by Turo
posted on April 8, 2026
The Montreal to Burlington drive is a short trip across the border that links the cultural capital of Quebec with Vermont’s relaxed lakefront destination. This road trip guide helps you plan the route, pick memorable stops, and enjoy every kilometre along the way at your own pace.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Tips for driving from Montreal to Burlington
- How are the road conditions between Montreal and Burlington?
- What is the best time of year to drive from Montreal to Burlington, VT?
- Are there EV chargers along the way between Montreal and Burlington?
- Where to stop while driving from Montreal to Burlington, Vermont
- Frequently asked questions about the Montreal to Burlington road trip
- Book your rental car in Montreal with Turo
Tips for driving from Montreal to Burlington
The Montreal to Burlington drive covers about 150 km and usually takes only around 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep your passport within reach for the border crossing and check wait times before you leave, and you’ll be there in no time!
How are the road conditions between Montreal and Burlington?
Autoroute 10 and Route 133 lead you toward the border, followed by Interstate 89 into Vermont. Roads stay well-maintained through most of the year. Expect lighter traffic once you leave Montreal, with brief slowdowns near the border and during peak travel times.
What is the best time of year to drive from Montreal to Burlington, VT?
Spring through fall offer the most comfortable driving conditions. Summer brings clear skies and long daylight hours, but roads and attractions may be busier. Head out in autumn, and this is one of the best Canadian scenic drives for fall colours, besides being cooler and less crowded.
Are there EV chargers along the way between Montreal and Burlington?
The EV infrastructure along this route is improving all the time. Charging stations are easy to find in Montreal and Burlington, with additional options at major rest stops and towns along the way.
Where to stop while driving from Montreal to Burlington, Vermont
The drive from Montreal to Burlington goes by fast, but a few stops can turn a simple cross-border trip into something more memorable. Step out of the car, take in the scenery, and enjoy the experience instead of rushing straight to your destination.
Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno
Just outside Montreal, Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno offers a quiet shift from city streets to wooded trails and calm lakes. It’s a simple first stop that lets you ease into the drive without going far off course.
- Distance from Montreal: ~25 km (about 30 minutes)
- Distance to Burlington: ~125 km (about 1.5 hours)
Why it’s great
You trade highway traffic for fresh air in minutes. The trails are easy to follow, and the lakes are beautiful, especially in the fall.
Practical tips
Parking fills up on weekends, so arrive early if you can. Entry requires a Sépaq day pass, and some trails can be muddy after rain, so wear proper shoes.
How to get there
Head east from Montreal on Autoroute 20, then follow Route 116. A Montreal airport car rental from Turo makes getting started simple, with delivery options that let you skip the counter and head straight out. Renting an SUV from brands like Toyota or Subaru will give you the space for backpacks and outdoor gear while keeping the drive smooth and comfortable.
Chambly, Quebec
Fort Chambly sits directly on the Richelieu River in the town of Chambly, with stone ramparts, open lawns, and a waterfront path that runs along the basin. You can walk the grounds, follow the canal trail, or stop near the locks where boats pass through in warmer months.
- Distance from Montreal: ~35 km (about 40 minutes)
- Distance to Burlington: ~115 km (about 1.5 hours)
Why it’s great
The riverfront feels open and unhurried. You can walk along the water, stretch your legs, and take in a historic setting that’s easy to explore in under an hour.
Practical tips
The riverfront feels open and unhurried. You can walk along the water, stretch your legs, and take in a historic setting that’s easy to explore in under an hour.
How to get there
From Mont-Saint-Bruno, follow Route 116 east, then Route 112 into Chambly. Parking near the river and canal can be limited, so a smaller vehicle can be easier to navigate tight streets and find a spot quickly. Make your Montreal rental car a compact model from brands like Nissan or Ford and keep things simple.
Plattsburgh, New York
Downtown Plattsburgh sits along the western shore of Lake Champlain, with City Beach, the Plattsburgh City Marina, and MacDonough Monument all within a short drive of each other. The waterfront gives you open views of the lake, and shops and restaurants line Margaret Street.
