How to Get to Vermont from New York City [2026 Guide]
To reach Vermont from New York City, travel 200 to 310 miles north by road, rail, or air. Driving takes 3.5 to 6 hours via I-87 North or I-95 to I-91 North, costing $35 to $65 in fuel and tolls. Direct Amtrak trains (Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express) depart Moynihan Train Hall daily, reaching southern to northern Vermont in 5.5 to 7.5 hours for $55 to $115.
Commercial nonstop flights from LGA, JFK, or EWR to Burlington (BTV) take 1 hour and 20 minutes for $130 to $320. Intercity buses take 6 to 9 hours for $40 to $75.
Travel Cost & Travel Time Quick Summary
| Travel Mode & Route Leg | Transfer Time & Estimated Rates |
|---|---|
| Personal Car / Rental (NYC to Southern VT via I-87 or I-91) | 3 hr 30 min – 4 hr 30 min | $35 – $50 (Fuel & tolls) |
| Personal Car / Rental (NYC to Burlington / Northern VT via I-87 N) | 5 hr 15 min – 6 hr | $50 – $75 (Fuel & tolls) |
| Amtrak Train: Ethan Allen Express (Moynihan to Rutland / Burlington) | 5 hr 30 min – 7 hr 30 min | $55 – $110 (One-way coach) |
| Amtrak Train: Vermonter (Moynihan to Brattleboro / Waterbury / St. Albans) | 5 hr 15 min – 8 hr 30 min | $58 – $115 (One-way coach) |
| Nonstop Flight: NYC (LGA/JFK/EWR) to Burlington (BTV) | 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 35 min | $130 – $320 (One-way airfare) |
| Intercity Bus: Greyhound / Megabus / Peter Pan (Port Authority) | 6 hr – 9 hr | $40 – $75 (One-way fare) |
| Private Chauffeured Transfer or Regional Rideshare | 4 hr – 6 hr | $450 – $850 (One-way vehicle rate) |
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🚌 Option 1: Bus from NYC to Vermont
Intercity bus carriers offer an economical transit choice from Midtown Manhattan to key Vermont destinations. Services operated by Greyhound, Peter Pan Bus Lines, and Megabus depart from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in Manhattan.
Direct and connecting routes run north serving Bennington, Manchester, White River Junction, Montpelier, and Burlington. Travel durations typically range from 6 to 9 hours depending on stops and road conditions. One-way fares cost between $40 and $75, making it a budget-conscious selection for solo travelers without private vehicles.
🚆 Option 2: Amtrak Train from NYC to Vermont
Amtrak provides two scenic, direct passenger rail services departing daily from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York City. The Ethan Allen Express travels through the Hudson Valley and Upstate New York before crossing into Western Vermont, stopping at Castleton, Rutland, Middlebury, Vergennes, and terminating in downtown Burlington.
The Vermonter heads northeast through Connecticut and Massachusetts before running up Eastern Vermont, stopping at Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, White River Junction, Montpelier, Waterbury-Stowe, and St. Albans. Fares range from $55 to $115 each way, and onboard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a cafe car.
✈️ Option 3: Flights from NYC to Vermont
Flying is the fastest option for travelers heading directly to northern Vermont and Lake Champlain. Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) is the state’s primary commercial airport, situated three miles east of downtown Burlington.
Airlines including Delta, United, and American Airlines operate direct nonstop flights to BTV from New York LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Newark Liberty (EWR). Flight time averages around 1 hour and 25 minutes, with standard one-way fares ranging from $130 to $320 depending on booking lead times and seasonal demand.
🚗 Option 4: Driving from NYC to Vermont
Driving offers ultimate scheduling flexibility and remains essential for visitors exploring ski resorts, covered bridges, and rural towns. For Western Vermont destinations (Manchester, Rutland, Burlington), take the New York State Thruway (I-87 North) to NY-149 East or US-4 East into Vermont, which takes 3.5 to 5.5 hours.
For Eastern Vermont destinations (Mount Snow, Woodstock, Stowe), take I-95 North to I-91 North through Connecticut and Massachusetts straight up into Vermont. Expect around $35 to $75 in gasoline and toll fees depending on total distance and route selection.
🚖 Option 5: Private Transfer or Carpool
For door-to-door convenience with zero transfers or luggage hauling, private chauffeured car services and long-distance SUV charters operate between New York City and Vermont.
Flat rates generally range from $450 for southern destinations like Bennington up to $850 or more for Stowe and Burlington. For a cost-effective community option, regional ride-matching platforms and student/skier carpools frequently link NYC to Vermont trailheads and ski areas on winter weekends, allowing travelers to split gas and highway toll costs.
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FAQs About How to Get to Vermont from New York City [2026 Guide]
What is the fastest way to get to Vermont from NYC?
The fastest way to reach northern Vermont is by air, taking a direct 1-hour and 20-minute commercial flight from LGA, JFK, or EWR into Burlington International Airport (BTV). For southern Vermont destinations like Bennington or Mount Snow, driving personal or rental cars (3.5 to 4 hours) is faster door-to-door than flying.
Can you take a train directly from NYC to Burlington, Vermont?
Yes, Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express runs directly from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York City to Burlington Union Station. The daily journey takes roughly 7.5 hours and offers scenic views along the Hudson River and Green Mountains.
Do I need a car once I get to Vermont?
A car is strongly recommended if you plan to visit mountain resorts, hiking trails, state parks, or small historic villages. While cities like Burlington and train stops like Waterbury or Brattleboro offer local walkable districts, regional transit outside town centers is limited.
Which driving route from NYC to Vermont is the most scenic?
Driving I-87 North through Upstate New York and connecting onto Route 7 North in Vermont provides exceptional mountain scenery, especially during autumn foliage season. Alternatively, the Route 100 corridor in central Vermont offers scenic drives past farmlands, craft breweries, and mountain gaps.