Van Hire
Vermont

Many hire companies at Burlington International Airport accommodate late-night arrivals, but it’s essential to check the details in advance. When you book, check the rental desk opening hours and ask about their after-hours collection procedures. Some firms use a key safe system or have staff available for a short period after the last scheduled flight. Providing your flight number when you reserve ensures the staff know your arrival time, which helps streamline the process for a smooth start to your Vermont trip.

For travellers with ski equipment, a minivan with fold-flat or stowable seats offers excellent flexibility and convenience. This creates a large, flat cargo area where you can easily lay skis and boards, with plenty of room for boot bags and luggage. A full-size passenger van also provides ample space, allowing you to designate specific zones for kit and personal items. Organising your equipment before leaving the airport will make unloading at your mountain accommodation much quicker and more efficient.

While the drive from Burlington to Stowe can take as little as 45 minutes in ideal conditions, it’s wise to budget at least double that time in winter. Snow, slush or ice can significantly slow traffic, especially on the mountain approach sections. Always check the latest road conditions on a resource such as New England 511 before you depart. Driving at a reduced speed, leaving ample space between vehicles and allowing for unforeseen delays are key to a safe, stress-free journey to the mountains.

A classic and convenient weekend loop from Burlington follows the scenic Green Mountain Byway. You can drive south on I-89 to Waterbury, known for its popular food and drink stops, before heading north on Route 100 to the iconic mountain town of Stowe. After exploring Stowe, you can continue over the Smugglers' Notch pass on Route 108 (if seasonally open) for a dramatic drive. The route then loops back towards Burlington via Jeffersonville, offering a perfect mix of mountain scenery, charming villages and easy navigation.

When visiting the Church Street Marketplace, your best bet for van parking is one of the city’s municipal car parks. The Marketplace Garage (formerly Lakeview) and the Corporate Plaza Garage generally offer sufficient clearance for passenger vans and are just a short walk from the main pedestrian area. While on-street parking is available, spaces can be tight and awkward to manoeuvre a larger vehicle into. Using a car park is typically a less stressful and more efficient option for a multi-hour visit.

Navigating narrow rural roads in a van requires extra caution, especially when you need to turn around. Avoid attempting three-point turns on the road, as soft verges can be deceptive and lead to getting stuck. Instead, look for a designated pull-off, a wide junction or a solid, paved driveway to safely reverse your direction. If you’re unsure about clearance or visibility when reversing, it’s always safest to have a passenger get out and act as a spotter.

Driving through Vermont’s historic covered bridges is memorable, but it demands full attention, especially in a larger van. Almost all covered bridges have clear signage indicating maximum height and weight limits, which you must obey. Many are also single-lane, requiring you to give way to oncoming traffic before entering. Always slow down on approach, confirm your vehicle will fit, and proceed carefully to protect both your hire and these treasured landmarks.

The drive between Burlington and Waterbury on I-89 involves climbing and descending a significant mountain pass, which is well maintained but can be challenging in winter weather. To reach the Mad River Valley (Waitsfield, Warren) you’ll use state highways that wind through the mountains. These routes are scenic but require lower speeds and careful driving, particularly in a larger van. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions at higher elevations and allow extra travel time for these sections.

To best enjoy a fall foliage drive in your van, timing is everything. Aim to be on popular scenic routes like Route 100 or through Smugglers' Notch early in the morning, ideally before 10am. Traffic is significantly lighter then and the morning light is beautiful for photos. Alternatively, late afternoon on a weekday can also be quieter. Midday at weekends during peak foliage season often brings heavy congestion, turning a pleasant drive into a slow-moving procession.

The main access roads leading to Vermont’s major ski resorts are a top priority for snow removal crews. However, if you’re heading up for first chair you may encounter active ploughing and gritting operations, especially during or immediately after a storm. Expect roads to be snow-covered or slushy rather than perfectly clear. Drive at a reduced speed, give ploughs plenty of space, and be prepared for potentially icy spots in resort car parks.

Yes, several of Vermont’s historic town centres can be challenging for van parking. Places like Woodstock, Manchester and downtown Montpelier feature narrow streets and limited parallel parking spots better suited to smaller cars. In these towns the best strategy is to look for a designated municipal car park, often located just a block or two from the main attractions. This saves you the stress of navigating tight spaces and allows you to explore on foot.

A great strategy for a brewery tour is to focus on a specific area, like Burlington’s South End Arts District, where several popular breweries are clustered together. Park your van once in a central location, such as a public lot or a wider side street, then walk between the different taprooms. For breweries outside the city centre, such as in nearby Stowe or Waterbury, parking is generally more abundant and designed to handle visitor traffic, making them easier stops on your itinerary.

