Dollar Car Rental
Burlington

The Dollar car rental counter is conveniently located inside the main terminal building at Burlington International Airport. After you collect your bags, you can proceed directly to the rental car area within the terminal to complete your paperwork. The vehicles are staged in the adjacent parking garage, which is connected to the terminal for easy, weather-protected access. This integrated setup ensures a smooth and efficient transition from your flight to your vehicle.

Navigating from baggage claim to the rental car area at BTV is very straightforward, even for first-time visitors. Once you have collected your luggage on the ground level, you will see clear overhead signs directing you toward the rental car counters. The counters are just a short, indoor walk from the baggage carousels, all within the same building. The airport is designed to be user-friendly, minimizing any potential confusion.

For travelers with confirmed reservations that include flight information, rental car counters typically remain open to accommodate late arrivals. The airport will be much quieter at night, which often makes navigating to the well-lit rental car area even easier. The process of completing your rental agreement and picking up your vehicle remains the same, with staff available to assist you and get you on your way promptly.

On a typical weekday, many travelers find they can get from their gate to driving away in their rental car in under an hour. This timeframe can vary depending on factors such as baggage claim wait times and the number of customers in line at the rental counter. To help expedite the process, having your reservation confirmation and driver's license ready when you approach the counter is always a good idea.

For security and contractual reasons, the primary renter whose name is on the reservation must be present to sign the rental agreement and pick up the vehicle. This is a standard industry practice to ensure all documentation is handled correctly. If other members of your group will also be driving, they can typically be added to the agreement as authorized drivers when you are all present at the counter.

The most considerate approach for loading bulky gear like skis or snowboards is to first retrieve your vehicle from its assigned parking spot. Then, you can move it to a less congested area of the parking garage or a designated short-term loading zone if one is available. This allows you to take your time loading your equipment without obstructing the flow of traffic for other renters trying to exit.

Yes, luggage carts are readily available for use in the baggage claim area of the terminal. You can typically take these carts with you all the way to the rental car counters. The walk from the terminal to the vehicles, which are located in the attached parking garage, is very short and conveniently sheltered from the weather, making it easy to manage your bags.

The most straightforward and reliable route is to take Airport Drive to Williston Road (US-2) and head west. This is a major thoroughfare that leads directly toward the downtown area and is a high-priority route for snowplows and de-icing crews during winter weather. Sticking to this primary road ensures you are on the best-maintained surface, which is especially important in challenging driving conditions.

The most direct approach to the University of Vermont is to take Williston Road, which becomes Main Street, directly from the airport area. This route brings you along the southern edge of the main campus and helps you avoid the more complex network of one-way streets found in the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Using your GPS to navigate to a central landmark like the Dudley H. Davis Center will also guide you effectively.

When driving in winter conditions, the most important adjustments are to significantly reduce your speed and increase the following distance between you and the car ahead. Be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses, which can freeze before other road surfaces. It's also wise to check local road condition reports before heading out and to be mindful of snowplows, giving them plenty of room to work.

Rental fleets in regions with significant winter weather are generally equipped with vehicles well-suited for the season, such as those with all-wheel drive or all-season tires with good tread. Before leaving the rental facility, it's always a good practice to visually inspect the tires on your assigned vehicle. You can also inquire about the vehicle's features with the rental agent at the counter for peace of mind.

Before you leave the parking garage, perform a quick walk-around inspection of your vehicle. Ensure all snow is cleared from the roof, hood, and windows, as this can be a hazard to other drivers. Check that your windshield wipers are not frozen to the glass and that the washer fluid is functional. Finally, confirm that all headlights, taillights, and signals are clear of any snow or ice buildup.

To avoid the peak rush to Stowe, especially on a weekend or powder day, plan to leave Burlington either very early in the morning, before 8:00 AM, or wait until after 10:00 AM. The main wave of traffic typically occurs between these times. An early arrival not only helps you miss the congestion on I-89 and Route 100 but also gives you a much better selection of parking spots at the resort.

