You're standing at South Station. It’s loud, it smells vaguely of Auntie Anne’s pretzels, and you’re trying to figure out which Boston to Vermont bus won't leave you stranded in a random parking lot in the middle of New Hampshire. Look, I’ve done this trip more times than I can count. Getting out of the city and into the Green Mountains sounds romantic until you’re staring at a confusing digital board trying to figure out if "White River Junction" is actually where you want to be. It usually is, by the way.
Vermont is deceptive. On a map, it looks like a quick hop from Massachusetts. In reality, the geography of the state—all those ridges and valleys—means that your bus route is dictated by the mountains. You aren't just going "north." You're either heading up the I-91 corridor to places like Brattleboro and St. Johnsbury, or you're swinging west toward Bennington and Burlington. If you pick the wrong line, you might end up three hours away from your actual destination with no Uber in sight. Seriously, Ubers in rural Vermont are basically urban legends.
The main players on the Boston to Vermont route
Most people default to Greyhound because it’s the name they know. It's fine. It gets the job done. But if you're looking for the gold standard of the Boston to Vermont bus experience, you’re likely looking for Dartmouth Coach or Vermont Translines.
Dartmouth Coach is the secret weapon for anyone heading toward the Upper Valley. They run a very tight ship. Their primary hub is Hanover, New Hampshire, but they serve as a massive gateway for people heading into eastern Vermont. If you need to get to Norwich or anywhere near the Connecticut River, this is your best bet. The buses are clean. The drivers are usually local folks who know how to handle a sudden October snow squall without breaking a sweat.
Then there’s Vermont Translines. They stepped in years ago to fill the void left when other carriers cut their rural routes. They partner with Greyhound, so you can often buy a single ticket through the Greyhound website, but the actual bus might be the green and white Translines coach. They handle the "Shires" route and the "Westside" route. Think Bennington, Manchester, and up to Burlington. It’s a long ride. You’re going to see a lot of trees.
What about the "Burlington Link"?
Getting to Burlington is the big one. It's the trip everyone wants. You have a few choices here. You can take the Greyhound directly from South Station. It usually stops in Manchester (NH), Concord, and Montpelier.
Expect it to take about 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
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Why the time difference? Traffic on I-93 out of Boston is a nightmare. If you leave at 4:00 PM on a Friday, God help you. You'll be sitting in Medford for forty minutes before you even see a highway sign that doesn't say "Brake Lights." Honestly, if you can swing a mid-morning departure on a Tuesday, do it. The ride is actually beautiful once you hit the Franconia Notch area or start seeing the rolling hills of the Northeast Kingdom.
Logistics: South Station and Logan Airport
One thing people constantly mess up is where they're starting. Most Boston to Vermont bus services stop at both Logan Airport and South Station.
If you are already in the city, go to South Station. Don't try to be clever and take the Silver Line to the airport to catch the bus there. It’s a waste of time. However, if you're flying into Logan and heading straight to the mountains, the bus picks up right at the terminal curbside (usually the lower level). It saves you the $25-40 Uber ride into the city.
- Dartmouth Coach picks up at all terminals.
- Greyhound and Peter Pan generally require you to be at the South Station Bus Terminal.
- Vermont Translines often connects via the Greyhound slips.
Check your ticket. Double-check it. South Station is a maze of numbered gates, and while the digital signs are mostly accurate, the announcements can be muffled. If you're at Gate 14 and everyone starts moving toward Gate 18, follow the crowd and ask the driver.
The cost of the commute
Price-wise, you’re looking at a range. A one-way ticket to Brattleboro might set you back $30. If you’re going all the way to Burlington or Newport, you might be looking at $60 to $85 depending on how late you book.
Is it cheaper than driving? Usually. When you factor in the price of gas, tolls on the Mass Pike or the Everett Turnpike, and the sheer mental exhaustion of driving through a Vermont "mud season" storm, the bus starts looking like a genius move. Plus, you can actually use the Wi-Fi. Well, "use" is a strong word. The Wi-Fi on these buses is notoriously spotty once you hit the mountains. Don't plan on hosting a Zoom board meeting while you're crossing the Vermont border. Download your Netflix movies before you leave South Station.
