Why rent a car at Burlington Airport
Ready to roll straight from the airport? Use the search form above to find real-time car rental deals at Burlington Airport (BTV). Just enter your travel dates and choose “Burlington Intl Airport (BTV)” as your pick-up location. In seconds, you’ll see offers from all the major car rental companies at BTV from budget-friendly compacts to spacious SUVs and vans. Our system lets you filter by vehicle type, passenger capacity, and price, so whether you need a fuel-efficient sedan for city cruising or a 4x4 for a ski trip, it’s a snap to find. Booking is secure and instant. Most rentals at BTV come with no pre-payment needed and free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, so you can lock in a great rate in advance without worries. Once confirmed, all you have to do is step off your plane, head to the rental counter in the terminal, and you’ll be hitting Vermont’s roads in no time. With your Burlington Airport rental car set, you can focus on your itinerary perhaps driving the short 10 minutes to downtown for a Lake Champlain sunset, or heading straight into the mountains knowing your transportation is taken care of.
Burlington International Airport is the main air gateway to Vermont, and with a rental car waiting, you can step off the plane and straight into your Green Mountain adventure. BTV is a breeze to navigate it’s a smaller airport, which means zero fuss getting to your rental car (no shuttles or long hikes required). This page is your complete guide to securing an affordable Burlington Airport car rental with ease. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with local tips on navigating BTV and beyond, so you can rent a car at Burlington Airport confidently, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local flying home. Picking up a car at BTV gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule from downtown Burlington’s waterfront (just 10 minutes away) to scenic drives through Vermont’s countryside. Let’s get you on the road from Burlington Airport, quickly and at a great price, so you can enjoy Vermont your way.
Pro Tip: Burlington’s airport is only 3 miles from the city center. By renting at BTV, you can skip the wait for a taxi or hotel shuttle and start exploring Vermont immediately. It’s especially handy for early flights in or late arrivals no need to worry about whether public transit is running or what a long taxi fare might cost. Grab your keys, exit the terminal, and you’re off!
No Pre-Payment Needed: Reserve your car now, pay at pick-up. We won’t charge your card upfront for most bookings, giving you flexibility if your flight or plans shift.
Free Cancellation: Plans changed or flight canceled? Cancel up to 48 hours before your scheduled pickup at BTV with zero fees on most bookings. Lock in a great rate early without worry if something comes up, we’ve got you covered.
Instant Confirmation: Our booking process takes just a few clicks. Once you’ve found the perfect vehicle, hit confirm and you’re all set you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details (including which rental counter to go to at BTV). No waiting or uncertainty.
Transparent Pricing: The rate you see includes all mandatory taxes and airport fees. Burlington Airport rentals include a standard concession fee (~10% of the rental) and a flat facility charge (about $4/day or $10/rental) we display these in your quote upfront. The price you see is the price you pay, period. No last-minute “airport surcharge” surprises at the counter, we hate that too.
Trusted Rental Partners: We work with reputable national brands (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and more) at Burlington Airport to bring you the best selection and rates. Our partnerships often mean exclusive prices or vehicle types available here that you won’t find by walking up at the airport. And because we compare all the brands, you can rest assured you’re getting the lowest rate available for your car class.
Quick Pick-Up: BTV’s rental car counters are inside the terminal, right by baggage claim. No shuttle buses needed. Provide your flight number when booking that way, if your flight is delayed, the rental agency will know and typically hold your reservation (BTV agencies are used to late flights and are accommodating). Once you land, you can usually go from plane to driving out in 20–30 minutes or less (even faster with no checked bags). With your reservation ready, paperwork is minimal then simply walk a few yards to the adjacent garage or lot to collect your car. It’s one of the easiest airport rental experiences you’ll find.
Why Rent a Car at Burlington Airport?
