Vermont Travel Resource
Vermont Transportation Guide: Airports, Ski Resorts & Getting Around
A comprehensive reference for travelers arriving in Vermont — airport options, ground transportation, ski resort access, and practical tips from a local car service with over a decade on Vermont roads.
Getting to and Around Vermont
Vermont is one of the most scenic states in New England, but it is also one of the least served by public transit. Most visitors arrive by air or drive in — and once here, a car is almost always necessary to reach ski resorts, rural inns, and the state's most celebrated destinations.
This guide covers the major airports serving Vermont, ground transportation options from each, drive times to popular destinations, and practical advice for winter travel on Vermont mountain roads.
Airports Serving Vermont
Vermont has one commercial airport and is within reasonable driving distance of four others. Here is a practical comparison for travelers planning a Vermont trip.
Burlington International Airport
South Burlington, VT · 0 miles from Burlington city center
Vermont's only commercial airport. Compact, easy to navigate, and 35 miles from Stowe. No rideshare surge pricing issues — private car services are the most reliable ground option.
Boston Logan International Airport
Boston, MA · Approximately 220 miles from Burlington VT
The largest airport in New England. Drive time to Burlington is approximately 3.5 hours. Private car service from BOS to Vermont is a popular option for groups and corporate travelers.
Albany International Airport
Albany, NY · Approximately 100 miles from Burlington VT
A practical alternative for southern Vermont. Drive time to Killington is approximately 1.5 hours. Drive time to Burlington is approximately 1.75 hours.
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
Manchester, NH · Approximately 160 miles from Burlington VT
A smaller, less congested airport. Drive time to Burlington is approximately 2.5 hours via I-89.
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
Montréal, QC, Canada · Approximately 100 miles from Burlington VT
Drive time to Burlington is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on border crossing wait times. A valid passport is required.
Drive Times from Burlington Airport (BTV)
All times are approximate under normal conditions. Add 15–30 minutes in winter weather, and up to 60 minutes during peak ski season weekends.
| Destination | Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Burlington city center | 10 minutes |
| Stowe Mountain Resort | 45–60 minutes |
| Killington Resort | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Sugarbush Resort | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Mad River Glen | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Jay Peak Resort | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Smugglers' Notch Resort | 55 minutes |
| Montpelier (state capital) | 45 minutes |
| Woodstock, VT | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Montreal, QC | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Times are estimates under normal conditions. Add 15–30 min for winter weather; up to 60 min on peak ski weekends.
Ground Transportation Options from Burlington Airport
Here is a practical comparison of the main ways to get from Burlington International Airport to your Vermont destination.
Private Car Service
Best for: Ski resorts, groups, corporate travel, long-distance rides
+ Door-to-door, fixed rates, flight tracking, AWD vehicles, no surge pricing, available 24/7
− Higher cost than shared options for solo travelers
AWD VT Car Service provides private transfers from BTV to all Vermont ski resorts and New England destinations. Call 802-363-2177.
Rental Car
Best for: Travelers who want flexibility to explore Vermont independently
+ Maximum flexibility, available at BTV from major agencies
− Requires driving on unfamiliar mountain roads, parking fees at resorts, AWD availability limited in peak season
BTV has Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National on-site. Book AWD vehicles well in advance for ski season.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Best for: Short trips within Burlington
+ Convenient for Burlington city trips
− Surge pricing during peak times, limited availability for mountain destinations, drivers may not have AWD vehicles
Rideshare availability drops significantly outside Burlington. Not recommended for ski resort transfers.
Green Mountain Transit (Bus)
Best for: Budget travelers staying in Burlington
+ Low cost, connects Burlington neighborhoods
− Very limited service to ski resorts, no service to most Vermont destinations
GMT Route 1 connects BTV to downtown Burlington. No direct bus service to Stowe, Killington, or other ski areas.
Winter Travel in Vermont: What to Know
Vermont winters are serious. Mountain roads can be treacherous even for experienced drivers. Here is what every visitor should know before traveling in winter.
All-wheel drive or 4WD is strongly recommended
Vermont law does not require AWD or 4WD, but many mountain roads — including Route 100 into Stowe and the access roads to Killington and Sugarbush — become extremely difficult in snow and ice without it. Many rental car companies at BTV offer AWD vehicles; book early during ski season.
Route 100 is the main ski corridor — and the most weather-affected
Vermont Route 100 runs north-south through the heart of the Green Mountains and connects Burlington to Stowe, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, and Killington. It is scenic in all seasons but can be slow and hazardous in heavy snow. Allow extra time and check VTrans 511 for road conditions.
Smugglers' Notch closes in winter
Route 108 through Smugglers' Notch is closed from approximately November through May. Travelers heading to Smugglers' Notch Resort must use the longer route via Morrisville and VT-15.
Flight delays are common at BTV in winter
Burlington International Airport handles winter weather well, but de-icing and ground holds can cause delays. If you are booking ground transportation, choose a service that tracks your flight in real time and adjusts automatically.
Book ground transportation in advance during ski season
Private car services and rental cars at BTV fill up quickly during peak ski weekends (holiday weeks, MLK weekend, Presidents' Week). Book at least a week in advance, ideally two to three weeks for holiday travel.
Vermont by Season: Travel Planning Guide
Ski Season (December – April)
World-class skiing at Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush, Jay Peak, and Mad River Glen. Peak demand for ground transportation.
Tip: Book car service 2–3 weeks in advance for holiday periods. Allow extra drive time on Route 100. AWD vehicles essential.
Spring (May – June)
Mud season transitions to wildflowers and green hills. Quieter roads and lower prices.
Tip: Some mountain roads may still be rough from frost heaves. A great time to visit without the crowds.
Summer (July – August)
Hiking, cycling, Lake Champlain, farmers markets, and outdoor festivals. Burlington is lively.
Tip: Peak tourist season in Burlington. Book accommodations and transportation early for July 4th and August weekends.
Fall Foliage (Late September – Mid-October)
Vermont's most famous season. Peak color typically runs late September through the second week of October.
Tip: The single busiest travel period of the year. Book everything — lodging, car service, restaurants — weeks in advance. Route 100 and I-89 can be congested on peak foliage weekends.
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Need a Ride in Vermont?
AWD VT Car Service provides private airport transfers, ski resort shuttles, and chauffeur service throughout Vermont and New England. Fixed rates, AWD vehicles, 24/7 availability.