Alamo Car Hire
Burlington

On arrival at Burlington International Airport (BTV) the Alamo rental desk is conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage, follow the signs for Rental Cars to find the service desk. Once you have completed the rental arrangements with an agent, you will be directed to the adjoining car park where the vehicles are staged. This integrated setup means you won’t need a shuttle or to walk to a separate facility to begin your journey.

The time from baggage claim to driving away can vary, but the process at Burlington is generally efficient. On a typical day you might allow roughly 30 to 45 minutes for the whole sequence. That covers the walk to the rental desk, completing paperwork, and then proceeding to the car park to locate your vehicle and get settled. During peak travel periods or when several flights arrive together, it’s sensible to allow extra time for possible queues at the counter.

Joining Interstate 89 from the airport is straightforward. When you exit the rental car garage you will be on Airport Drive. Follow this main road out of the airport complex, staying in the lane indicated by overhead signs for I-89. The entrance ramp is clearly signed and appears quickly, giving you the choice of I-89 North (towards St Albans and Canada) or I-89 South (towards Montpelier and Waterbury). The signage is very clear, making for a simple and stress-free start to your drive.

If your flight is delayed and arrives after scheduled closing, ensure your confirmed reservation and flight details are included in your booking. Airport rental locations often monitor flight arrival times and may stay open to accommodate customers on delayed flights. To ensure a smooth process, it’s good practice to call the local branch directly if you expect to be significantly late. This helps staff anticipate your arrival and prepare for your collection.

A low-stress spot to get organised is just a few minutes from the airport at the University Mall on Dorset Street. It’s an easy drive from the airport and has a large, spacious car park where you can pull into a space without feeling rushed. This allows you to comfortably set up your navigation, adjust mirrors and seats, and secure any luggage that may have shifted. You’ll also find coffee shops or stores there if you need a drink or a quick snack before setting off.

The most common point of confusion for visitors leaving BTV is the roundabout on Airport Drive shortly after exiting the main complex. To avoid issues, pay close attention to the signs for your intended direction, whether it’s I-89, South Burlington or downtown Burlington. Another potential misstep is getting into the wrong lane for the I-89 on-ramp. Simply stay in the lane designated for your direction (North or South) as indicated by the large overhead signs, and you’ll have a smooth transition onto the interstate.

For the most straightforward route to the Church Street area, take I-89 to Exit 14W, which puts you on Route 2 (Main Street) heading directly towards downtown and the lake. Continue down Main Street, which will take you right into the heart of the city. To avoid the tightest side streets, plan to use main cross-streets like South Winooski Avenue or Pine Street to access your hotel’s parking. Using a sat-nav is helpful, but sticking to this main artery initially will prevent you from getting caught in narrow one-way streets.

Keeping a rental car downtown is very realistic, as the city is well set up for parking. Most hotels offer guest parking, either on-site or in a nearby car park, which is often the most convenient option. Public parking garages, such as the Marketplace Garage or the Downtown Garage, provide secure and reliable overnight parking for a daily fee. While some on-street parking is available, it often has time limits or residential permit restrictions, making garages a more predictable and stress-free choice for overnight stays.

The most convenient parking for Waterfront Park is in the large paved lots located right along the waterfront, accessible from College Street and Lake Street. These are pay-and-display lots that are very popular, especially on sunny summer weekends and during events like the farmers’ market. They can fill up by late morning, so arriving earlier in the day is your best strategy. If those lots are full, the nearby parking garages in town are just a short, pleasant walk from the park and lake.

Downtown Burlington is ideal for a park-once strategy. Securing a space in one of the central parking garages, like the Marketplace Garage near Church Street, allows you to explore the city’s main attractions on foot. From there, the whole Church Street Marketplace with its shops and cafés is immediately accessible. You can also easily walk down to the lively Waterfront Park, the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, and numerous restaurants, all without needing to move your car again until you’re ready to leave.

Before you drive out of the lot, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the vehicle’s winter-related features. Locate the controls for the front and rear demisters and the windscreen wipers, and check that the washer fluid is functional. It’s also essential to find the ice scraper and snow brush provided in the car so you know where they are when needed. Finally, take a quick look at the tyres to get a sense of their tread, as this will help you gauge how to drive in snowy or icy conditions.

When driving in Burlington during a snowstorm, the key is to go slowly and increase your following distance significantly. Be particularly cautious on the city’s hills, such as the one on Main Street heading up from the waterfront; accelerate gently to avoid wheelspin. Bridges and overpasses can freeze before other road surfaces, so approach them with extra care. Roads along the lakefront can experience blowing and drifting snow, which may reduce visibility, so use your lights and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.

For the most reliable, up-to-the-minute information on Vermont road conditions, the New England 511 system is an invaluable resource. You can access it via its website or mobile app to see real-time traffic, roadworks and weather-related closures. Local news outlets and their weather apps also provide excellent forecasts and alerts for the Burlington area. Checking these resources before heading out on a day trip, especially during winter or spring, can help you avoid unexpected delays and hazardous conditions.

