Alamo Car Rental
Vermont

The Alamo rental car counter at Burlington International Airport is conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your bags from the baggage claim area, you can proceed directly to the rental car desks without needing to take a shuttle. The vehicle pickup lot is situated just a short walk from the terminal, making for a seamless and efficient start to your Vermont journey. This on-site accessibility is especially helpful for travelers with luggage or families.

Arriving on a late flight at Burlington's airport is typically a straightforward experience due to the airport's compact layout. The walk from the terminal to the rental car pickup area remains simple and is well-lit for safety and convenience. It is always a good practice to include your flight information in your reservation so the local team is aware of your arrival time. Checking the location's specific hours of operation when you book will also ensure a smooth process for collecting your vehicle, even after midnight.

The drive from Burlington International Airport to the downtown area is quite short, typically taking about 10 to 15 minutes in light traffic. During peak rush hour, which usually occurs on weekdays in the morning and late afternoon, the same trip might take around 20 to 25 minutes. The main route into the city can get congested, particularly around the University of Vermont campus. Planning for a little extra time during these periods will help ensure a relaxed arrival at your destination.

For a simple and stress-free first drive from BTV, heading straight into downtown Burlington is an excellent choice. The route is direct, well-marked, and primarily involves major city streets rather than complex rural roads. Following the signs for US-2 West (Williston Road) will lead you directly toward the city center and the Lake Champlain waterfront. This drive allows you to acclimate to local traffic patterns and signage in a relatively low-speed, well-lit environment before venturing onto more scenic highways.

The most straightforward route for a first-time visitor driving from BTV to Stowe is to take Interstate 89 South. From the airport, you will quickly merge onto the interstate, which offers a direct and well-maintained path for the majority of the journey. You will then take Exit 10 for Waterbury/Stowe and follow VT-100 North for the final scenic stretch into the town of Stowe. This route minimizes complex turns and navigation through small towns, making it the easiest option to follow.

The easiest and most direct way to get to Waterbury from the Burlington airport is by taking Interstate 89 South. This major highway provides a clear and well-signed path, typically taking around 25 to 30 minutes to reach your exit. You'll take Exit 10, which is clearly marked for Waterbury and Stowe. Once you exit the highway, you are just moments away from Waterbury's main street, where popular breweries and eateries are conveniently located before you continue your trip.

Vermont's roundabouts function like those in other parts of the U.S., requiring you to yield to traffic already circulating before entering. You'll travel counter-clockwise and use your signal to indicate your exit. One of the most common roundabouts visitors encounter shortly after leaving BTV is in Winooski, just a few miles from the airport. Another is often encountered if you take Exit 16 off I-89 in Colchester. Paying close attention to the lane designation signs as you approach will help you navigate them smoothly.

To avoid feeling rushed, a good strategy is to drive to a nearby parking lot moments after leaving the airport rental facility. There are several shopping centers with large, open parking lots within a five-minute drive of BTV. These locations provide ample space and a calmer environment to properly and safely install your child's car seat without the pressure of airport traffic. This allows you to take your time and ensure everything is secure before beginning your main journey through Vermont.

The main terminal at Burlington International Airport is the most practical place to wait for other members of your party. The airport is small and easy to navigate, with comfortable seating areas both before and after security. You will have access to restrooms, a cafe, and baggage claim all within a very short walking distance. This allows you to wait comfortably with your luggage until the rest of your group arrives and you can all head to the rental car counter together.

For an early-morning flight at BTV, it's wise to budget around 20 to 30 minutes for the entire car return and check-in process. The rental car return area is located adjacent to the terminal, so the walk is very short. After dropping off the vehicle and completing the return, you can walk directly into the terminal to check your bags and proceed to the security checkpoint. BTV's security lines are often efficient in the early morning, but allowing this buffer ensures a stress-free experience.

