Plan Your Trip to Burlington!

Burlington is easy to reach from most major Northeast cities and beyond.

By air: Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) offers direct flights from major hubs like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Located in South Burlington, the airport is just 3 miles from downtown—a quick 10-minute drive or easy rideshare.

By car:Interstate 89 connects Burlington to the rest of New England. Boston is about 3.5 hours away, Montreal just 1.5 hours north, and New York City 5 hours south. From the west, take Route 2  or Route 7 via the Lake Champlain Ferry from Port Kent for a scenic approach.

By train: Amtrak Ethan Allen Express offers direct service to downtown Burlington, connecting to New York City. The Amtrak Vermonter also stops nearby in Essex Junction, about 5 miles from downtown.

By bus:Greyhound and FlixBus provide service from Boston, New York, and other Northeast cities, with drop-offs in downtown Burlington.

Flying into BTV is often the fastest and easiest option. The airport is small, efficient, and refreshingly stress-free compared to larger regional hubs.

Burlington’s location in northwestern Vermont puts it within comfortable driving or flying distance of many major Northeast cities:

• Montreal: ~1.5 hours north. A popular day trip or add-on to a Burlington visit.
• Boston: ~3.5 hours south via I-89 and I-93.
• Albany: ~2.5 hours via I-87 and US-4.
• Hartford: ~3.5 hours via I-91 and I-89.
• New York City: ~5 hours via I-87, or take a scenic route via Route 7 and the Lake Champlain ferry.
• Portland: ~3.5 - 4 hours via I-89 to I-95

Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) is a small but well-connected regional airport. Airlines serving BTV include:

American Airlines:Direct service from Philadelphia (PHL).
Delta Air Lines:Direct service from Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), and New York (JFK/LGA).
United Airlines:Direct service from Chicago (ORD), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and Newark (EWR).
Breeze Airways:Nonstop service to select leisure destinations including Florida and the Southeast (routes vary seasonally).
Sun Country Airlines:Seasonal service to Minneapolis (MSP).
Frontier Airlines:Limited seasonal service to select destinations.

Pro tip:BTV is a small, easy airport—plan to arrive 60–75 minutes before departure for domestic flights. Parking is affordable and the terminal is compact.

Vermont’s fall foliage is world-famous, and Burlington is ideally positioned to experience it. Here is the general timing:

Higher elevations (Green Mountains):Color typically begins in mid to late September at higher elevations. Peaks such as Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield often reach peak color from late September into early October, depending on conditions.

Champlain Valley (Burlington area):Peak color in the valley and along Lake Champlain typically arrives in early to mid October.

Year to year variation:Timing can shift by one to two weeks depending on summer weather patterns. Warm, dry summers often lead to more vivid and slightly earlier color, while cooler, wetter seasons can delay the peak.

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation publishes a weekly foliage report beginning in September , which is a helpful resource for planning your visit.

Burlington has a classic northern New England climate. Four distinct seasons, cold winters, and warm (but not oppressive) summers:

• Summer: June–August highs in the low-to-mid 80s°F (27–29°C). Humidity is moderate. Occasional thunderstorms. Lake Champlain water is warmest in late July and August.
• Fall: September highs in the low 70s°F dropping to the 50s by October. Clear, crisp days are common. First frost typically arrives in mid-October.
• Winter: December–February highs in the 20s–30s°F (-5 to 2°C). Burlington averages about 80 inches of snow annually — pack accordingly.
• Spring: March and April are cool and often wet (30s–50s°F). May is more pleasant, with highs reaching the 60s°F.

Burlington rewards visitors year-round, with each season offering a distinct experience:

Summer (June to August):Peak season. Warm temperatures in the 70s to low 80s°F, long days, outdoor dining, lake activities on Lake Champlain, festivals, and concerts. Expect the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices, but the city is at its most vibrant.

Fall (September to October):A favorite time to visit. Foliage typically peaks from late September through mid October, depending on elevation and weather. Crisp air, scenic views, and events like the South End Art Hop in early September draw visitors from across the region. Booking lodging in advance is recommended.

Winter (late November to March):Quieter and more affordable. Burlington has a lively winter culture, with cozy restaurants, local bars, and easy access to skiing at Smugglers Notch, Sugarbush Resort, and Bolton Valley Resort. Expect cold temperatures, but conditions are manageable with proper winter gear.

Spring (April to May):Known locally as mud season, when trails can be wet and some outdoor attractions may not yet be open. This is one of the quietest times to visit, with lower prices and fewer crowds. By May, the city begins to come alive again with farmers markets, blooming flowers, and longer days. Burlington, often called the “Queen City,” is especially charming as it transitions into early summer.

Yes. Green Mountain Transit , often referred to as GMT, operates Burlington’s public bus network, providing reliable service throughout the region. Routes connect downtown Burlington with the Waterfront, the University of Vermont, the South End, Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, and nearby communities including Winooski, Essex Junction, Shelburne, and South Burlington.

Key routes for visitors:Route 1 connects the airport and downtown, Route 2 links Essex Junction and downtown, and Route 11 serves Church Street, the South End, and Shelburne Road.

Fares:GMT offers affordable flat fares, with day passes available for added flexibility.

Schedules:Buses run regularly on weekdays, with more limited service on weekends. It is a good idea to plan ahead for early morning or late evening trips.

Trip planning:GMT provides real-time tracking and route planning tools through its website and mobile app, making it easy to navigate the system while you are in town.

Burlington is an excellent cycling city, with dedicated infrastructure for riders of all levels. Mountain biking is also a major draw, with a variety of nearby trail systems offering everything from beginner-friendly rides to more technical terrain:

Burlington Greenway :A 7.5-mile paved, multi-use path that follows the shoreline of Lake Champlain. This is the city’s most scenic ride, connecting Oakledge Park in the south to Leddy Park in the north.

Island Line Trail: An extension of the Greenway that continues onto a former railroad causeway, stretching nearly 8 miles into the lake. A seasonal bike ferry connects riders to the Champlain Islands.

Protected bike lanes:Downtown Burlington features a growing network of protected and painted bike lanes that connect neighborhoods and key destinations.

Rentals:Bikes, e-bikes, and surreys are available seasonally through Local Motion at the Waterfront, SkiRack , or North Star Sports . E-bikes are a great option for navigating Burlington’s hills with ease. You can also rent e-bikes , segways , and more! 

For most visitors focused on downtown Burlington, a car is not necessary. Burlington is one of the most walkable small cities in the Northeast, with many top attractions located within a compact, easy-to-navigate area:

Walk: Church Street Marketplace , the Waterfront , ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain , plus many restaurants and hotels are all within walking distance. The South End Arts District is also accessible on foot or by a short bike ride.

Bike: The Burlington Greenway , along with an expanding network of protected lanes, makes cycling easy and scenic. Rentals are available seasonally through Local Motion on the Waterfront.

Transit: Green Mountain Transit , abbreviated as GMT, connects downtown with the airport, UVM, the South End, and surrounding communities, with routes running regularly throughout the day.

Rideshare:Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the city and nearby areas.

A car is helpful, but not essential, if you plan to explore Shelburne, the Champlain Islands, nearby ski resorts, or other destinations outside the city.