on main routes into the city and towards the waterfront. Parking will be in high demand, so arriving early or using public parking garages is a good strategy. Some streets, especially around event venues or the Church Street Marketplace, may be closed to vehicles. It’s often best to park once and explore the central areas on foot to avoid congestion.

For a versatile Burlington trip that mixes city driving with potentially icy rural roads, an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle such as a compact or mid-size SUV is a sensible choice. An AWD system gives improved traction and stability, which is a real advantage on Vermont's winter roads. These vehicles also have greater ground clearance than a standard saloon, which can help in snowy conditions, while remaining manoeuvrable enough for city streets and parking.

When renting a car at BTV for a ski trip to Stowe or Sugarbush, prioritise a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). This feature is invaluable for handling steep, winding and often snow-covered mountain access roads. An SUV is generally a good option as it provides both the necessary traction and ample cargo space for skis, snowboards and luggage. Winter-rated or good all-season tyres are also important for a safe and confident drive to the resorts.

To catch first chair at Stowe Mountain Resort, plan to leave Burlington at least 90 minutes to two hours before the lifts open, especially on a weekend or powder day. The drive itself is about an hour in ideal conditions, but factor in potential winter weather, morning traffic and parking. Leaving early ensures you have plenty of time to navigate the mountain road, find a parking spot, kit up and make your way to the lift line without rushing.

A day trip from Burlington to Montreal is entirely practical and a popular excursion, taking about two hours each way without stops. Before you go, confirm that your rental agreement permits cross-border travel into Canada. For the border crossing, ensure every passenger has the required travel documents, such as passports, readily available. It’s also wise to check border wait times online before you depart to choose the least congested crossing point.

For a drive from Vermont to Canada, have all personal travel documents for every passenger easily to hand—passports and any other required ID. Keep your rental agreement available as border officials may ask to see it. It’s also useful to have your Montreal destination address programmed into your satnav and to be prepared to answer routine questions about the purpose and duration of your visit.

An efficient and scenic loop from Burlington is to head south on Interstate 89 to Exit 10 for Waterbury. After visiting the Ben & Jerry’s factory, take Route 100 north, a classic Vermont byway that leads you straight into Stowe. From Stowe you can continue exploring or return to Burlington via Route 108 (Mountain Road) to Route 100 south and then rejoin I-89 north. This route creates a logical and enjoyable tour of the area.

To enjoy a scenic Lake Champlain drive without parking hassles, focus on routes south of Burlington and travel on a weekday if possible. Driving south on Route 7 gives access to spots like Shelburne Bay Park and Charlotte Town Beach, which have dedicated parking areas. For great views, detour onto Lake Road or Thompson's Point Road in Charlotte. Visiting these spots in the morning or late afternoon can help you avoid midday crowds and make it easier to find a place to pull over and enjoy the scenery.

The Lake Champlain Transportation Company runs several ferry routes ideal for day trips, and rental cars are permitted onboard. The most common crossing from the Burlington area is Charlotte, VT to Essex, NY, offering a pleasant 30-minute ride with views of the Adirondacks. Drive to the ferry landing, pay the fare at the booth and follow the crew's directions to park your vehicle on the ferry. It’s a seamless way to explore the New York side of the lake for a few hours.

Visiting both Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms in one afternoon is ambitious but doable with a hire car. Both attractions lie just off Route 7 in Shelburne and have their own large, dedicated car parks, so parking is not a concern. Allow at least two to three hours at each location. A good approach is to start at one and then drive the short distance to the other. Check closing times and last entry times to ensure you have enough time to enjoy both.

The best strategy is to park once and explore the waterfront on foot. There are several large public car parks near Waterfront Park and the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. Once you’ve parked, you can easily walk to the Burlington Greenway (Bike Path), parks, restaurants and the Community Boathouse. This saves the hassle of finding new parking and lets you fully enjoy the lakeside atmosphere.

Yes—most notably Route 108 through Smugglers' Notch. This steep, winding mountain pass is closed to all traffic during the winter months, typically from mid-October to mid-May. Visitors planning to travel between Stowe and the Jeffersonville area must use an alternative route via Route 100 and Route 15. Additionally, many smaller, unpaved back roads can become impassable or very challenging during winter and the spring mud season, so it’s best to stick to major paved routes.

When Burlington declares a snow parking ban, overnight parking on designated city streets is prohibited to allow effective snow clearance. For travellers with a hire car, this means you cannot leave your vehicle on the street overnight. The safest option is to use your hotel's car park or a public parking garage. Ignoring a parking ban can result in fines and towing, so pay attention to local news or city alerts during winter weather.

The key point is that the main road through Smugglers' Notch, Route 108, is closed for the winter season. This narrow, twisting road is not maintained for winter travel and is impassable. To get from the Burlington/Stowe side to the Smugglers' Notch Resort side you must drive around the mountain range. This detour involves taking Route 100 and Route 15 and adds significant time to the trip, so factor that in from late autumn through late spring.

A great fall foliage loop from Burlington starts on I-89 south to Waterbury. From there drive the scenic Route 100 south through villages like Waitsfield and Warren. Stop at Moss Glen Falls or explore the local shops. To return, take Route 17 west over the Appalachian Gap, which reconnects with Route 7 north back to Burlington. This loop offers mountain views and classic Vermont scenery while minimising backtracking.

