Explore Vermont United States

Explore Vermont United States

What is the best time to travel to Vermont

The best time to travel to Vermont depends on what you want to do and see. Vermont is a popular destination for outdoor activities, fall foliage viewing, and winter sports.

Fall: Vermont is known for its beautiful fall foliage, which typically peaks in late September and early October. This is a popular time to visit the state, and it’s recommended to book accommodations in advance.

Winter: Vermont is also popular for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The ski season usually starts in late November and lasts through early April, with peak season being in January and February.

Spring and Summer: The spring and summer months are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and swimming. The weather is generally pleasant and mild, with average temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit.

It’s worth noting that Vermont experiences four distinct seasons, and each season offers its own unique charm and opportunities for outdoor recreation. So, whether you’re looking for fall foliage, winter sports, or summer adventures, Vermont has something to offer year-round.

How to get to Vermont

Vermont can be accessed by air, road, or rail.

By Air: The primary commercial airport in Vermont is the Burlington International Airport (BTV) located in South Burlington. BTV serves major airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines, as well as regional airlines such as Cape Air and Boutique Air. There are also several smaller airports that serve general aviation and private aircraft.

By Road: Vermont is accessible by car via several major highways, including Interstate 89, which runs from the Massachusetts border in the south to the Canadian border in the north, and Interstate 91, which runs from the Massachusetts border in the southeast to the Canadian border in the northeast. Vermont is also well connected to neighboring states, including New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, via a network of state highways.

By Rail: Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express and the Vermonter are the two main passenger train services that operate in Vermont, connecting the state with major cities such as New York and Washington D.C. These trains stop in several towns and cities throughout Vermont, including Burlington, Montpelier, and Rutland.

In summary, Vermont can be accessed by air via the Burlington International Airport, by road via several major highways, and by rail via Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express and Vermonter services.

How to get around Vermont

Getting around Vermont is primarily done by car, but there are also public transportation options available.

Car: Renting a car is the most popular and convenient way to get around Vermont. There are several car rental companies available at Burlington International Airport and in major towns and cities throughout the state. Vermont is well connected with a network of state highways, including Interstate 89 and Interstate 91, and driving around the state is generally easy.

Public Transportation: Vermont also has a public transportation system that includes bus services and train services.

Bus: Vermont Transit (also known as the Vermont Agency of Transportation – VTrans) operates bus services throughout the state, including major cities such as Burlington, Montpelier, and Rutland. The VTrans buses operate on a fixed schedule, and fares are based on the distance traveled.

Train: Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express and the Vermonter are the two main passenger train services that operate in Vermont, connecting the state with major cities such as New York and Washington D.C. These trains stop in several towns and cities throughout Vermont, including Burlington, Montpelier, and Rutland.

Bike: Vermont has a network of bike paths and trails, and biking is a popular way to explore the state. Bikes can be rented from several rental shops in major towns and cities.

In summary, getting around Vermont is primarily done by car, but public transportation options such as bus and train services are also available. Biking is also a popular way to explore the state.

National Airports

Vermont has only one commercial airport, which is Burlington International Airport (BTV). BTV is the largest airport in Vermont and serves major airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines, as well as regional airlines such as Cape Air and Boutique Air.

Burlington International Airport is located in South Burlington, just a few miles from downtown Burlington. The airport offers direct flights to major cities such as New York, Boston, Washington D.C., and Chicago, as well as seasonal flights to popular vacation destinations such as Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

In addition to Burlington International Airport, Vermont has several smaller airports that serve general aviation and private aircraft. These include Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, Newport State Airport, and Morrisville-Stowe State Airport.

In summary, Burlington International Airport is the main commercial airport in Vermont, serving major airlines and destinations. Vermont also has several smaller airports that serve general aviation and private aircraft.

Trains in Vermont

Vermont has a limited train service, but there are still options for travelers who want to explore the state by rail. Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express and the Vermonter are the two main passenger train services that operate in Vermont.

The Ethan Allen Express runs between New York City and Rutland, Vermont, with stops in Albany and Saratoga Springs. This train operates daily, and the journey takes approximately 5.5 hours.

The Vermonter runs between Washington D.C. and St. Albans, Vermont, with stops in cities such as New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield. This train operates daily, and the journey takes approximately 13 hours.

Both the Ethan Allen Express and the Vermonter offer scenic views of Vermont’s countryside and mountains, making them a popular choice for tourists who want to experience the state’s natural beauty.

In addition to these Amtrak services, there are also several tourist trains that operate in Vermont, such as the Green Mountain Railroad and the Champlain Valley Dinner Train. These trains offer unique experiences such as scenic tours, dinner and wine tastings, and holiday-themed rides.

In summary, while Vermont’s train service is limited, there are still options for travelers who want to explore the state by rail. Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express and the Vermonter are the two main passenger train services that operate in Vermont, offering scenic views of the state’s countryside and mountains.

Buses in Vermont

Vermont has a public transportation system that includes bus services operated by different providers, including the Vermont Transit (also known as the Vermont Agency of Transportation – VTrans), Greyhound, and Megabus.

Vermont Transit (VTrans) operates bus services throughout the state, including major cities such as Burlington, Montpelier, and Rutland. The VTrans buses operate on a fixed schedule, and fares are based on the distance traveled. VTrans buses also offer connections to Amtrak train services in the state.

Greyhound and Megabus offer long-distance bus services that connect Vermont with other states in the region and across the country. These services operate on a fixed schedule and offer different levels of comfort, including standard coach seats and premium seats with more legroom and amenities.

In addition to these bus services, there are also several shuttle services that operate in Vermont, connecting visitors with popular tourist destinations such as ski resorts and national parks.

In summary, Vermont has a public transportation system that includes bus services operated by Vermont Transit, Greyhound, and Megabus. These services offer connections within Vermont and to other states in the region and across the country.

Accommodations in Vermont

Vermont offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Some popular options include:

Hotels and Motels: There are several hotels and motels available throughout Vermont, ranging from budget to luxury. Popular hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn have properties in the state, and there are also independent hotels and motels that offer unique accommodations.

Bed and Breakfasts: Vermont is known for its charming bed and breakfasts, many of which are located in historic buildings and offer a unique and personalized experience. These are a popular choice for couples and those seeking a romantic getaway.

Inns and Resorts: Vermont has several inns and resorts that offer luxurious accommodations and amenities, such as spas, golf courses, and fine dining. These are a popular choice for those looking for a relaxing vacation.

Vacation Rentals: There are several vacation rental options available throughout Vermont, including cabins, cottages, and vacation homes. These are a great option for families and larger groups.

Camping: Vermont has several campgrounds and RV parks that offer a range of camping options, from primitive tent camping to RV hookups and cabin rentals.

It’s recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons such as fall foliage season and ski season.