Renting a car directly at BTV comes with a ton of advantages for both visitors and locals. Here’s why savvy travelers choose to grab the keys at Burlington Airport instead of relying on taxis or other transport:
Ultimate Flexibility for Exploring Vermont: Burlington Airport isn’t just near the city it’s at the crossroads of the whole region. With a car, you can land and immediately head anywhere in Vermont (or beyond) on your own schedule. Want to drop your bags at a Burlington hotel and then drive up to Stowe for the afternoon? Easy it’s about an hour. Plan to venture to Montreal for an overnight? Only 2 hours away having a car makes that international side-trip feasible (just don’t forget your passport!). Public transport from the airport is limited (one infrequent bus and pricey taxis). A rental car lets you travel door-to-door from the airport to your downtown B&B, to that hard-to-find trailhead or farm, to wherever your Vermont adventures lead. No waiting on shuttles or adjusting to someone else’s timetable.
No Hassle, No Waiting: After a flight, the last thing you want is to navigate multiple bus transfers or pay surge pricing for a rideshare. Picking up a car at BTV means door-to-door convenience. Hop off the plane, grab your keys, and you’re off. If you’re arriving late at night (when bus service is done and cabs can be sparse), your rental car is ready and waiting drive yourself to your hotel or home without worrying about availability or 2 AM fees. For families with kids or lots of luggage, this is a game-changer: load everything into your rental right at the airport and avoid dragging bags through various vehicles. It’s also great for return trips if you live outside Burlington, you can rent a car to get home instead of bothering someone to pick you up. Essentially, a car at BTV means frictionless travel land, drive, done.
Save Time on Business or Campus Trips: If you’re flying in for business in Burlington or meetings at UVM, having a rental car can be a huge time-saver. You’re not tied to hotel shuttles or the limited routes of public transit. Need to zip over to Essex for an appointment? Drive there in 15 minutes instead of a 1+ hour multi-bus journey. Or perhaps you’re doing a college tour of Vermont schools land at BTV, rent a car, and you can hit UVM, Middlebury, Norwich, etc., on your own schedule over a couple days (something practically impossible without a car). If you’re a Vermont local returning via BTV and your own car is in the shop, renting a car to get around for a day or two can be more efficient and cheaper than cabbing everywhere. In short, for any trip where you have multiple stops, a rental car from the airport optimizes your schedule no waiting for pickups or spending precious minutes coordinating rides.
Freedom for Early or Late Flights: Flights don’t always arrive 9-to-5. If you land at midnight or need to depart before dawn, having your own car ensures 24/7 mobility. Burlington’s rental car counters will accommodate late arrivals (they often stay open as long as flights are arriving, especially if they have your flight info). And when you depart at 5 AM, you can drop the car keys in the box and head straight to security no waiting for the one taxi that services that hour. Vermont is a place with beautiful sunrises and quiet early mornings with a car, you could even catch a sunrise at a lakeshore or mountaintop and still make a morning flight. Or if your trip starts right when you land, no problem even if it’s 11 PM, you can drive to your hotel in St. Albans or your friend’s house in Montpelier right away. Instead of being stranded or paying an expensive last-minute taxi at odd hours, you’ll have your own ride ready.
Comfort & Safety: Especially for international travelers or those new to Vermont, driving yourself can feel safer and more comfortable. You control the route and pace. All AirportVanRental partners provide well-maintained, recent-model vehicles (nearly all with automatic transmissions which is standard in the U.S., so no need to worry if you only drive automatic). Road signs are in English, and driving on the right side of the road becomes second-nature quickly if you’re accustomed to left-side driving elsewhere. Plus, if you’re visiting in winter, you’ll appreciate a warm car with heat versus waiting outside for a shuttle or taxi. Burlington’s roads are well-marked, and with a GPS or phone map, navigation is straightforward. Having a car means if you see a viewpoint or interesting shop on the way from the airport, you can safely pull over and check it out (something a bus or taxi wouldn’t do!). It adds a layer of personal safety and flexibility your rental car is your private space for the trip, cleaned and sanitized, with you at the helm.
In short, a rental car from Burlington Airport gives you the freedom to get the most out of your trip, whether that’s zipping around Burlington’s neighborhoods, attending meetings across town, or embarking on a Vermont road trip adventure.