A common point of confusion for visitors returning a rental car at BTV is following the main signs for "Departures" or "Arrivals" too closely. The entrance for rental car returns is a separate, clearly marked turn-off that you'll encounter as you first approach the airport terminal complex. Missing this initial turn can cause you to loop around the airport's one-way system. Keep an eye out for "Rental Car Return" signage as soon as you enter the airport grounds to ensure you make the correct turn.

Overnight street parking in Burlington requires careful attention to posted signs, as rules vary by street and neighborhood. Many areas have metered parking or residential permit restrictions. The most critical rule to be aware of is the city's winter parking ban, which is enforced during snowstorms to allow for plowing, and prohibits on-street parking overnight. It's essential to check the city's website or local news for parking ban announcements during your winter visit to avoid having your vehicle towed.

Driving and parking in Burlington can be significantly more challenging during UVM's major event weekends, such as move-in, parents' weekend, or graduation. You should expect a major increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic, especially in the areas immediately surrounding the campus and downtown. Main roads like US-2 (Williston Road) and Colchester Avenue become heavily congested. It's advisable to allow plenty of extra travel time and to secure parking in a garage early in the day if you plan to be in these areas.

The drive from Burlington to the Lake Champlain Islands is scenic and relatively easy, primarily using US Route 2 West. The route takes you across a beautiful causeway and several bridges that connect the mainland to the islands of South Hero and Grand Isle. There are no tolls for these bridges. For travel to New York from the islands, you can use a vehicle ferry service, which operates on a set schedule. The drive itself is relaxing, with stunning lake views and charming small towns along the way.

For a relaxing scenic drive along the lake, head south from Burlington on Route 7 and then turn onto local roads like Spear Street or Orchard Road through Shelburne. These routes offer beautiful views of rolling farmland with the lake and Adirondack Mountains in the distance. Another excellent option is to drive north on the Lake Champlain Byway (US Route 2) into the islands. This drive takes you out over the water on a causeway, providing an immersive and peaceful lakeside experience with plenty of spots to pull over.

A great way to plan a relaxed day trip to Montpelier is to take Interstate 89 for the direct, 45-minute drive there in the morning. This allows you to maximize your time exploring the state capital. For the return journey, opt for a more scenic route by taking US Route 2 back towards Burlington. This two-lane road winds through charming small towns and beautiful countryside, offering a different perspective. This approach gives you both efficiency and a classic Vermont scenic drive in one trip.

The drive from BTV to Woodstock is a pleasant mix of interstate and classic Vermont state highways. You'll start on I-89 South, where speeds are consistent, before exiting onto US-4 East. This section is primarily a two-lane road that passes through several picturesque towns, such as Quechee. Be prepared for speed limits to drop significantly as you enter these town centers, and be mindful of pedestrian crosswalks. The journey showcases Vermont's rural beauty but requires more attentive driving than a simple highway trip.

The most direct route between Stowe and Smugglers' Notch is via Route 108, which travels through the dramatic mountain pass known as "the Notch." However, this steep and winding section of road is closed to all traffic during the winter, typically from mid-October to mid-May. If you are traveling when the Notch is closed, you must drive a much longer route around the mountain range. Always check the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) website for the current status of Route 108 before planning your drive.

To avoid the heaviest ski traffic from Burlington to Killington on a winter weekend, it's best to be on the road by 7:00 AM, if not earlier. The primary pinch point occurs on US-4, especially as you get closer to the Killington access road. Traffic builds significantly after 8:00 AM with skiers arriving from all directions. An early start not only helps you miss the worst of the congestion but also ensures you get a better parking spot and more time on the slopes.

In the Burlington area, black ice is a major winter hazard, frequently forming on bridges, overpasses, and shaded rural roads where temperatures stay colder. Sudden lake-effect snow squalls off Lake Champlain can drastically reduce visibility along the waterfront and roads heading west of the city. You'll also encounter steep, potentially slick hills within Burlington itself, particularly around the UVM campus, as well as on the access roads leading to nearby ski resorts like Bolton Valley.