For popular trailheads near Mount Mansfield, especially at weekends with good weather, it’s important to start early. Aim to arrive at the trailhead by 08:30–09:00 at the latest. Car parks for Camel's Hump, Mount Mansfield and other Green Mountain peaks fill up quickly. An early arrival not only secures parking but gives you more time on the trail and helps avoid afternoon crowds and possible weather changes.

If your Burlington hotel has limited parking, the most efficient method is to use the temporary loading zone at the main entrance. Pull up to the entrance to unload passengers and luggage first. Once your bags are inside, you can then find parking without the pressure of unloading in a cramped space. The same process works in reverse when departing: bring everything to the lobby first, then pull the car around.

The most convenient and safest place to install a child seat is in your allocated parking bay in the rental car lot at BTV. This area is generally well lit and away from active traffic, giving you the time and space needed. After completing the paperwork at the desk, head to your vehicle and take your time to install the seat correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions before loading luggage or starting the car. This ensures your child is secure before you drive away from the airport.

If the tyre pressure warning light illuminates soon after you leave the airport, pull over safely at the next petrol station or a well-lit public area. Visually inspect all four tyres to see if one looks noticeably low. Many petrol stations have air compressors for use. If you are unsure or uncomfortable, contact the roadside assistance number provided with your Payless rental agreement for guidance on how to proceed.

When leaving BTV, the junction of Airport Drive and Williston Road (US-2) can be confusing. It’s a busy, multi-lane intersection where you must quickly decide whether you’re heading east towards Williston or west towards downtown Burlington. Using a satnav is recommended. Another area to watch is the I-89 interchange; ensure you’re in the correct lane for I-89 North (towards Canada) or I-89 South (towards Waterbury and Montpelier) well before the exit.

During the busy early-morning departure period, typically between 05:00 and 07:30, it’s wise to add an extra 20–30 minutes to your car return plan. This buffer accounts for possible queues in the rental return lane, the vehicle check-in process and the walk from the return area back to the terminal. Building in this extra time helps ensure you won’t be stressed about getting to your airline check-in and through security in time.

As you approach Burlington International Airport, look for the large, clear signs marked "Rental Car Return." Follow these signs, which will direct you away from the main departures and arrivals loops. As you near the car park, the signage becomes more specific, with individual signs and painted lanes clearly marking the designated return area for Payless. Drive slowly and pay close attention to the signs to reach the correct drop-off spot.

Burlington's airport is very compact and easy to navigate, which is a major convenience for travellers. The rental car return area is located in the car park directly connected to the main terminal building. Regardless of which airline you’re flying, the walk from dropping off your car to any of the check-in counters is typically less than five minutes. This makes the transition from car return to flight check-in quick and stress-free.

The most efficient plan is to drive to the airport's departures kerb first. There you can drop off passengers and all luggage directly in front of the terminal so they can head inside to check in. After they’re safely on their way, follow the airport signs for "Rental Car Return" yourself. This kerbside drop approach prevents you from having to lug baggage from the return area back to the terminal.

A sensible approach is to designate Saturday as your main 'walkable day.' Park your hire car at your hotel and explore downtown Burlington, Church Street Marketplace and the waterfront on foot, as these areas are compact and pedestrian-friendly. Plan your 'car days' for Friday or Sunday to visit attractions outside the city centre, such as Shelburne Farms, ski resorts or scenic drives. This way you enjoy the best of Burlington while avoiding peak weekend traffic and parking congestion.

Using Burlington as a base to explore Vermont's small towns is an excellent and very doable plan. A rental car gives you the freedom to create great day-trip loops. For example, one day you could drive the Route 100 corridor through Stowe and Waterbury, and on another day explore the Lake Champlain islands to the north or head south to the charming towns of Middlebury and Vergennes. Burlington’s central location in northern Vermont makes it an ideal starting point for these scenic excursions.

Drivers in Vermont are generally courteous and the pace is more relaxed than in major cities. When approaching a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating. At four-way stops, the driver who arrives first has the right of way. Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians, especially in Burlington. On rural roads it’s common for slower drivers to pull over to let faster traffic pass, so don’t be surprised if someone signals you by to overtake.

Mud season, typically from late March to early May, can significantly affect travel on Vermont's unpaved rural roads. These dirt roads become very soft and muddy and can be impassable even for four-wheel-drive vehicles. When planning day trips from Burlington during this time, stick to the main paved highways and state routes. Avoid GPS shortcuts that might direct you onto secondary dirt roads, as you risk getting your hire car stuck.

To safely enjoy scenic stops, focus on state-maintained scenic byways and parks. For example, the Lake Champlain Byway has numerous designated pull-offs and parks with safe parking areas. For covered bridges, research specific, easily accessible locations such as those near Shelburne or in Charlotte, which are reached from main roads. Using a Vermont state road map or a reliable travel guide will help identify routes with designated scenic turnouts so you can stop without parking on narrow shoulders.

The least stressful and most direct route from Burlington to Vergennes and Middlebury is to take US Route 7 south. This is a major, well-maintained highway that takes you directly to both towns. In both Vergennes and Middlebury, the simplest parking is usually found in free public car parks located just off the main streets. Both towns are very walkable, so park once in a central lot and explore the shops, restaurants and attractions on foot.