Our Burlington Airport Car Rental Advantages
When you book your BTV Airport vehicle through AirportVanRental, you’re not just getting a car you’re getting a seamless experience start to finish, with perks you won’t get by walking up at the counter. Here’s what sets us apart for your Burlington Airport car rental:
Best Rates at BTV Guaranteed: Airport rentals can be a tad pricier due to facility fees, but we scan all the rental companies at Burlington Airport to find you the cheapest rates available. By aggregating deals from top-rated trusted brands (and even local car rental outfits) and more, we ensure you don’t miss hidden discounts. We often have exclusive promo rates (weekend specials, weekly bundles, etc.) thanks to our partnerships. If there’s a lower price out there for the same rental, we’ll match or beat it. Our goal is simple: get you the most bang for your buck on your Burlington Airport rental.
Wide Vehicle Selection (Including Vans & AWD): Need a zippy economy car for solo travel? An SUV with AWD for a family ski trip to Smuggs or Mad River Glen? A roomy minivan or 12-passenger van for a college reunion or youth hockey team? We’ve got them all. AirportVanRental specializes in van rentals, so at BTV you’ll find plenty of passenger van options that other sites might not show. Of course, you’ll also see sedans, compacts, luxury cars, and hybrid models. With thousands of vehicles in the system, you can choose exactly what fits your trip. Pro tip: Burlington’s region can get snowy if visiting in winter, consider filtering for “SUV” or “AWD” in our search to see vehicles best suited for winter conditions. In summer, any car will do maybe treat yourself to a convertible to enjoy those lake breezes if available! No Hidden Fees, Total Transparency: Burlington Airport rentals include a few extra surcharges (airport concession fee ~10%, facility charge ~$4/day, etc.). We make sure all mandatory fees and taxes are included in your quote upfront. The price you see is the price you pay, period. For example, BTV adds about ~10% concession recovery and a Customer Facility Charge (about $4 per day) to all rentals. Rather than surprise you at the counter, we display these clearly in your online quote breakdown. You’ll know the true total cost before you book, so you can budget accurately. No last-minute surprises or mysterious “airport” fees popping up on your receipt we hate that too!
Flexible Booking & Payment: Plans change, we get it. That’s why most reservations require no prepayment. Reserve your vehicle to lock in a great rate and pay when you pick it up. If you need to cancel or modify, it’s usually free as long as you do so a day or two in advance (check your booking terms). We also don’t charge any extra driver fees or young driver fees on our end; any age surcharges or additional driver charges are transparently noted from the rental provider and included in our price. We set you up with the info, so there are no awkward surprises at the desk. Need to drop off at a different time because your flight changed? Usually not a problem we can adjust the booking. We understand travel is fluid; our policies are too.
Customer Support & Local Expertise: This isn’t just a booking site, it’s a full-service experience. Our customer support team is available in case you hit any snags or have questions during your rental. Stuck in traffic on I-89 and worried about making your return time? Give us a call we can often extend your drop-off with no fuss. Not sure about Vermont tolls (spoiler: there aren’t any) or need advice on a scenic route from the airport to Woodstock? We’re here to help. We also provide local driving tips (see below) and up-to-date info on Burlington Airport’s procedures (like where the rental car garage is, which we’ll tell you: it’s attached to the terminal). With AirportVanRental, you have a travel partner in your corner, not just a booking engine. We want your Vermont trip to start and end smoothly, and we’ll assist in any way to make that happen.
One-Way Rentals and More: Need to pick up at BTV and drop off elsewhere (say, drive to Boston Logan Airport or New York)? Many of our rental partners allow one-way trips. Just select a different return location in our search. We’ll highlight any one-way fee (if applicable) so you know the cost. This is perfect if you’re planning an epic New England road trip ending in another city. Additionally, if you only need a car for part of your stay (perhaps you’re in Burlington for a conference car-free for a few days, then want a car just to explore upstate Vermont for the weekend), you can book shorter or longer durations easily. Our site accommodates one-day rentals up to multi-week rentals with ease. Basically, we’re all about making sure you have the wheels you need for as long (or short) as you need them and not paying for days you don’t.
