Where to base yourself
Questions, answered
Can I visit without a car?
Burlington itself works well car-free, with the waterfront, Church Street and the university all walkable and a local bus network reaching the airport, Winooski and Shelburne. For Mount Philo, Bolton Valley or the islands you will want a car or a rideshare.
How close is skiing?
Bolton Valley is about 30 minutes east, Smugglers' Notch and Stowe within an hour, and Sugarbush around an hour south. Staying in the county and driving out is a common way to cut lodging costs against on-mountain rates.
What is there to do on the lake?
Swim from the town beaches in July and August, paddle or sail out of Burlington, take the seasonal ferries across to New York, or cycle the Island Line north. The lake is large enough to build real waves, so check conditions before going out in a small boat.
Does Amtrak reach Burlington?
Yes. The Ethan Allen Express runs from New York City up through Rutland, Middlebury and Vergennes to Burlington, making the county the easiest part of Vermont to reach without driving. Journey times are long, so treat it as part of the trip rather than a shortcut.
Where to stay — Chittenden County
Live prices for every hotel and inn in the area — free cancellation, updated daily.