The junction of Main Street, Battery Street and Maple Street near the waterfront can be tricky for newcomers, as it’s a multi-lane junction with several turning options. During commuter hours, the I-89 interchange at Exit 14 (Route 2/Dorset Street) can become quite congested, requiring patience and clear signalling when merging. Also be mindful of the roundabouts in the area, particularly the one on Route 7 in South Burlington, and always yield to traffic already inside the circle.

The most straightforward and scenic route to Stowe is to take I-89 South from Burlington to Exit 10 for Waterbury/Stowe. After exiting the motorway you’ll turn onto Route 100 North. This well-maintained state road will lead you directly into Stowe village, a journey of about 10 miles through a picturesque valley. The route is very well signed and avoids complex turns, making it a relaxing and enjoyable drive for visitors.

The drive to Waterbury is a quick trip down I-89 South, typically taking about 25–30 minutes. To avoid traffic, try to travel outside standard commuter hours, which are roughly 07:30–09:00 and 16:30–18:00 on weekdays. Weekend traffic can be heavier, especially during peak fall foliage season or on ski weekends. For the smoothest journey, planning your drive mid-morning or early afternoon is usually a safe bet.

For a simple day trip to Montpelier, take I-89 South directly from Burlington for about 45 minutes to Exit 8. This exit leads you right into the heart of Vermont’s capital. Once off the motorway, follow signs for the town centre. For easy parking, look for the public parking garage or metered spaces along State Street and Main Street. Arriving mid-morning on a weekday often ensures the best availability of convenient parking spaces.

The most comfortable route for drivers new to Vermont roads is to take I-89 South to Exit 9 for Middlesex. From there, follow Route 2 West briefly before turning onto Route 100B South, which then merges into the well-known Route 100 South. This scenic byway takes you through the heart of the Mad River Valley. While Route 100 is winding in places, it is a main, well-maintained road. Just take your time, enjoy the scenery, and use the designated pull-offs to let faster traffic pass if needed.

The critical thing to know is that Route 108, the narrow, winding road through Smugglers' Notch pass itself, is closed to all traffic during the winter. This closure typically runs from mid-October to mid-May, depending on snowfall. To reach the resort from Burlington during these months you must take an alternate route via Route 15 through Jeffersonville. Always check road conditions on a service like New England 511 before you depart, as this seasonal closure is non-negotiable and adds significant time if you’re not prepared.

The most scenic and direct route involves taking the Lake Champlain ferry from Charlotte, VT, to Essex, NY, which is a short drive south of Burlington. Before you go, check the ferry’s operating schedule and status online, as service can be affected by weather. Once in New York, it’s a pleasant drive on state highways to Lake Placid. This route stays within the United States, so no border formalities are required, making it a simple and enjoyable day trip.

When planning a trip to Montréal, ensure every passenger in the vehicle has a valid passport or other approved travel document for crossing the US–Canada border. The drive from Burlington to the Highgate Springs–St. Armand border crossing is about an hour. To minimise wait times, try to cross during off-peak hours, avoiding Friday afternoons and Sunday afternoons when traffic is heaviest. Checking online border wait-time trackers before you leave can also help you choose the best time to travel.

When returning to the US from Canada, it’s wise to build in a significant time buffer. Plan for at least 30–60 minutes for the border crossing itself, though it can be longer on busy weekends or holidays. From the border it’s about an hour’s drive back to Burlington. A sensible plan is to allow at least three to four hours between reaching the border and your flight’s departure time. This accounts for the crossing, the drive, refuelling the car, the rental return process and airport security.

For a fantastic half-day foliage drive, head south from Burlington and take the ferry from Charlotte to Essex, NY. The drive to the ferry itself is beautiful, and the crossing offers stunning views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. Once in New York you can drive a short loop along the lake before returning on the ferry. Alternatively, a drive through the Champlain Islands just north of Burlington offers classic Vermont scenery with farms, orchards and constant lake views, all within an easy loop back to the city.

Visitors often underestimate the time it takes on Vermont state highways such as Route 100 or Route 7. While the mileage may seem short, these are typically two-lane roads that pass through small towns with lower speed limits. You should plan for an average speed of around 40–50 mph, not motorway speeds. Getting stuck behind a farm vehicle or slow-moving truck is also common. It’s best to relax, enjoy the scenery, and add about 25% more time to your sat-nav estimate for a more realistic travel plan.

When renting for a ski trip, an SUV or a car with a fold-down rear seat is often the best choice. Most skis and snowboards can fit inside the vehicle by folding down one side of the rear seat and running them from the boot towards the front. This keeps your expensive kit secure and protected from road salt. To prevent melting snow from soaking the interior, it’s a good idea to bring a tarpaulin or blanket to lay down first, or to keep the gear in a ski bag.

The rental car pickup area at Burlington airport is located within a covered parking garage. This is a significant advantage for families, as it protects you from rain or snow while you load luggage and secure children in car seats. The garage environment is generally calmer than a kerbside pickup area, allowing you to take your time getting everyone settled. You can fully organise the car in your designated space before pulling out to begin your trip.