Top Burlington Airport Car Rental Deals
Pricing at BTV can vary by season and availability, but here are some example “from” rates we often see. These base rates exclude the ~15% in taxes and fees (which, again, we include in your quote at booking). Availability can change, so use these as a ballpark and always search your specific dates for current rates. We frequently update these examples to reflect recent trends in Burlington.
Economy Car from $30/day.Example: Hyundai Accent or Nissan Versa. Great for solo travelers or couples packing light. These cars sip gas (30-40 mpg) and are a breeze to park and drive around Burlington’s streets or on campus at UVM. While compact, they can still fit two suitcases in the trunk. Ideal if you’re primarily zipping around town, taking day trips to nearby sights, and want to minimize fuel costs. And Vermont is small enough that even an economy car can comfortably take you on a loop from Burlington → Montpelier → Stowe → back in a day. Budget-friendly doesn’t mean bare-bones either modern economy cars usually come with backup cameras and Bluetooth for your tunes. Standard SUV (AWD) from $45/day.Example: Nissan Rogue or Toyota RAV4. A popular pick for Vermont visitors, especially if you’re heading into the mountains or visiting in winter. Seats 5 with ample luggage room (bring on the ski gear or hiking packs!). Many models at BTV are all-wheel drive, which adds confidence on snow or gravel roads. Perfect for a family trip that might include downtown excursions one day and a drive up to Smugglers’ Notch the next. You get a good balance of comfort, capability, and fuel efficiency (many standard SUVs still get 25+ mpg). And for those scenic drives on Route 100, the higher seating position gives everyone a nice view over the stone walls and foliage. Minivan from $60/day.Example: Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica (7-8 passenger).* When you need to move a crew, a minivan is hard to beat. Pile in up to 7 adults (or 5 adults + a bunch of kids) and all their stuff with room to spare. Automatic sliding doors make it easy for frequent in-and-outs (e.g., if you’re doing a Vermont brewery or covered bridge “hop” with multiple stops). Kids can spread out and maybe watch a DVD in the back on longer drives (some vans have entertainment systems). Families often grab a minivan at BTV to visit relatives across Vermont or tour New England it’s like having a living room on wheels. And the cost, especially split among a group, is very economical. (If you’ve never driven one, you’ll be surprised how car-like they feel despite the size.) 12-Passenger Van from $79/day.Example: Ford Transit Passenger or Chevrolet Express. Got a big group or a lot of gear? One of these vans will do the job. Commonly rented by school groups, sports teams, wedding parties, or multi-family trips. You can all travel together instead of coordinating 3 separate cars (and it usually works out cheaper too). These vans have high ceilings many adults can stand or nearly stand inside and flexible seating (you can often remove a row if you need extra cargo space). Driving a passenger van is easiest on highways and main roads; take turns a bit wider than you would in a car and be mindful of height (watch out for low parking garage clearances!). Fuel economy is not as good as smaller vehicles, but splitting gas among 10 people makes it trivial. If you’re planning to roam beyond Burlington (say a Northeast tour including NYC or Acadia), a large van can actually be the most convenient way to keep everyone and everything together. Just be sure whoever’s behind the wheel is comfortable with a full-size vehicle. (Fun fact: Many of our 12-passenger vans from BTV head out on road trips to places like the Baseball Hall of Fame or ski trips to Colorado our renters are adventurous!)
(Note: “From” rates are often available during off-peak or with early booking. Summer and fall in Vermont can see higher base rates due to demand e.g., an SUV might be $60-70/day in foliage season vs $45 in early June. Conversely, winter weekdays or early spring (“mud season”) might have great deals since tourist traffic is lower. We adjust our offerings and highlight specials constantly so check in for any promo codes or “Manager’s Specials” we might list for Burlington Airport rentals. Sometimes you can snag a larger vehicle for the price of a small one during a sale, for example.)