For a smooth arrival at Sugarbush, use the designated passenger drop-off zones located near the base lodges at both Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen. Have your group ready with their skis, boots and bags to unload efficiently as soon as you pull up, which helps keep traffic moving for everyone. After dropping off passengers and kit, the driver can then proceed to one of the main car parks. The resort often runs convenient shuttles from the car parks back to the base lodge.

The drive between Burlington and Montpelier on Interstate 89 offers several convenient stopping points. There is a large, well-equipped Vermont Welcome Centre and rest area near Williston (Exit 12) that is perfect for a quick break. For more extensive services the towns of Richmond (Exit 11) and Waterbury (Exit 10) are right off the highway. Both offer easy access to petrol stations, coffee shops and restaurants with ample parking suitable for a van.

When heading from Burlington to the more remote Northeast Kingdom, it’s wise to plan your fuel stops. While services are plentiful along the interstate, they become more spread out once you venture onto state highways and rural roads of the Kingdom. A good strategy is to fill up your van’s tank in a larger town such as St. Johnsbury or Newport before exploring the smaller villages and scenic backroads. This ensures you won’t have to worry about finding a station in less populated areas.

Incorporating the Lake Champlain Ferry into your trip is a fantastic way to see the area, but a little planning helps. The main ferry between Grand Isle, VT, and Plattsburgh, NY, runs year-round and 24/7, but queues can form during peak summer weekends and holidays. It’s a good idea to check the ferry’s website for schedules and any potential alerts before you go. Arriving 20–30 minutes before a scheduled departure during busy times is a sensible buffer to ensure you get on.

For a balanced 3-day trip, start day one by exploring Burlington and driving south along Lake Champlain, stopping at Mt. Philo State Park for a short, rewarding hike with great views. On day two, head east into the Green Mountains, driving the scenic Route 100 through Waterbury and Stowe, where you can find easy trailheads such as the Stowe Recreation Path. For day three, visit Quechee Gorge, which has a visitor centre and simple walking paths along the rim, before looping back to Burlington.

When driving in Vermont, pay close attention to posted speed limits as they can change frequently. The default limit on many rural state highways is 50 mph, but it will drop significantly and abruptly to 25 or 30 mph as you enter towns and villages. These transitions are often strictly enforced by local police. Driving a larger van smoothly and safely means being vigilant about these changes and respecting the lower speeds in populated areas.

Accessing major trailheads in the Stowe and Smugglers' Notch area by van is generally straightforward, as the main access roads are paved. However, parking is the primary challenge, especially for a larger vehicle. Car parks for popular hikes like Mount Mansfield or Sterling Pond can be completely full by 9am on weekends in summer and autumn. To secure a spot it’s essential to arrive very early in the morning, particularly on days of good weather.

To ensure comfort on a longer drive like Burlington to Brattleboro, planning for breaks is key. Build in a 30-minute stop around the halfway point in a town such as Woodstock or Quechee to allow everyone to stretch their legs and get a snack. Inside the van, make sure drinks and snacks are easily accessible to passengers to minimise disruptions. Rotating seating positions can also help change the scenery for passengers and keep everyone more engaged during the journey.

A highly efficient route for a college tour starts in Burlington to visit the University of Vermont (UVM). From there, drive south on the scenic Route 7 to see Middlebury College. After your visit, head east on Route 125 and connect with Route 100 south, then take Route 73 to I-89. A short drive north on I-89 will take you to Norwich University in Northfield. This path creates a logical loop that minimises backtracking and showcases different parts of the state.

The drive from Burlington to Killington, primarily along Route 100, offers many van-friendly food stops. Towns such as Waterbury, Waitsfield and Rochester are situated directly on the route and feature cafés, bakeries and delis with their own dedicated parking. These establishments make it easy to pull off the road, park without hassle and grab a delicious local lunch. Avoiding town centres with only on-street parking will make your stop much quicker and more relaxing.

To catch a Vermont sunrise without stress, plan your timing carefully the night before. First, confirm the exact sunrise time for your location. Use a mapping app to estimate the drive time from your accommodation to the overlook, then add a generous buffer of at least 30 minutes. This accounts for navigating unfamiliar roads in the dark, potential wildlife crossings, and gives you time to park and set up before the colours begin to appear.

When your van is full of luggage, it’s wise to take simple security precautions during stops. Always lock the vehicle, even if you’re only stepping away for a few minutes. Try to park in a visible, well-trafficked area rather than a secluded spot. If possible, keep valuable items such as laptops and cameras out of plain sight by stowing them under seats or in bags. In very small towns the risk is low, but these habits provide peace of mind.