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What most people get wrong about Vermont arrivals
Here is the reality check: Vermont bus stations aren't always "stations."
In Boston, you have a massive terminal with 24-hour security and a CVS. In Vermont, your "station" might be a gas station, a convenience store, or a small park-and-ride lot.
Take the Montpelier stop. It’s basically a spot on the street near the capitol. If you arrive at 9:00 PM and it’s -5 degrees out, there is no heated waiting room. You need to have your ride lined up before you get there. If you're heading to Middlebury, the bus might drop you at a small storefront. This isn't meant to scare you; it's just how it works in a state with more cows than people. It’s charming, but only if you’re prepared.
The "White River Junction" Pivot
If you're confused about where to go, look for routes going through White River Junction (WRJ). It’s the major transit hub of the region. From WRJ, you can often find local connections or regional shuttles that go deeper into the state. It’s the crossroads of I-89 and I-91. If the Boston to Vermont bus you’re looking at stops there, you’re in a good spot.
Tips for a better ride
- Pack snacks. The "meal stops" are often 10-minute breaks at a gas station in New Hampshire. It's fine for a bag of chips, but don't expect a gourmet dinner.
- Layer up. The AC on these buses is either "Arctic Tundra" or "Sahara Desert." There is no middle ground.
- The Left Side Rule. If you’re heading north from Boston to Burlington, sit on the left side of the bus. You get better views of the sunset over the Green Mountains as you approach the Champlain Valley.
- Ticket Printing. Most drivers can scan a QR code on your phone now. But—and this is a big but—phone batteries die and cell service drops in the notches. Having a paper backup of your ticket is a "pro traveler" move that will save you a headache.
Seasonal Shenanigans
You have to account for the season. In the fall, these buses are packed with leaf-peepers. People from all over the world fly into Logan and hop the bus to see the colors. Book weeks in advance if you're traveling in October.
In the winter, the "Ski Bus" vibe takes over. You'll see people hauling massive boot bags and wondering if their skis will fit in the luggage bay (they usually do, but be polite to the driver).
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And then there's Mud Season (late March to May). The bus will be fine, but the walk from the bus stop to your final destination might involve four inches of grey slush. Wear boots. Real ones. Not those fashionable city sneakers.
Alternatives if the bus is full
If the direct Boston to Vermont bus is sold out, people often overlook the train. The Amtrak Downeaster won't help you here (that goes to Maine), but the Vermonter line does. However, it doesn't leave from Boston. It leaves from Springfield, MA, or cities further south like NYC.
You could take a bus from Boston to Springfield and then catch the train up to Brattleboro, Essex Junction, or St. Albans. It's a longer day, but the train ride through the Vermont countryside is spectacular. It's a different kind of travel.
Moving forward with your trip
Start by checking the schedules for Vermont Translines and Dartmouth Coach specifically. They tend to offer the most consistent service for the regions they cover. If you're heading to a major college town—Middlebury, UVM, Bennington, or Dartmouth—tickets sell out fast around holidays and semester breaks.
Before you click buy, look at the arrival location on a map. Don't just assume "Burlington" means downtown. Sometimes it means a park-and-ride on the outskirts. If you're staying at a hotel, call them and ask if they have a shuttle from the bus stop. Many do, especially in the tourist-heavy towns.
Get your ticket, grab a coffee at South Station, and keep your eyes peeled once you cross the border into Brattleboro. That's when the scenery really starts to pay off.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify the exact drop-off point: Use Google Maps to see if your Vermont stop is a terminal or a roadside curb.
- Book 10-14 days out: Prices for Greyhound and Translines often jump significantly if you buy within 48 hours of departure.
- Check the Vermont 511 website: If you're traveling in winter, check road conditions. If the I-89 is closed, your bus isn't going anywhere, and it's better to know that before you head to South Station.
- Coordinate your "Last Mile" transport: Since Vermont has limited ride-sharing, pre-book a local taxi if your destination isn't within walking distance of the stop.