Road Genius makes it easy to find rental car offers in Burlington, Vermont. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Whether you need a quick pickup at Burlington International Airport (BTV) or a cheaper downtown branch, we pull deals from brands in seconds so you can hit Lake Champlain, Stowe or the Green Mountains with clear pricing and zero fuss.
Location | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
BTV Airport | • Immediate vehicle access • Multiple rental companies • Extended hours • No transportation needed |
• Airport fees and surcharges • Potential lines during peak times • 9% Vermont rental tax |
Downtown Burlington | • Lower base rates possible • No airport fees • Convenient if staying downtown |
• Limited operating hours • Often closed Sundays • Transportation needed from airport |
Off-Airport Branches | • Often lower rates • May have specialty vehicles • More flexible for payment options |
• Limited business hours • Transportation required • May be further from tourist areas |
Pickup Timing: For the smoothest experience, aim for mid-morning or early afternoon weekday pickups when counters are less busy. For downtown locations, arrive shortly after opening (around 8 AM) to avoid local customer traffic.
On average, car rentals in Burlington cost around $57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Prices at downtown or off-airport desks often beat BTV Airport even after a short rideshare, because you dodge airport concession fees.
Mind the calendar: Winter (Jan–Feb) rates can be 30 % cheaper, while fall foliage (Sept–Oct) and July weekends sell out fast. Only lock in early for those peak weeks.
Book a "weekly" even for 4–5 days: Weekly pricing frequently undercuts daily rates by $20-$30 a day, especially on SUVs and vans.
Sunday start = lower cart: Many Burlington locations discount Sunday pickups and returns, and counters are quieter so you spend less time (and money) upselling.
Downtown Parking:
Winter Parking Rules:
Local Driving Regulations:
Get a car to drive to:
Stowe – Ben & Jerry's Factory, ski resorts
Lake Champlain Islands – vineyards, farm stands, lake shoreline
Shelburne – Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms
Waterbury & Montpelier – Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Vermont State House
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Vermont?
You can drive in Vermont if you have a valid foreign driver's license. If your license isn't in English, you'll need to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation with your original license.
Can I drive to Canada with my rental car?
Most major rental companies let you drive their cars into Canada. Just tell the rental company when you pick up the car, and they will give you the right paperwork. You have to bring the car back to the United States, because they usually don't allow one-way rentals to Canada.
What payment methods are accepted for car rentals?
Most rental places accept credit cards and will place a hold of $200–$300 on your card. Many places also accept debit cards, but you'll need to show extra documents like a return flight ticket or a utility bill. They might also ask for a larger deposit. Paying with cash is rare, and you may need to provide a lot of paperwork.
How does parking work during winter snow events?
In the winter (December–March), the city of Burlington puts parking bans in place when it snows. When you see flashing blue lights at major intersections, you cannot park on the street. This is usually from 10 PM to 7 AM. You should use parking garages instead, which are free during snow bans.
Are there any toll roads around Burlington?
Vermont does not have any toll roads. However, nearby states like New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York have them. If you plan to drive to these states, ask your rental company how to pay for tolls. Many toll roads there are electronic and don't accept cash.
What fuel policies apply to rentals in Burlington?
Most rental companies give you a car with a full tank of gas and they expect you to return it full. You should fill up the tank when you're within 10 miles (16 km) of the rental office. If you don't, the company will charge you for gas, and their prices can be much higher than at a gas station. Keep your gas receipt to show that you refueled.