For families travelling with small children, Vermont’s state-run visitor centres and motorway rest areas are excellent options. They are clean, have proper changing facilities and offer safe areas to walk around. Additionally, many of Vermont’s state parks have accessible toilets and picnic areas perfect for a break. In towns, public libraries often have family-friendly facilities and provide a quiet, welcoming environment for a brief stop.

A day trip from Burlington to the Adirondacks is quite manageable and scenic. The most direct and enjoyable route is taking the Lake Champlain Ferry from Grand Isle, VT, to Plattsburgh, NY. This crosses the lake in about 15 minutes, saving you a long drive around. The ferry can easily accommodate vans, and the ride provides a nice break from being behind the wheel. From Plattsburgh you have easy access to the scenic drives and walking routes of the Adirondack Park.

When driving in Vermont during the winter, the most important factor is adjusting your speed and driving style to the road conditions. Hire vans are typically fitted with all-season tyres suitable for most ploughed and treated roads. While you can’t request specific tyres, you should visually inspect them for adequate tread depth before leaving the hire lot. Always drive cautiously, brake gently and leave extra following distance — this is the best way to ensure safety in winter weather.

To create an efficient multi-resort ski trip, plan your itinerary by geographic region. For example, you could base your group near Waterbury or Stowe to easily access Stowe Mountain Resort, Smugglers' Notch and Bolton Valley. A separate leg of your trip could be based further south to ski Killington, Pico and Okemo. Using Route 100 as your primary north–south corridor is a great way to connect these regions logically without excessive backtracking across the state.

First-time van drivers in Vermont should be aware of a few common challenges. Many holiday rentals have steep, unpaved driveways that can be difficult to navigate, especially in wet or icy conditions. Ski resort car parks can remain icy long after a storm, requiring very slow speeds. Additionally, be mindful that many rural roads have very narrow verges and can feature older, single-lane bridges that demand extra caution and yielding to oncoming traffic.

A day trip to Woodstock and Quechee is straightforward with a bit of parking strategy. When you arrive at Quechee Gorge, head directly to the large, dedicated visitor centre car park, which can easily accommodate vans. In the charming but often busy village of Woodstock, bypass the limited on-street parking and use the large municipal car parks located just behind the main commercial street. Parking in these designated areas first will save you time and make your visit much more enjoyable.

Before arriving at a rural cabin in a van, it’s sensible to ask the host a few key questions about the driveway. Enquire about its gradient — is it steep or relatively flat? Ask about its current condition, especially if you’re visiting during winter or mud season. It’s also helpful to know if there is an adequate, solid area to turn a large van around at the top. Getting this information in advance can help you prepare and avoid any difficult situations on arrival.

To get accustomed to the size and handling of your hire van, find a large, empty car park for a few minutes of practice. The University Mall car parks in South Burlington or a large commuter park-and-ride lot during off-peak hours are excellent choices. These low-stress environments allow you to practise turns, reversing and parking. This will help you build confidence before navigating narrower mountain roads or busier town streets.

A day trip from Burlington to Montreal is very feasible, with a driving time of under two hours each way, not including the border crossing. The crossing at Highgate Springs, VT (I-89) is typically efficient, but delays can occur. On a normal weekday expect a 10–20 minute wait, but this can increase to an hour or more during holiday weekends or peak summer travel times. It’s always a good idea to check online border wait time trackers before you depart.

To help passengers avoid motion sickness on winding roads, the driver should aim to be as smooth as possible with acceleration, braking and steering. Encourage passengers prone to feeling unwell to sit in the front or a seat with a clear view of the road ahead. Keeping fresh air circulating through the van can also make a big difference. Taking a short break before tackling a particularly curvy section of road, like the Smugglers' Notch pass, is also a great preventative measure.

For an efficient autumn tour, plan your route in a loop rather than a series of out-and-back trips. Use a major road, like Route 7 or Route 100, as the main artery for your journey. Identify the farm stands and scenic spots you want to visit in advance and map them to see their proximity to this main route. This allows you to take short, intentional detours off the main road and then easily rejoin it to continue in one direction, minimising backtracking.

You can expect strong mobile reception in Burlington, Stowe and along the main interstate corridors. However, once you venture onto more rural state highways and backroads, reception can quickly become unreliable or completely unavailable. This is especially true in mountain valleys and the Northeast Kingdom. For uninterrupted music and navigation, it is highly recommended that you download your playlists and map routes for offline use before leaving a major town.

The best way to coordinate multiple pickups at Burlington International Airport is to use the free phone-waiting lot. You can park your van there comfortably until your friends have landed, collected their bags and are standing outside at the arrivals curb. Once they call you and tell you which numbered door they are at, it’s just a short two-minute drive to the terminal for a quick and seamless pickup, avoiding the need to circle the airport repeatedly.