Navigating Burlington Airport’s Car Rentals
Picking up your rental at BTV is simple and quick one of the benefits of a small airport. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect when renting a car at Burlington International Airport:
After Landing: Once you step off the plane, follow the signs for Baggage Claim/Rental Cars. Burlington’s terminal is compact (there’s essentially one main concourse), so it’s a short walk. The baggage claim area is on the main level. All the rental car counters (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty/Dollar) are located along one wall of the baggage claim. You literally can’t miss them as you come down from the gates, you’ll see the logos. If you checked luggage, you can actually speak with the rental agent while waiting for your bag to arrive they’re that close.
At the Rental Counter: Provide your name and ID (and credit card) at your company’s counter. Since you booked through us, all your details are already in their system this should be a brief formality. The agent might ask for your flight info (if you haven’t given it) to note your return flight time, etc. They’ll confirm the vehicle class and any extras (GPS, car seat, etc., if you reserved them). If you have any membership (like Hertz Gold or similar), mention it or use the dedicated line if available though at BTV, lines are usually short to begin with. You’ll sign the rental agreement, and they’ll hand you the keys and directions to your car.
Finding Your Car: The rental cars are parked in a dedicated area of the airport garage or lot immediately outside the terminal. Most likely, the agent will tell you something like “Your car is in the garage, Level 1, Section A” or give you a spot number. To get there, you’ll exit baggage claim through the main doors the parking garage is directly across a small roadway. It’s maybe a 1-minute walk. There is a crosswalk; use it and be mindful of traffic (arriving cars loop through there). Once in the garage, you’ll see signage for each rental company’s parking area. If in doubt, there’s often an attendant booth or just ask one of the friendly airport staff. Pro tip: The garage is covered (nice in winter or rain), but some overflow rentals may be in an adjacent outdoor lot still very close by. Burlington’s garage isn’t huge, so you won’t wander for long. Check the key tag for a license plate or car description to match if you see multiple similar cars. Do a quick walk-around of the car note any pre-existing scratches or dings. Burlington rental staff are pretty diligent about marking those already, but it never hurts to take photos (your phone is handy for this). If anything significant is unnoted, pop back to the counter (30 seconds away) and let them know before driving off.
Exiting the Airport: Burlington Airport is right off Airport Drive, which connects to Williston Road (US-2) at a light. To leave the garage/lot, follow the “Rental Car Return/Exit” signs you’ll go down a short ramp and join the Airport Drive roadway. There typically isn’t a booth to stop at on exit for rentals (unlike some airports). Immediately, you’ll come to a stop sign at Airport Drive/Airport Parkway. If you go straight through the light, you’ll be on Airport Parkway which becomes Kennedy Drive that route leads to I-89 Exit 14 in about 2 miles (good for heading to downtown from the east side or going north/south on the highway). If you turn left at the light onto Williston Road westbound, that takes you directly toward downtown Burlington/University of Vermont (about 3.5 miles). If you turn right on Williston Road, that heads into South Burlington’s commercial strip (big stores, etc.) and also eventually to Williston and Essex. There is a big F-16 fighter jet statue at this intersection a cool landmark that you really can’t miss. Wherever you’re headed, leaving BTV is straightforward: just a couple turns and you’re on your way. Traffic on these roads can be a bit busy at rush hour, but nothing too daunting.
Returning Your Car: When it’s time to fly out, you’ll return the car to the same general area. As you approach the airport on Williston or Kennedy Dr., follow signs for “Rental Car Return” (usually a right-hand turn into the garage area, marked by rental logos). In the garage, there’s a clearly marked section for rental returns often the same place you picked up or close by. Park in any open spot in your rental company’s return area. During normal hours, an attendant may meet you or there will be a small office/booth. They’ll quickly inspect the car (takes a minute or two) and print or email you a receipt. If everything’s in order, you’re good to go catch your flight. After hours (e.g., you have a 5 AM flight and they’re not open yet), simply park in the return area, lock up, and drop your keys in the secure drop box at the rental counter inside the terminal (the counters are just steps away, after all). The staff will process it later that morning. One tip: be sure to refuel to the proper level before returning (most rentals are full-to-full) the Mobil/Maplefields gas station on Williston Road just east of the airport is open 24/7 and is the go-to for this (about 0.5 mile from the terminal). Keep your fuel receipt just in case, but I’ve found Burlington agencies are pretty fair on fuel readings. Once the car is returned, it’s a very short walk into the terminal to check in for your flight the convenience really can’t be beat.