If a significant snowstorm occurs, the safest approach is to delay your mountain travel until road crews have had ample time to plow and treat the highways. Check the Vermont Agency of Transportation's road conditions map online for real-time updates on major routes like I-89 and Route 100. It's often better to enjoy a morning in Burlington and leave in the late morning or early afternoon, after the sun has had a chance to help melt some ice. Prioritizing safety over an early start is key in these conditions.

Driving on VT Route 100 is a classic Vermont experience, offering beautiful scenery as it winds through valleys and picturesque towns. However, it is almost entirely a two-lane road with frequent changes in speed limits. Visitors often underestimate travel time because they don't account for the slower speeds required when passing through numerous village centers. Additionally, getting stuck behind a slower vehicle can add significant time, as passing zones are limited, so it's best to plan for a leisurely pace.

Yes, parking in popular areas of Stowe and Waterbury can be challenging, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. At Stowe Mountain Resort, the main lots can fill up early on weekend mornings, so arriving before 9:00 AM is recommended. In downtown Waterbury, street parking near famous breweries and restaurants is limited and highly sought after. For popular attractions like Ben & Jerry's, arriving right at opening or later in the afternoon on a weekday can help you avoid the biggest crowds and find parking more easily.

During peak fall foliage season, scenic routes like Route 100 through Waterbury and Stowe, and the road through Smugglers' Notch (Route 108), become very congested, especially on weekends. The roads around popular spots like Stowe village can experience significant backups. To enjoy a calmer drive, plan your scenic excursions for early mornings on weekdays. Mid-afternoons on Saturdays and Sundays are typically the busiest, so exploring local Burlington parks or the waterfront during those times can be a less stressful alternative.

A great loop trip to Middlebury involves taking a different route for each leg of the journey. For a direct drive down, take US Route 7 South, which is the most straightforward path. On your return trip, you can take a more scenic route by heading west from Middlebury toward the lake before driving north on smaller roads that parallel Route 7. This allows you to experience both the efficiency of the main highway and the charm of Vermont's agricultural landscapes and small towns.

To see covered bridges without venturing onto challenging roads, focus on those located on or just off paved, state-maintained highways. For example, the Shelburne Museum near Burlington has a covered bridge on its grounds, offering easy access. For a scenic drive, the bridges in the Stowe and Waterbury area are generally accessible via well-traveled roads. Using a reliable covered bridge map and cross-referencing it with your GPS on the "avoid unpaved roads" setting will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Deer and moose are most active at dawn and dusk, and drivers should be especially vigilant during these times on rural Vermont roads. While moose are less common close to Burlington, deer are frequently seen along highways like I-89 and quieter backroads. These animals can step into the road unexpectedly, so it's crucial to reduce your speed and scan the roadsides. Using your high beams when possible on unlit roads can help you spot them earlier, giving you more time to react safely.

The drive from Burlington to Plattsburgh or Lake Placid involves crossing Lake Champlain into New York. The most common method is the vehicle ferry that runs between Grand Isle, Vermont, and Plattsburgh, New York. This ferry operates year-round and runs frequently, but it's wise to check the Lake Champlain Ferries website for the current schedule and potential weather-related delays. The drive to Lake Placid from the ferry landing is then a scenic trip through the Adirondack Mountains, with no international border crossings involved.

While cell service is generally reliable in Burlington and along major highways like Interstate 89, it can become spotty or non-existent in more rural and mountainous areas. As you travel on state routes like VT-100 or smaller backroads toward ski resorts, you will likely encounter dead zones. It is highly recommended to download maps of the region to your phone for offline use before you leave the airport. This ensures your GPS navigation will continue to work even when you lose cellular signal.

The best plan for managing bulky gear is to have one person from your group wait with the luggage and skis at the baggage claim area. Meanwhile, the driver can proceed to the rental car counter to complete the paperwork and bring the vehicle around to the terminal's passenger pickup curb. BTV's compact size makes this a quick and efficient process. This strategy avoids the need to haul all the heavy equipment through the parking garage and allows for easy loading directly at the curb.

