You're standing in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, surrounded by glass towers and the smell of roasted nuts, and you suddenly have this craving for sharp cheddar and quiet woods. It happens to the best of us. But then the logistics hit. You start wondering about the actual trek. Honestly, figuring out how far is Vermont from New York isn't as simple as checking a single number on a map.
It’s about where you start and where you’re trying to end up. Vermont isn't just one big block of maple syrup; it’s a long, skinny state. If you’re just hitting the border near Bennington, you’re looking at a totally different trip than if you’re heading all the way up to the Canadian border or the shores of Lake Champlain.
The Raw Numbers: Distance and Drive Times
Let's talk mileage. If you're driving from New York City to the southern tip of Vermont—places like Bennington or Brattleboro—it’s roughly 180 to 200 miles. You can usually knock that out in about 3.5 to 4 hours, assuming the Van Wyck Expressway doesn't decide to ruin your life before you even leave the city limits.
Now, if Burlington is the goal, things change.
Burlington is about 285 to 310 miles from NYC. You're looking at a 5.5 to 6-hour drive.
I’ve done this drive more times than I can count. One thing people always forget is that "New York" is a huge state too. If you're starting in Albany, Vermont is practically in your backyard—only about 40 miles or a 50-minute drive to the border. But for the city dwellers, it’s a dedicated half-day event.
The route you take matters. A lot. Most people just plug "Vermont" into Google Maps and follow the blue line, which usually shoves you onto I-87 (the Northway) or I-91.
- The I-87 Route: This is the "get me there fast" option. You take the Thruway up to Albany, then swing east. It’s efficient, but the stretch through the Bronx and Yonkers can be a nightmare.
- The I-91 Route: This takes you through Connecticut and Massachusetts. It’s often a smoother ride, and you enter Vermont on the eastern side near Brattleboro.
- The Scenic Route (Route 7): If you aren't in a rush, skip the interstates. Taking Route 7 up through the Berkshires in Massachusetts and into Western Vermont is gorgeous. It adds an hour, but you actually see trees instead of concrete barriers.
Taking the Train: The Ethan Allen Express
Maybe you don't want to drive. I get it. NYC traffic is a special kind of hell.
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The Amtrak Ethan Allen Express is basically a gift to travelers. It runs daily from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station all the way up to Burlington. The whole trip takes about 7.5 to 8 hours.
Is it faster than driving? No. Is it better? Usually.
You get to see the Hudson River Valley, which is stunning, especially in the fall. You can grab a drink in the cafe car, use the (admittedly spotty) Wi-Fi, and actually arrive in Vermont feeling like a human being instead of a ball of road rage. The train stops in places like Castleton, Rutland, and Middlebury before hitting Union Station in Burlington around 5:30 PM if everything is on time.
Flying to the Green Mountains
If you're really short on time, you can fly. Delta, United, and American all run flights from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark to Burlington International Airport (BTV).
The actual flight time is tiny—only about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
But here’s the catch: by the time you deal with TSA, the Uber to the airport, and the inevitable "system delay," you’ve often spent 4 or 5 hours anyway. It’s expensive, too. Unless you find a deal, you’re paying a premium to save maybe 60 minutes of total travel time.
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Why the Season Changes Everything
In the summer, the drive is easy. In the winter? That’s a different story.
Vermont takes snow seriously, but even the best plows can't fix a whiteout on I-87. If you’re heading up for skiing at Mount Snow or Stratton, remember that the final 30 miles of your trip will likely be on winding, two-lane mountain roads.
What's a 4-hour drive in July can easily become a 6-hour crawl in January. Always check the weather in the Green Mountains specifically, not just the forecast for NYC. The temperature drop once you pass the Massachusetts border is usually a wake-up call.
Real Talk on Costs
Let’s be real about the budget. Driving isn't free. You've got tolls on the NY State Thruway, and gas prices in Vermont tend to be a bit higher than in Jersey but lower than in Manhattan.
- Gas: Expect to spend $40–$60 each way depending on your car’s MPG.
- Tolls: About $15–$25 if you take the main highways.
- Train: Tickets vary wildly. If you book early, you can snag a seat for $70. Last minute? You might be looking at $150.
- Bus: Greyhound and Trailways run routes from Port Authority to Burlington or Brattleboro. It’s the cheapest way (often $50–$60), but it takes forever—sometimes 9 to 11 hours with stops.
Essential Stops Along the Way
Don't just drive straight through. If you’re taking the car, there are a few places that make the distance feel shorter.
- Saratoga Springs, NY: Just before you hit the Vermont border, this is a great spot for a high-end lunch or a quick walk through the park.
- The Vermont Country Store (Rockingham): It’s a bit of a cliché, but honestly, it’s fun. It’s right off the highway and full of weird nostalgia and cheese samples.
- Kingston or Hudson, NY: If you're taking the western route, these towns are perfect for a coffee break. They have that "upstate cool" vibe that bridges the gap between the city and the wilderness.
Making the Trip Work
So, how far is Vermont from New York? It’s far enough to feel like a real escape, but close enough that you can do it for a long weekend without losing your mind.
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If you're heading to Southern Vermont, leave on a Thursday night or early Friday morning to beat the rush. If you're going to Burlington, take the train at least once. It changes the whole perspective of the trip from a "commute" to an "experience."
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Amtrak Ethan Allen Express schedule for the specific date you want to travel, as mid-week prices are significantly lower than weekends.
- If driving, download an app like Waze specifically for the Albany interchange; it's the most common spot for surprise construction delays that can add 45 minutes to your trip.
- Verify if your Vermont destination requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle if you're traveling between November and April—many "seasonal" roads aren't fully paved or plowed.