Hertz Car Hire
Vermont

Finding your Hertz hire car at Burlington International Airport is straightforward and designed for convenience. After collecting your luggage at the baggage reclaim on the main level, walk across the arrivals hall towards the main entrance. The rental car desks, including Hertz, are situated directly inside the terminal building opposite the baggage carousels. Once you have completed the paperwork at the desk, you will be directed to the adjacent covered car park where the hire vehicles are staged for collection.

When arriving on a late‑night flight at Burlington International Airport, it is sensible to confirm the rental desk's opening hours before you travel. Hours can vary, so including your flight number in your reservation is important. This alerts staff to possible delays and helps ensure someone is available on arrival. The airport is generally quieter late at night, which can make completing the paperwork and finding your vehicle in the car park quicker and more relaxed.

For a smooth early morning departure at BTV, the most efficient approach is to drop off passengers and luggage first at the terminal kerbside check‑in area. This allows them to begin the airline process while you handle the vehicle return. After they have unloaded, follow the airport signs for 'Rental Car Return', which will guide you to the designated area in the car park. The return lot is a short walk back to the main terminal, making it easy to rejoin your party without delay.

The drive from Burlington International Airport to the downtown area is typically very quick, usually taking around 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. For first‑time visitors, the most direct route is to exit the airport and follow signs for Airport Drive. Then turn right onto US Route 2 West (Williston Road), which leads straight into the heart of downtown Burlington. This route is well signposted and provides a simple, scenic introduction to the city as you approach the Lake Champlain waterfront.

For winter travel on routes from Burlington to mountain towns like Stowe or Waterbury, choosing a vehicle suited to the conditions is key to a comfortable drive. An SUV or a vehicle with all‑wheel drive (AWD) is highly recommended for navigating Vermont's snowy and sometimes icy roads. These vehicles offer better traction and higher ground clearance, which can be particularly helpful on winding mountain passes and lesser‑used secondary roads. Selecting such a vehicle provides extra stability, letting you focus on enjoying the winter scenery.

Driving in a Vermont snowstorm requires patience and caution, especially if you're unfamiliar with winter conditions. Expect reduced visibility and potentially slippery road surfaces, even on main highways. It's essential to slow down considerably, increase the following distance, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Main roads are typically prioritised for ploughing, but conditions can change quickly, so check weather and road reports before you set off and be prepared for a substantially longer travel time.

When driving from Burlington, note that Smugglers' Notch Pass on Route 108 is closed to all traffic during winter months, typically from mid‑October to mid‑May. This steep, winding road is impassable with snow and ice, so you must use an alternative route between Stowe and the Smugglers' Notch Resort. The main approaches to Stowe (via I‑89 and Route 100) and to Montpelier (via I‑89) are major state roads kept well maintained year‑round, though caution is always necessary in winter weather.

The most straightforward drive from Burlington to Stowe is to take Interstate 89 South to Exit 10 in Waterbury. From there, follow Route 100 North directly into Stowe, a scenic road that brings you to the base of the mountain. The trip usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Drivers typically experience slowdowns on Route 100, especially on weekend mornings as skiers head to the resort. The final stretch on Mountain Road (Route 108) can also become congested as you approach the ski area's car parks.

During peak ski weekends, Stowe village can become quite busy with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The main street has limited on‑street parking that fills quickly, so it's often easier to use the designated public car parks located just off the main thoroughfare. To ease congestion, a complimentary shuttle service often runs between the village, various lodges, and the ski resort. Using the shuttle is a great way to visit the town's shops and restaurants without the stress of finding a new parking space each time.

The drive from Burlington to Jay Peak in winter is scenic but requires preparation, as it takes you into a more remote, snowier part of the state. The journey takes about 90 minutes, starting on I‑89 and transitioning to state routes such as 104 and 242. The final stretch on Route 242, the access road to Jay Peak, is steep and winding. During or after a snowstorm this section can be challenging, so a vehicle with good winter tyres and all‑wheel drive is highly advisable for a safe ascent to the resort.