Driving Out of BTV: Burlington Airport is conveniently located and getting to/from it is a snap. Williston Road (US-2) is the main artery connecting BTV to Burlington and I-89. It’s a busy 4-lane road with lots of businesses. Speed limit is 35-40 mph and there are several lights. At peak times, it can have stop-and-go stretches (especially near the I-89 interchange and major shopping centers). If heading downtown around rush hour, you might try Airport Dr → Kennedy Dr → Spear St → Main St as an alternate scenic route (that cuts through the Hill Section and avoids some traffic, albeit with lower speed limits). But honestly, even “traffic” on Williston Rd rarely adds more than 5-10 minutes. Kennedy Drive is another key route from the airport (leading to the highway and South Burlington’s neighborhoods). It has a couple roundabouts (at Dorset St and Hinesburg Rd) just yield and enter, they’re small single-laners, easy to navigate. Once on I-89, you’re 5 minutes from one end of Burlington (Exit 14W) and 10 minutes from the other (Exit 13 or 15). If you’re unfamiliar: Exit 14W off I-89 is the main one for UVM/downtown (via Route 2), Exit 15 brings you into the north side by Winooski (good for UVM’s Trinity campus or St. Michael’s College), Exit 13 brings you down to the south end via I-189/Shelburne Rd. From the airport, you’ll likely use Exit 14 most often. Also, note that Burlington has some bus-only lanes on a couple downtown streets (St. Paul St. for one block) signage indicates this; just don’t accidentally drive in those marked lanes during restricted hours. Heading out of town, traffic is light by 6:30 PM generally, and early mornings before 7 AM are very quiet you might breeze through the one or two lights on your way to the airport. Winter note: The roads to the airport are priority plowing routes. Unless it’s literally during a blizzard white-out, you should find the pavement reasonably clear. Still, give yourself a few extra minutes if heading to catch a flight in snow, just to drive slower safely. There’s a slight hill on Airport Drive coming up from Williston Rd usually well-salted, but take it steady if slick.
In sum, Burlington Airport’s ease of access extends to the roads around it. It’s one of the least stressful airport drives you’ll encounter a welcome relief, I’m sure, after some harried big-city airports. Enjoy the open road and welcome to Vermont!
Frequently Asked Questions
Burlington International Airport hosts all the major car rental brands on-site right at the terminal. You’ll find Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Dollar/Thrifty counters inside the airport’s baggage claim area. As soon as you collect your luggage (or as you come down to the main level if you have carry-on only), you’ll see the row of rental car desks along the wall you can’t miss the logos. The cars themselves are parked in the adjacent airport parking garage or rental lot just a few steps outside the terminal. In short, everything is under one roof (or immediately next to it). No shuttle buses needed at all. Just walk to the counter, check in, and then walk a few yards to the garage to pick up your vehicle. This convenience is a big reason many people choose to rent at BTV rather than off-airport. All the vehicles are on airport property, so if you ever need to talk to the rental staff or swap a car, they’re right there too. Companies generally staff their counters to cover all incoming flights, even late at night. So whichever major company you prefer (or whichever has the best deal through our site), you’ll find them at BTV ready to serve you. Note: In the rare case a smaller local rental outfit offers you a car, they might shuttle you off-site, but any booking you make through AirportVanRental at BTV will clearly state the pick-up process. The vast majority are in-terminal pick-ups with on-site cars.