- Distance from Montreal: ~95 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
- Distance to Burlington: ~35 km (about 45 minutes)
Why it’s great
Lake Champlain is the main draw here. City Beach and the marina give you direct access to the shoreline without detours or long walks.
Practical tips
Border wait times can vary, especially on weekends and holidays. Keep your documents ready and check crossing conditions before you arrive.
How to get there
Take Autoroute 15 south to the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing, then continue on I-87 toward Plattsburgh. Renting a luxury vehicle like a Mercedes-Benz or BMW makes the highway stretch smoother, while a Porsche can make the short drive just as exciting as your destination!
Ausable Chasm, New York
Ausable Chasm cuts deep through sandstone cliffs just off Route 9, with walking bridges, suspension bridges, and river tubing routes that follow the Ausable River through the gorge. The main trail runs along the canyon walls, with lookout points that drop straight down to the water.
- Distance from Montreal: ~120 km (about 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Distance to Burlington: ~40 km (about 50 minutes)
Why it’s great
The trail system takes you directly into the gorge. If you have some extra time, there are also campgrounds and tours of the area that are great for outdoor lovers of all ages.
Practical tips
The trail system takes you directly into the gorge. You’re not viewing it from a distance; you’re walking through it.
How to get there
Follow I-87 south, then take Exit 34 and continue on Route 9 toward Ausable Chasm. Roads leading in are rural and less busy, with gravel parking areas near the entrance. An all-wheel drive vehicle, like a Subaru or Jeep, gives you better control on uneven surfaces, and a pickup truck adds extra space for gear if you’re planning to spend some time exploring.
Burlington Waterfront, Vermont
The Burlington Waterfront stretches along Lake Champlain with Waterfront Park, the Burlington Bike Path, and the ECHO Leahy Center all within walking distance. You can follow the shoreline, stop at the marina, or head up to Church Street Marketplace, just a few blocks inland.
- Distance from Montreal: ~150 km (about 1 hour 45 minutes)
Why it’s great
Everything is concentrated along the lake. You can park once and walk between the waterfront, downtown streets, and famous markets.
Practical tips
Everything is concentrated along the lake. You can park once and walk between the waterfront, downtown streets, and key attractions.
How to get there
Continue south on I-87, then take the ferry from Port Kent to Burlington or drive north around the lake via Route 2 into the city. An electric vehicle, like a Tesla or Chevrolet model, fits well here, with charging stations available around downtown that make eco-friendly travel easy.
Frequently asked questions about the Montreal to Burlington road trip
Where is Burlington?
Burlington is in northwestern Vermont, set along the eastern shoreline of Lake Champlain and just south of the Quebec border. The city faces the Adirondack Mountains across the water and centres around Waterfront Park and Church Street Marketplace.
Most travellers take the short drive down from Montreal or fly into Burlington International Airport. Book your Montreal or Burlington airport car rental with Turo, and you can head out and explore as soon as you clear baggage claim!
How long does it take to drive from Montreal to Burlington?
The drive usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. Border wait times can affect your timing, so it helps to check conditions before you leave.
Where to stop between Montreal and Burlington?
Stops like Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno, Fort Chambly, Plattsburgh’s waterfront, and Ausable Chasm break up the drive. Each one sits close to the main route, so you can stop without adding much extra time.
Can you drive a rental car from Montreal to Vermont?
Absolutely! You and your passengers will need valid passports, but cross-border trips are very straightforward.
Is Burlington, Vermont, worth visiting?
Yes. The lakefront access, walkable downtown streets, and local food spots, all in a compact area, make this a great place to visit. You can spend a few hours by the water or stay longer and explore nearby trails and viewpoints.
Book your rental car in Montreal with Turo
With Turo, you can start this drive on your terms. Pick the exact car that fits your plan, whether that means something compact for quick stops, extra space for gear, or all-wheel drive for changing conditions. Skip the counter, avoid the usual delays, and head straight for the road!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