This is a very realistic plan, especially if your flight arrives in Burlington by early afternoon. The process at BTV is typically efficient, and the drive to Stowe Mountain Resort is just over an hour in good conditions. This timing allows you to get your rental car, drive to the mountain, and still have several hours to enjoy the slopes before the lifts close for the day.

The drive from Burlington airport to Waterbury is exceptionally simple and direct. You will follow signs from the airport to Interstate 89 South. Waterbury is located right off the interstate at Exit 10, making it an easy, scenic drive of about 25-30 minutes with no complex navigation required. This route takes you directly to the heart of the area's famous breweries and attractions.

Both Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms are large properties with their own dedicated, spacious parking lots for visitors. The most practical approach is to drive to one location, park your car, and enjoy your visit there for as long as you like. When you are ready to visit the other, simply drive the short distance to its entrance and park in its lot, eliminating any need to search for new spots.

The Burlington waterfront is a vibrant hub during the summer, which means you can expect increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic, especially during festivals or concerts. While on-street parking is very limited, the most convenient option for visitors is to use one of the nearby public parking garages, such as the Marketplace Garage or Lakeview Garage. These are just a short walk from the waterfront and offer a less stressful parking experience.

For overnight parking near the pedestrian-only Church Street Marketplace, your best and most convenient option is to use one of the city's public parking garages. The Marketplace Garage and the Lakeview Garage are both located just a block or two away and offer secure, reliable overnight parking. This saves you the significant hassle of searching for a rare on-street spot and worrying about time limits or regulations.

During peak fall foliage weekends, main roads like Route 7 and I-89 can experience significant slowdowns with visitor traffic. To avoid the worst congestion, consider exploring smaller, parallel state routes like Spear Street or Hinesburg Road when heading south. Planning your scenic drives for earlier in the morning or on a weekday can also make a huge difference in your travel experience.

For an easy and incredibly scenic drive, take Route 2 north out of the Burlington area toward the Lake Champlain Islands. This well-marked, two-lane road takes you across a beautiful causeway and through charming island towns like South Hero and Grand Isle. It offers stunning, continuous views of the lake and mountains without requiring any complex navigation, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

While cell service is generally good in the main towns on the islands, you may encounter areas with weak or no signal in the more rural stretches between them. To ensure you have reliable navigation for your entire trip, it is highly recommended that you download the map of the region to your phone before you go. This allows your GPS to function perfectly even if you temporarily lose cellular connectivity.

The most direct and stress-free route to Montpelier is to take Interstate 89 South from the Burlington area. This is a major, well-maintained highway with clear signage and gentle curves, making for a very smooth and straightforward drive. The trip typically takes about 45 minutes and avoids any complex city traffic or difficult merges until you reach the Montpelier exit.

It's critical to know that the narrow, winding mountain pass portion of Route 108 through Smugglers' Notch is closed to all traffic during the winter, typically from mid-October to mid-May. To reach the resort from Burlington during these months, you must take the safe, all-season route via VT-15 through the town of Jeffersonville. Always check the official road status for VT-108 online before planning your drive, regardless of the season.

To enjoy this day trip without feeling rushed, plan to allocate at least six to seven hours. A great strategy is to drive to the Ben & Jerry's Factory in the morning to take a tour before the largest crowds arrive. Afterward, you can head to a nearby state park, like Camel's Hump or Little River, for a rewarding afternoon hike before making the easy drive back to Burlington.

On a busy weekend night, trying to find on-street parking near popular downtown restaurants can be very challenging. The most reliable and stress-free strategy is to head directly to one of the public parking garages, such as the Marketplace Garage or the Lakeview Garage. They are centrally located and just a short walk from most dining destinations, allowing you to park once and enjoy your evening.

During major events at the University of Vermont or Champlain College, parking becomes most difficult in the areas immediately surrounding the campuses and in the downtown core near Church Street. The public parking garages tend to fill up much faster than usual, and on-street parking in the residential Hill Section becomes extremely scarce. Arriving early and planning to walk a bit is the best approach.