For a Vermont ski trip, selecting a vehicle equipped for winter conditions can greatly enhance your peace of mind. An SUV or a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) is an excellent choice, as it provides better traction on steep, snow-covered resort access roads and in unplowed parking areas. Good ground clearance is also a valuable feature for navigating deeper snow. Choosing a vehicle with these capabilities will help you feel more confident and secure while driving in Vermont's mountain environments.

The most straightforward drive to Jay Peak is to take I-89 North to Exit 19 in St. Albans, then follow state routes east toward the resort. This route keeps you on the interstate for a significant portion of the trip. The final stretch of the drive on routes like VT-105 and VT-242 will feel the most remote, as you'll be traveling through sparsely populated areas with dense forests. Be sure to monitor your fuel level before leaving St. Albans, as services become less frequent as you get closer to the mountain.

Vermont speed limits vary significantly by road type, and enforcement is diligent. On interstates like I-89, the limit is typically 65 mph. However, on two-lane rural highways, it's often 50 mph. The most important thing for visitors to watch for is the sharp decrease in speed as you enter any town or village center, where limits can drop to 25 or 30 mph very suddenly. These slower zones are strictly enforced to protect pedestrians and maintain the character of the towns.

Visitors often get caught off guard by the abrupt speed limit changes when entering small towns along popular scenic routes like US-2 or VT-100. For example, when driving from Waterbury to Stowe, the speed limit drops quickly as you enter the village of Stowe. Similarly, towns like Richmond and Waterbury on US-2 require a significant reduction in speed. It's crucial to be attentive to signage, as the transition from a 50 mph rural zone to a 25 mph village center can happen in a very short distance.

When planning a brewery tour, it's practical to group your visits by location, such as focusing on breweries in Burlington's South End one day and those in Stowe or Waterbury another. Always have a designated driver. Parking can be a challenge, especially at popular spots on weekends, so consider visiting during off-peak hours, like mid-afternoon on a weekday. Many breweries are located in industrial parks or downtown areas where parking is limited, so arriving early or being prepared for a short walk is a good strategy.

A classic and easy-to-navigate loop starts by taking I-89 South from Burlington to Exit 10 for Waterbury and Stowe. After visiting those areas, you can continue south on the scenic VT-100 before rejoining I-89 South to visit Montpelier at Exit 8. For the return trip, simply take I-89 North directly from Montpelier back to Burlington. This route combines interstate efficiency with one of Vermont's most famous scenic byways, creating a perfect and manageable day trip.

To have the best experience at the Ben & Jerry's factory, plan your visit for a weekday morning, ideally right when they open. Arriving early allows you to find a spot in their main parking lot before it fills up and to get on one of the first factory tours of the day. Weekday afternoons are also generally less crowded than weekends. The busiest times are midday on Saturdays and Sundays, especially during the summer and fall foliage seasons, when both crowds and parking challenges are at their peak.

After picking up your rental car, the most efficient plan is to drive to one of the large supermarkets located within a 5-10 minute drive from the airport. Major grocery stores in South Burlington or Williston are directly on the way to many popular destinations like Stowe. These stores have large parking lots, making it easy to park and shop. You can leave your luggage securely in the vehicle while you quickly grab supplies before continuing on to your final destination.

The most common delays when driving from the Stowe/Waterbury area back to BTV are traffic congestion on Interstate 89 during weekday afternoon rush hour. An accident on the interstate can also cause significant backups. On US-2, traffic can slow considerably through towns like Richmond and Williston. During winter, adverse weather is the biggest factor, as snow or ice can dramatically increase travel time. Always check the weather and traffic conditions before you depart and allow extra time.

If you realize you've left an item in your rental car, you should contact the Alamo rental office at BTV as soon as possible. To expedite the search, be prepared to provide your rental agreement number and the license plate number of the vehicle you returned. It is also very helpful to give a detailed description of the lost item and where you believe it was located inside the car. Acting quickly gives the staff the best chance of recovering your belongings before the vehicle is cleaned for the next customer.