Montpelier travel guide

Montpelier travel guide

National Airports

Montpelier does not have a commercial airport. The closest airports to Montpelier are Burlington International Airport (BTV), located about 40 miles northwest of Montpelier, and Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB), located about 50 miles southeast of Montpelier. Both airports offer commercial flights to major cities in the Northeast and beyond.

Trains in Montpelier

Montpelier does not have a train station, but the nearby city of Waterbury, located about 12 miles west of Montpelier, has a train station served by Amtrak’s Vermonter line. The Vermonter runs from St. Albans, Vermont, to Washington, D.C., with stops in major cities along the way. From the Waterbury station, visitors can take a taxi or a local bus to Montpelier.

Buses in Montpelier

Montpelier is served by the Green Mountain Transit (GMT) bus system, which provides local and regional bus service throughout Central Vermont. GMT offers several bus routes that serve Montpelier, including routes that connect Montpelier to nearby cities such as Burlington and Barre. In addition, GMT operates a free shuttle service that runs in downtown Montpelier and connects visitors to the Vermont State House, local shops, and other attractions.

How to get to Montpelier

The best way to get to Montpelier depends on your starting location and mode of transportation. Here are some options:

By car: Montpelier is located at the intersection of Interstate 89 and Route 2 in central Vermont, making it easily accessible by car from major cities in the Northeast. From Burlington, take I-89 south to Exit 8 and follow Route 2 east to Montpelier. From Boston, take I-93 north to I-89 north to Exit 8 and follow Route 2 east to Montpelier.

By plane: The closest airport to Montpelier is Burlington International Airport (BTV), located about 40 miles northwest of Montpelier. From the airport, visitors can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a shuttle service to get to Montpelier.

By train: The nearest Amtrak train station to Montpelier is located in Waterbury, about 12 miles west of Montpelier. From the station, visitors can take a taxi or a local bus to Montpelier.

By bus: Montpelier is served by the Green Mountain Transit (GMT) bus system, which provides local and regional bus service throughout Central Vermont. GMT offers several bus routes that serve Montpelier, including routes that connect Montpelier to nearby cities such as Burlington and Barre.

What is the best time to travel to Montpelier

The best time to travel to Montpelier depends on your preferences and what you plan to do. Here are some things to consider:

Weather: Montpelier has a four-season climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The peak tourist season is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Fall is also a popular time to visit, especially in September and October when the leaves change color. Winter can be a great time to visit for skiing and other winter sports, but be prepared for cold temperatures and snow.

Events: Montpelier hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Montpelier Farmers’ Market, the Montpelier Art Walk, and the Montpelier Book Festival. If you’re interested in attending a specific event, check the schedule to see when it’s happening.

Crowds: If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider traveling to Montpelier during the shoulder season (late spring or early fall) when there are fewer tourists.

Overall, Montpelier is a charming small city with plenty to offer year-round, so the best time to visit really depends on your interests and schedule.

How to get around Montpelier

Montpelier is a small city, and it is relatively easy to get around on foot or by bike. Here are some transportation options for getting around Montpelier:

Walking: Many of Montpelier’s attractions are located in the downtown area, and it’s easy to explore the city on foot. The city is compact, and most destinations are within walking distance of each other.

Biking: Montpelier has a network of bike lanes and bike-friendly roads, and biking is a popular way to get around. There are several bike rental shops in the city if you don’t have your own bike.

Public Transportation: Montpelier is served by the Green Mountain Transit bus system, which provides service throughout the city and to surrounding areas. The bus system has several routes that run throughout the day, and fares are reasonable.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services: There are several taxi companies and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, that operate in Montpelier. This is a good option if you need to get somewhere quickly or if you have heavy luggage.

Car Rentals: If you prefer to have your own transportation, there are several car rental companies in Montpelier. Having a car can be convenient for exploring the surrounding areas outside of the city.

Overall, Montpelier is a walkable city, but there are several transportation options available depending on your needs and preferences.

Accommodations in Montpelier

Montpelier has a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some options:

Capitol Plaza Hotel and Conference Center: This is a historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Montpelier. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.

The Inn at Montpelier: This is a charming bed and breakfast located in a historic building in downtown Montpelier. It offers cozy rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and a garden.

Comfort Inn & Suites at Maplewood: This hotel is located just outside of downtown Montpelier and offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.

The Pitcher Inn: This is a luxury hotel located in the nearby town of Warren, just a short drive from Montpelier. It offers stylish rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa.

Airbnb: There are also many Airbnb rentals available in Montpelier, ranging from private rooms in shared apartments to entire houses or apartments. This can be a good option for travelers who prefer a more home-like experience.

These are just a few options, and there are many more hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Montpelier and the surrounding area to choose from.