The most efficient plan is for the person named on the rental reservation to proceed to the Alamo counter after their flight lands. They can complete the paperwork and collect the vehicle from the garage. From there, it’s straightforward to circle back to the arrivals kerb to pick up the rest of the party as their flights come in. The mobile phone lot is also a convenient place to wait if there’s a longer gap between arrival times.

There are several good options for groceries and supplies just minutes from the airport. A large Hannaford supermarket and a Trader Joe’s are on Dorset Street in South Burlington, an easy drive from the rental car lot. This area also has pharmacies, coffee shops and other stores, making it a convenient one-stop location to stock up on everything you need before heading to your final destination. These stores are easy to access with plenty of parking.

Exploring rural Vermont often means driving on well-maintained gravel or dirt roads, which are a normal part of the state’s network. These roads are generally in good condition and are passable in any standard rental car, though you should drive a little slower and be mindful of loose gravel. While GPS navigation usually works, it can sometimes be unreliable in more remote areas. It’s a good idea to have a general sense of your route beforehand or even carry a paper map as a backup.

To prepare for spotty mobile coverage in Vermont’s more rural areas, the best strategy is to download offline maps of the region to your smartphone before you leave. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps offer this feature, allowing your GPS to function even without a data connection. Set your destination while you still have service at the airport or in Burlington. This ensures your route is loaded and you can navigate seamlessly through areas with limited or no cellular coverage.

Parking becomes most challenging in the downtown and waterfront areas during major events like the Jazz Festival, the Festival of Fools, or on sunny summer Saturdays. The lots near Waterfront Park and the spaces around Church Street fill up very quickly on these days. During University of Vermont events, such as graduation or parents’ weekend, on-street parking in the neighbourhoods surrounding the campus becomes extremely scarce. In these situations, using the city’s public parking garages is your most reliable option.

The easiest way to reach the UVM campus is via Main Street (Route 2) east from downtown Burlington. The university is prominently located along this main road. For visitor parking, the most convenient option is the Jeffords Hall visitor parking lot, which is clearly signed. Another primary option is the Gutterson Fieldhouse parking garage on the athletic campus, which usually has ample space. Be sure to heed signs, as many lots are restricted to permit holders on weekdays.

Burlington is a very walkable and cycle-friendly city, so drivers should always be alert for pedestrians and cyclists. The Church Street Marketplace area is pedestrian-only, and the surrounding downtown streets have frequent crossings where you must give way. The waterfront bike path often crosses parking entrances, so be extra cautious there. Many downtown streets are one-way, so it’s important to watch for signs and trust your sat-nav to avoid turning the wrong way onto a narrow street.

For a morning flight, especially if you have bags to check, it’s good practice to return your vehicle at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure. This provides a comfortable amount of time to complete the car return, walk to the terminal, check in with your airline and get through security. Burlington’s airport is efficient, but morning is a peak travel time, so building in this buffer helps ensure a stress-free departure.

As you approach Burlington International Airport, follow the large, clear signs for "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you away from the main departures and arrivals kerbs and towards the car park. Once you enter the garage complex you will see specific signs for Alamo, guiding you into the designated return lanes. The process is very well signed, making it easy to navigate directly to the correct drop-off spot.

The smoothest sequence is to first follow the signs for "Departures" to the main terminal kerb. You can pull over there to unload passengers and luggage. After they are safely on the kerb, you can then easily loop back around by following the airport signage for "Rental Car Return." This brings you back to the car park for the vehicle drop-off, allowing you to complete the return process quickly without having to manage bags.

If a warning light appears or you experience a mechanical issue, your first step should be to pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Once you are safely stopped, consult the rental agreement paperwork for the roadside assistance contact number. This service is in place to help with issues like flat tyres or mechanical problems. Calling them will be the quickest way to get instructions on how to proceed, whether it’s directing you to a nearby service centre or dispatching help to your location.

For popular spots like North Beach or Oakledge Park in Burlington, the best plan is to arrive early, especially on warm summer weekends, as parking lots can fill by late morning. North Beach has a large paid lot, while Oakledge has several smaller lots that are free. For a quieter experience, consider driving north to the Champlain Islands to visit Sand Bar State Park. It has ample parking and lovely sandy beaches, but it’s best to arrive before noon on peak days to secure a prime spot.

For an early morning hike, the trailhead for Mount Philo State Park in Charlotte is very easy to find using any sat-nav and has a reliable car park. Another excellent and popular option is the Camel’s Hump State Park trailhead on the Duxbury side, which is also easily navigable by GPS. For hikes in the Mount Mansfield area, the trailheads at Underhill State Park are well signed and have designated parking. Arriving early helps you beat the crowds and ensures a parking space.

A good plan is to start your day at Burlington’s waterfront. From there, drive south out of the city on Route 7, a scenic route that takes you to the charming town of Shelburne, where you can visit Shelburne Farms or the Shelburne Museum. After your visit, continue south to the historic town of Vergennes for lunch. To return, you can either retrace your route on Route 7 or create a loop via smaller country roads for a different perspective of the Vermont landscape.