For overnight parking near Burlington's Church Street Marketplace, travellers have several convenient options. The city operates multiple public car parks that are secure, well lit and centrally located. The Marketplace Garage and the Corporate Plaza Garage are popular choices, offering easy walking access to hotels, restaurants and shops in the downtown core. These car parks provide a reliable solution, especially during winter when on‑street parking bans may be in effect for snow clearance.

For an efficient day trip to Shelburne, drive south from Burlington on Route 7 for roughly 15–20 minutes to the Shelburne Museum first. After visiting, continue a little further south on Route 7 and follow the signs to Shelburne Farms, which is nearby on the lakeshore. This north‑to‑south progression allows you to see both attractions without unnecessary backtracking. At the end of the day you can retrace your route on Route 7 North to return to Burlington.

To catch a morning ferry from Charlotte, plan for a 30‑minute drive from Burlington in normal traffic. However, during the busy summer and autumn seasons, particularly at weekends, add at least another 30 to 45 minutes. This buffer accounts for potential congestion leaving Burlington and allows you to arrive at the ferry terminal well before your intended departure. Arriving early is important because ferries operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis and queues can form quickly.

Taking a hire car on the Lake Champlain ferry is a common, scenic way to cross into New York. The process is simple: drive up to the ticket booth and join the queue to board. During peak summer weekends and holidays expect significant waits, which on popular crossings such as Charlotte, VT to Essex, NY can sometimes exceed an hour. To minimise wait times, try to travel during off‑peak hours, such as early morning or midweek if possible.

The fastest route from Burlington to Middlebury is a direct drive south on Route 7, which takes about 45–50 minutes. For a more scenic journey, consider a slight detour onto country roads west of Route 7. This alternative takes you through charming small towns and past rolling farmland with lovely views of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. While it may add 20–30 minutes to your trip, it offers a much more picturesque and quintessential Vermont experience.

During peak fall foliage season, typically from late September to mid‑October, certain scenic routes become very popular. Route 100 through the Green Mountains and roads around Stowe, such as Route 108, are well known foliage hotspots and see the heaviest traffic. Crowds and congestion peak at weekends, especially between mid‑morning and late afternoon. To enjoy a quieter drive, consider going on a weekday or starting early on a weekend morning.

For a relaxed drive from Burlington to Woodstock, take Interstate 89 South for a scenic and efficient journey of about 90 minutes. Along the way, consider stopping in the state capital, Montpelier (Exit 8), which has a pleasant downtown with accessible on‑street and car park parking. Another excellent stop is Waterbury (Exit 10), known for its food attractions with large, dedicated car parks. These towns provide good opportunities for a meal or a short walk without the stress of searching for parking, breaking up the drive nicely before you reach Woodstock.

The most straightforward way to reach Quechee Gorge from Burlington is to take Interstate 89 South to Exit 1 for Woodstock/Quechee. After leaving the highway, turn left onto Route 4 East. The entrance to the Quechee Gorge visitor centre and bridge will be on your right after a few miles. A common mistake is not being ready for the turn shortly after the highway exit. Route 4 is a main road and the entrance is well signposted, so watching for the signs ensures you don't miss it.

When visiting the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury during busy seasons such as summer and autumn foliage weekends, it's best to arrive early in the day. The on‑site car park can fill quickly, especially around midday, sometimes leading to waits for a space. Arriving before 11.00 or later in the afternoon will help you avoid the biggest crowds and longest queues for parking and the factory tour. Planning a weekday visit instead of a weekend will also make for a much more relaxed experience.

You should budget approximately 90 minutes to two hours for the drive from Burlington to Killington. The most reliable route, particularly in bad weather, is to take Interstate 89 South to Exit 3 for Bethel, then follow Route 107 West to Route 100 South and finally Route 4 West, which leads directly to Killington. This route primarily uses major state roads that are well maintained and prioritised for ploughing during winter storms, making it a safer and more predictable option than smaller back roads.