Yes the rental agencies at BTV typically remain open to meet all scheduled incoming flights, even if they’re late. Burlington is not a 24/7 huge airport, but it has a steady stream of arrivals up to around midnight. The rule of thumb: if your flight is on the board, the rental desks will be staffed to handle reservations for that flight. We strongly recommend providing your flight number when you book (there’s usually a field for it), or at least when you pick up (if you’re delayed and can call ahead). With your flight info, agents can monitor for delays. For example, if your flight supposed to land at 10 PM gets pushed to 1 AM, agencies will often either stay open or make arrangements (like having a staff member meet you or keys left securely). Each company has slightly different policies: some will remain open as long as they know you’re coming on a delayed flight, others might officially close but one of their staff in the garage may assist you. In any case, communication is key. If you can’t provide a flight number, and you’re severely delayed, try to call the local BTV rental office before their normal closing time just to let them know. The airport itself is never truly closed (terminal doors lock in late night but staff/security are around), so in worst case, if you arrived super late and no one was at the counter, you could likely get help by contacting the rental company’s 24hr line or asking airport security but again, that scenario is quite rare if you had a reservation. Generally, you’ll find an agent ready with your keys even if you’re the last person off the last flight of the night. For early flights out (say you need to return a car at 4:30 AM and counters open at 5:30), all companies at BTV have a drop box for keys. So you can still return on your schedule. Rest assured, Burlington’s rental providers are used to the ebb and flow of airline schedules they won’t strand you. If anything unforeseen happens (cancellation, etc.), they’ll usually honor the next day or you can cancel without penalty. So yes, if your flight arrives late (or even if you drive in super late to pick up a car at BTV), arrangements are in place to get you your vehicle. Just keep them informed and you’ll be all set.
While Burlington Airport (BTV) rentals include a couple of extra fees (about 10% concession fee and a $4/day facility charge), they are often very competitively priced and the convenience is hard to beat. Off-airport rental locations in the Burlington area (for example, an Enterprise in South Burlington or Hertz downtown) might have slightly lower base rates since they don’t have to factor in airport fees. However, you’d need to factor in the cost and hassle of getting to that location. If you’re flying in, you’d have to take a taxi or ride-share from the airport to the off-site office (perhaps $15-$25 cost, plus time). When you book through us, we actually show you options for both “Burlington Airport” and sometimes “Burlington Downtown” if available, so you can directly compare prices. In many cases, the airport rate is only marginally higher say $5/day more which, over a 3-day rental, is $15, likely less than cab fare one-way. Moreover, the airport has more selection (all the major companies) which means more chances to snag a lower rate or special deal. Off-site locations have smaller fleets and can sell out or have fewer vehicle types. Another point: by renting at the airport right when you arrive, you can use the car to get to your accommodations (saves taxi fare), and similarly on departure. If you did off-airport, you’d perhaps taxi to your hotel, then next day taxi to the rental office, etc. Those costs/tips/time add up. If you’re extremely budget-conscious and found a significantly lower total price off-airport (say you’re staying in town and not renting until day 2, and you see a downtown branch for much less), it could save a bit, but for most, any savings is small. AirportVanRental’s rates at BTV are often discounted to offset a chunk of those airport fees. We pride ourselves on transparent comparison if an off-airport pick-up is a better deal for your scenario, we’ll show it or tell you. But generally, we find BTV rentals are very reasonable, and the stress saved is worth a few extra bucks. Also consider your time if you only have a weekend trip, the hour or two wasted coordinating off-site pick-up could be spent enjoying Burlington instead. So, bottom line: maybe a tiny bit cheaper off-site in some cases, but usually renting at Burlington Airport is the best value when convenience is weighed in. And our site ensures you’re not overpaying for that convenience.