Visitors generally find that Vermont's speed limits are reasonable, but enforcement can be quite strict, especially in the small towns and villages you'll drive through. State and local police pay close attention to posted limits, which often decrease quickly as you enter a town center. The best practice is to remain attentive and always adhere to the posted speed limit to ensure a safe and ticket-free trip.

Roundabouts are becoming more common in the Burlington area to improve traffic flow. The two most important rules are to always yield to traffic that is already inside the circle, and to enter only when there is a safe gap. Pay close attention to the road signs as you approach, as they will indicate which lane you need to be in for your intended exit.

Several local destinations are great for families. Shelburne Farms offers wide-open spaces, a children's farmyard, and easy parking, making it perfect for little ones. The ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain on the waterfront is another excellent choice with convenient garage parking. The short, direct drive to the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury is also very manageable and a guaranteed hit with kids.

For a quick and convenient stop, head to the commercial area in South Burlington, just a few minutes' drive from the airport. Along Williston Road and Dorset Street, you'll find several large grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers with ample parking. This allows you to easily stock up on any necessities right away without having to navigate the more congested streets of downtown Burlington first.

A great strategy is to scout your chosen route during daylight hours first. For example, if you plan to watch the sunset from Overlook Park in South Burlington, drive there in the afternoon to familiarize yourself with the turns and parking area. This makes the return trip after dark much more comfortable and safe, as you'll already know the way.

The most efficient way to travel between downtown and the surrounding areas is to stick to the main arterial roads. Using I-189 to connect to Route 7 (Shelburne Road), or staying on major routes like Williston Road (US-2) or the Winooski Connector, will help you bypass most of the neighborhood traffic. These routes are designed to handle higher volumes and offer the most direct path into the city center.

A good rule of thumb is to plan to arrive at the airport about two hours before your scheduled departure time. While BTV is a smaller, efficient airport, this buffer provides plenty of time to return your rental car, complete the vehicle inspection, check your luggage with the airline, and pass through security without feeling rushed. It's always better to have a little extra time for a stress-free departure.

The return process at BTV is designed to be simple and efficient. As you approach the airport, you will see prominent signs for "Rental Car Return," which will guide you into the correct entrance of the parking garage. From there, follow the specific signs for Dollar to the designated return lanes. After a quick vehicle check-in, it's just a short, covered walk back to the main terminal for your flight.

The most convenient place to drop off passengers and luggage is at the upper-level departures curb, directly in front of the main terminal entrance. You can pull over briefly, unload your party and their bags, and then easily circle back around to follow the signs for the rental car return entrance. This separates the two tasks and makes the entire drop-off and return process much smoother for everyone.

A common mistake is accidentally following the signs for general or short-term "Parking" instead of the specific signs for "Rental Car Return." The airport access road has several decision points in quick succession, so it's important to slow down and stay in the correct lane. Pay close attention to the overhead signs to ensure you make the dedicated turn for the rental car facility.

A scenic and popular way to cross Lake Champlain into New York is via one of the car ferries, such as the one from Burlington to Port Kent. Once you are in the Adirondacks, be prepared for parking to be a challenge in popular towns like Lake Placid, especially during peak summer and fall seasons. It's often best to find a designated public lot upon arrival and then explore the town's main attractions on foot.

During the spring thaw season, often called "mud season," and after heavy rains, Vermont roads are highly susceptible to potholes. It is crucial to drive with extra caution, reduce your speed, and leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead to spot and avoid road hazards. Be prepared for temporary lane closures and delays as road crews actively work on repairs throughout the area.

To create a more efficient and scenic loop, a logical order would be to start in Burlington, then drive east to visit Waterbury and Stowe. From the Stowe area, you can head south on the famous Route 100 scenic byway towards the Mad River Valley and on to Middlebury. From Middlebury, you can take Route 7 for a direct and easy drive north back to Burlington, completing a fantastic Vermont circuit.

Refueling your rental car before returning it to BTV is very convenient. There are numerous major-brand gas stations located directly on Williston Road (US-2), which is the main road that leads to the airport entrance. This allows you to easily top off the tank within the last mile or two of your journey, ensuring you won't have to search for a station at the last minute.