If your flight arrives at BTV midday, whether to drive straight to the mountains depends on your comfort with winter driving and the weather forecast. If conditions are clear and you feel rested, the one‑to‑two‑hour drive to resorts such as Stowe or Sugarbush is manageable in the afternoon. However, if a snowstorm is forecast or you prefer not to rush, staying in Burlington for the first night is a good option. That allows you to relax and start your mountain drive fresh and in daylight the next morning.

When driving from Burlington towards the more rural Northeast Kingdom, petrol stations become less frequent and many are not open 24 hours. It's advisable to fill your tank in Burlington or at one of the larger towns along your initial route, such as St. Johnsbury, before heading into more remote areas. Planning ahead ensures you won't have to search for fuel late at night, as services can be sparse once you leave the main interstate corridors.

Losing satnav signal is common on Vermont's rural roads, especially in mountainous areas. To prepare, download offline maps of the region to your smartphone before you set off. Alternatively, keep a paper road map in your hire car as a reliable backup. If you do get lost, pull over safely in a town or at a general store to ask for directions; locals are typically friendly and willing to help travellers find their way.

For out‑of‑state visitors, a common surprise is the prevalence of roundabouts (rotaries) in and around towns such as Burlington and Montpelier, used to manage traffic flow. In historic towns like Stowe roads can be narrow and on‑street parking often tight, requiring careful manoeuvring. Additionally, many drivers are surprised by how quickly the landscape can shift from a developed town centre to a rural road with wildlife crossing signs, so it's important to stay alert for deer, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Driving in Burlington becomes significantly more congested during major University of Vermont (UVM) events, particularly during student move‑in and move‑out weekends in late August and May. Expect heavy traffic on I‑89 near the Burlington exits, as well as on main arteries like Route 2 and around the campus and downtown. Parking becomes much scarcer and journey times across the city can easily double, so it is wise to allow plenty of extra time or seek alternative routes where possible.

For easy beach access near Burlington, North Beach Park and Leddy Park are excellent choices with large, dedicated car parks. On warm summer weekends these car parks can fill up surprisingly early, often by late morning or shortly after midday. To secure a spot without stress, plan your beach visit for a weekday or arrive before 11.00 on a Saturday or Sunday. Arriving early not only guarantees parking but also lets you claim a prime spot on the sand.

To reach Mount Philo State Park, drive south from Burlington on Route 7 for about 25 minutes; the park entrance is clearly signposted. For Camel's Hump the drive is about 45 minutes via I‑89 to the Richmond exit, followed by a series of local roads to the trailhead. Parking at both locations, especially Camel's Hump, is limited and can fill up very early on weekends with good weather. It's highly recommended to arrive before 09:00 to secure a spot and avoid parking along narrow access roads.

To catch a sunrise from a trail near Stowe or Waterbury you'll need to set off from Burlington roughly 90 minutes to two hours before sunrise. This covers the 45–60 minute drive and gives you time to find the trailhead and hike to a viewpoint. While you will be driving in the dark, main routes such as I‑89 and Route 100 are well maintained. Drive cautiously, watch for wildlife, and be familiar with your route to the specific trailhead before you depart.

A sensible one‑week road trip plan from Burlington is to use the city as a base for two or three nights to explore the Lake Champlain area. Then drive south along the scenic Route 100 corridor, staying two nights in a central location such as the Mad River Valley or Stowe to explore the Green Mountains. Finally, head further south to the Woodstock or Manchester area for another two nights to experience southern Vermont's charm. This approach clusters your driving into manageable segments, leaving full days for activities rather than constant travel.

For an efficient two‑night trip, start by spending your first day and night exploring Burlington. On the morning of day two, take the scenic 45‑minute drive to Stowe to enjoy mountain scenery, shops and trails, and stay the night there. On day three, drive from Stowe back towards Burlington but continue south to the Charlotte ferry terminal. Taking the ferry across Lake Champlain and back offers stunning views and a unique experience before you head back to BTV for your departure.