Returning your car at Burlington Airport is quick and painless. As you approach the airport (whether from I-89 via Williston Rd or from Burlington city via Williston Rd), you’ll see signs for “Rental Car Return” follow those into the airport’s parking garage area. Typically, you’ll loop into the same garage entrance as public parking, but veer off to a marked rental return lane. Each rental company has a designated section or row. Park in an open spot (there are usually signs or an attendant directing you). During business hours, a staff member might meet you as you pull in; otherwise, note your final mileage/fuel (the car likely has telematics so they’ll see fuel level automatically). Since BTV is small, there’s not a separate lengthy return process no long lines of cars like at major hubs. The agent will quickly scan the car, check fuel and mileage, and print you a receipt. This usually takes under 5 minutes. You do not need to refuel at the airport itself, but as mentioned, best to fill up at a station a few miles out (like that Maplefields Mobil or one of the Shell/Citgo on the way) this ensures you’re returning it full and avoid any refuel charge. After parking, you’re literally a 1-2 minute walk into the terminal (you’ll be right by the elevator/stairs into baggage claim). BTV recommends arriving ~1.5 hours before a domestic flight; you can plan your car drop-off as part of that, not in addition to it. Meaning, if your flight’s at 3:00, you might get to the airport by 1:30 dropping the car at 1:30 and being at the airline counter by 1:35 is normal. If you have lots of luggage, there are luggage carts around the garage/return area (often free at Burlington or a quarter, unlike big airports that charge). In after-hours returns, park and drop the keys in the drop box at the rental counter (the terminal is small and open by around 4 AM, so you can access counters early). If the terminal is closed (say extremely late, 2 AM, which rarely anyone is returning a car then), there’s likely a drop safe by the garage exit or you’d hold keys till morning but again, that scenario is ultra-rare since flights don’t land that late typically. Most important: don’t forget anything in the car! Check the backseat, trunk, under seats. We reunite many sunglasses and phones with renters, but it’s easier to double-check before handing in the keys. In summary, returning at BTV is a breeze just follow the signs, park, hand over keys, and head to check-in. No shuttle, no long wait, no maze to navigate. Burlington’s friendly size shines here.
Thankfully, no toll roads at all in Vermont you can drive on every highway and backroad freely. The only “toll” you might encounter near Burlington is if you choose to take a ferry across Lake Champlain (that’s more of a boat ticket than a road toll). So leaving the airport, you won’t hit any toll booths just normal roads with traffic lights. Driving considerations: in winter, be aware of snow/ice as discussed (but main airport routes are well-maintained). Also, Burlington Airport is in a suburban area watch for deer especially at dawn/dusk near wooded sections of Airport Drive and Kennedy Drive. They sometimes wander since there’s a bit of forest and a nature park nearby. Obey the posted speed (25-35 mph) local police do patrol occasionally, especially where Airport Dr meets Williston (people sometimes speed coming down the hill). If heading straight into Burlington city, note that Main Street has several pedestrian crosswalks by UVM keep an eye out for students crossing. It’s a 30 mph zone. If driving out in a rental, remember Vermont law about wipers and headlights if it’s raining or snowing, turn on those headlights (you may see a sign reminding you on Airport Parkway). Also, the airport is near some residential neighborhoods you might notice a sign “No Engine Brake” (for trucks) and perhaps some 4-way stops where a light might be in bigger city just be ready to stop/yield as needed. Summertime, road construction might be happening on Kennedy Drive or nearby as they often do projects heed orange cones, slow down in work zones (fines double if you don’t). It’s all common sense stuff. Another small note: leaving the rental return, if you refuelled at Maplefields, it’s a bit of a tricky left turn to get out of that gas station back toward the airport traffic on Williston can be continuous. It often pays to turn right out of the gas station and do a quick U-turn at a break in median a block down, instead of waiting to turn left through 3 lanes. Or plan your gas station stop on the right side of the road on your way in (depending direction). That’s a micro tip, but hey, local insight! Overall, no special passes or toll tags needed here just drive and enjoy. If you plan to roam into New Hampshire or down to Massachusetts, that’s when you might encounter tolls (as covered earlier). In that case, using your own E-ZPass or opting for the rental’s toll program (if offered) could be convenient. But for just around Burlington and Vermont nothing extra needed. Vermont’s roads are straightforward: just follow the green “Interstate” or white “Route” signs to your destination, and you’ll be fine.