Vermont is a small New England state of extraordinary natural beauty, famous for fiery fall foliage, world-class ski resorts, covered wooden bridges, and a thriving farm-to-table food culture. Burlington, its largest city, sits on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and buzzes with craft breweries and independent shops. From the rolling Green Mountains to maple-syrup farms and award-winning cheese dairies, Vermont rewards travelers who seek authenticity over spectacle.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
36 miles from Burlington
Stowe Village & Mount Mansfield
Car: VT-100 N from Waterbury (Exit 10 off I-89); no direct bus service
75 miles from Burlington
Woodstock & Quechee Gorge
Car: I-89 S to Exit 1 (White River Junction), then US-4 W; Amtrak Vermonter to White River Junction then taxi/rideshare to Woodstock
30 miles from Burlington
Ben & Jerry's + Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury
Car: I-89 S to Exit 10, then VT-100 N 3 miles. No direct bus service.
7 miles from Burlington
Shelburne Museum & Shelburne Farms
Car: US-7 S from Burlington. CCTA Bus Route 28 ($1.25 USD) from Burlington.
20 miles from Burlington
Lake Champlain Islands Drive
Car: US-2 N from Burlington across the causeway. Island Line Trail for cyclists via ferry ($5 USD from Burlington waterfront).
40 miles from Burlington
Montpelier — Vermont's Capital
Car: I-89 S to Exit 8. GMT Bus Route 86 from Burlington (~1.5 hours, $2 USD). Amtrak Vermonter to Montpelier Junction.
115 miles from Burlington
Manchester & Hildene Estate
Car: US-7 S to Manchester (2 hours). Greyhound bus from Burlington to Rutland then connection to Manchester.
50 miles from Burlington
Mad River Valley (Sugarbush + Mad River Glen)
Car: I-89 S to Exit 9, then VT-100 B S to Waitsfield. No bus service.
90 miles from Burlington
Lake Willoughby & Northeast Kingdom
Car: I-89 N to I-91 N Exit 23 (St. Johnsbury) then VT-5 N and VT-5A; no bus service.
130 miles from Burlington
Brattleboro Arts & Connecticut River Valley
Car: I-89 S to I-91 S to Exit 3. Amtrak Vermonter train from Burlington area stops in Brattleboro (~3 hours, $40–80 USD).
45 miles from Burlington to Shoreham ferry landing
Fort Ticonderoga (New York, via Lake Champlain Ferry)
Car: US-7 S to VT-17 W to Shoreham ferry landing. Ferry operated by Lake Champlain Transportation: $10.50/car one-way (USD); ferries run year-round except mid-January to mid-March; lcferries.com.
40 miles from Burlington
Smugglers' Notch & Sterling Pond
Car: I-89 N to VT-104 E to VT-15 E to VT-108 S (Smugglers' Notch); or via Stowe on VT-108 N. Note: road is closed to RVs and trailers.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
TipStart early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
TipCheck return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
TipCarry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.