The drive from Burlington to Waterbury along I‑89 is perfect for families, as Waterbury hosts several child‑friendly attractions with easy parking and snack options. Another great route is south on Route 7 towards Shelburne and Vergennes. This road passes Shelburne Farms, the Vermont Teddy Bear Company and numerous farm stands and creemees (Vermont's term for soft‑serve ice cream), providing plenty of fun and convenient stops for a quick break that everyone will enjoy.

The easiest and only year‑round route from BTV to Smugglers' Notch Resort is to drive north on I‑89 to Exit 15, then take Route 15 East through Essex Junction and Cambridge, where you'll pick up Route 108 North to the resort. It's critical to remember that the famous Smugglers' Notch Pass on Route 108, which connects the resort to Stowe, is closed all winter. Your satnav may suggest this route in other seasons, but in winter you must use the longer, northern approach to reach the resort safely.

A day trip from Burlington to Montréal is feasible, with a driving time of about two hours each way. At the US‑Canada border expect a straightforward process where you present passports and answer a few questions from border officials. It is essential to check with your rental provider beforehand that your specific hire agreement permits travel into Canada. Having the proper permissions and documentation in advance will help ensure a smooth international excursion.

The drive from Burlington to the Newport and Derby Line area takes about 90 minutes to two hours, primarily on Interstate 91 North. The interstate is well maintained, but this region, the Northeast Kingdom, receives significant snowfall. In winter be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially snow‑covered or icy conditions, especially on local roads off the highway. Always check the weather forecast before you travel and ensure your vehicle is suited for winter travel in a rural, northern climate.

To plan a low‑stress brewery and farm tour, focus on areas just outside Burlington's city centre. A good route is to head south on Route 7 towards Shelburne, where you'll find several popular breweries and farm attractions with ample parking. Another option is to explore breweries and cideries east of the city in towns like Essex or Williston. By clustering your stops in these suburban and rural areas, you can enjoy scenic driving on less congested roads and avoid the traffic and parking challenges of downtown Burlington.

During busy summer weekends or festivals, parking directly at the Burlington Waterfront can be very challenging. The easiest strategy is to park in one of the downtown public car parks, such as the Marketplace or Corporate Plaza garages. From there it's a short and pleasant walk down to the waterfront park area. This approach saves you the stress of circling the limited lakeside lots and allows you to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere on your way to the event.

If you're visiting Vermont during mud season, typically from late March through April, it's wise to add extra time to all your driving plans. While paved state highways remain clear, many unpaved dirt roads can become soft, muddy and deeply rutted. It's best to stick to the main paved routes where possible and be prepared for slower travel if your destination is on a back road. A vehicle with higher ground clearance, like an SUV, can also be helpful for navigating these potentially messy conditions.

To avoid the worst traffic when driving from Stowe to Burlington for dinner, plan to leave Stowe after 18:00. This lets you miss the afternoon commuter traffic heading out of Burlington on I‑89. For the return trip later in the evening the roads will be quiet with minimal traffic. This timing ensures a relaxed and efficient drive in both directions, allowing you to enjoy your evening in the city without worrying about rush‑hour delays on the interstate.

When driving back to Burlington from rural areas at night, be vigilant for wildlife, particularly deer and moose. These animals are most active at dawn and dusk but can appear on roadways at any time after dark. Drive at a moderate speed, use your full beams when there is no oncoming traffic, and continually scan the sides of the road. Spotting one deer often means others are nearby, so slowing down significantly is the safest course of action to avoid a collision.

A sensible final‑day plan is to visit attractions close to Burlington to minimise travel time and stress. Consider the Shelburne Museum or a walk along the Burlington Greenway, both a short drive from the airport. Aim to head towards the airport at least 30–45 minutes earlier than you think you need to. This buffer allows time to find a petrol station to refuel the hire car and to navigate the airport's rental return area without feeling rushed before your flight.