There’s something uniquely enchanting about experiencing Vermont by train. As the “Green Mountain State” unfolds outside your window – rolling hills, quaint villages, covered bridges, and the vibrant hues of every season – the journey becomes as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself.
Amtrak serves Vermont with two scenic routes: the Vermonter and the Ethan Allen Express. Each offers a distinct way to explore the state, connecting bustling cities in the south to Vermont’s charming towns. Whether you’re planning a ski trip, a fall foliage tour, a college visit, or a relaxing getaway, this complete guide will help you navigate Vermont’s Amtrak stations, including vital distance information to key cities and airports.
Understanding Vermont’s Amtrak Lines
The Vermonter: This route runs daily between St. Albans, Vermont, and Washington D.C., stopping at numerous Vermont towns along its north-south journey through the state’s eastern and central regions.
The Ethan Allen Express: Operating daily between Burlington, Vermont, and New York City, this line serves Vermont’s western corridor, offering direct access to Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains.
The Vermonter Line Stations (North to South)
The Vermonter offers a picturesque journey through the heart of Vermont. Here’s a look at its stops:
1. St. Albans, VT (SAB)
Location: The northernmost stop in Vermont, often called “Railroad City” due to its rich railway history. Close to Lake Champlain.
Why Stop Here? Explore the historic downtown, enjoy local eateries, or access the northern reaches of Lake Champlain for boating and outdoor activities. It’s also a gateway to Montreal, Canada.
Connectivity: Limited local public transport. Taxis and ride-shares may be available.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Burlington, VT
30 miles (45 mins)
BTV
Montreal, QC (Canada)
70 miles (1 hour 30 mins)
YUL
Montpelier, VT
45 miles (1 hour)
BTV
BTV (Burlington Intl.)
25 miles (35 mins)
BTV
2. Essex Junction, VT (ESX)
Location: Just outside Burlington, serving as the primary Amtrak station for Vermont’s largest city and the University of Vermont (UVM). Home to the Champlain Valley Expo.
Why Stop Here? Ideal for visiting Burlington’s vibrant downtown, Lake Champlain waterfront, UVM, and its many breweries and restaurants.
Connectivity: Local bus service (GMT) connects to Burlington, taxis, and ride-shares are readily available.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Burlington, VT
7 miles (15-20 mins)
BTV
Montpelier, VT
35 miles (45 mins)
BTV
Stowe, VT
30 miles (45 mins)
BTV
BTV (Burlington Intl.)
5 miles (10-15 mins)
BTV
3. Waterbury-Stowe, VT (WAB)
Location: Centrally located between the town of Waterbury and the renowned resort town of Stowe.
Why Stop Here? Gateway to world-class skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort, home of Ben & Jerry’s Factory, the Vermont State Capital (Montpelier) is nearby, and a hub for craft beer breweries.
Connectivity: Taxis and ride-shares needed to reach Stowe or Montpelier. Limited local service.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Stowe Village, VT
10 miles (20 mins)
BTV
Montpelier, VT
15 miles (25 mins)
BTV
Sugarbush Resort, VT
25 miles (40 mins)
BTV
BTV (Burlington Intl.)
35 miles (45 mins)
BTV
4. Montpelier-Berlin, VT (MPR)
Location: While named Montpelier, the station is technically in the neighboring town of Berlin, just a short drive from the state capital.
Why Stop Here? Visit the smallest state capital in the U.S., explore its historic downtown, or access nearby outdoor recreation. Easy access to the Cabot Creamery Annex.
Connectivity: Taxis and ride-shares are necessary to reach Montpelier downtown.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Montpelier Downtown, VT
4 miles (10 mins)
BTV
Stowe, VT
20 miles (30 mins)
BTV
White River Junction, VT
45 miles (55 mins)
LEB
BTV (Burlington Intl.)
40 miles (50 mins)
BTV
5. Randolph, VT (RGH)
Location: A charming central Vermont town known for its arts scene and rural beauty.
Why Stop Here? Experience authentic Vermont life, discover local galleries, or use it as a base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Connectivity: Limited local transport; taxis or pre-arranged rides recommended.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Rochester, VT
15 miles (25 mins)
BTV
Bethel, VT
8 miles (15 mins)
BTV
White River Junction, VT
30 miles (40 mins)
LEB
BTV (Burlington Intl.)
60 miles (1 hour 15 mins)
BTV
6. White River Junction, VT (WRJ)
Location: A historic railroad town at the confluence of the White and Connecticut Rivers, bordering New Hampshire. Home to the Center for Cartoon Studies.
Why Stop Here? Gateway to Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, and picturesque towns like Woodstock, VT. A thriving arts community and a growing food scene.
Connectivity: Taxis, ride-shares, and local bus service (Advance Transit) to Hanover, NH.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Hanover, NH (Dartmouth)
5 miles (10 mins)
LEB
Woodstock, VT
15 miles (25 mins)
LEB
Killington Resort, VT
40 miles (50 mins)
RUT
LEB (Lebanon Municipal, NH)
5 miles (10 mins)
LEB
7. Bellows Falls, VT (BFV)
Location: A picturesque, historic village on the Connecticut River, known for its antique shops, canals, and stone arch bridge.
Why Stop Here? Explore the historic downtown, visit the Bellows Falls Opera House, or enjoy the scenic beauty of the river.
Connectivity: Limited local transport; taxis or pre-arranged rides recommended.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Walpole, NH
5 miles (10 mins)
LEB
Keene, NH
20 miles (30 mins)
RU
Brattleboro, VT
20 miles (30 mins)
RUT
LEB (Lebanon Municipal, NH)
40 miles (50 mins)
LEB
8. Brattleboro, VT (BRA)
Location: Vermont’s southernmost Vermonter stop, an artsy and vibrant town on the Connecticut River.
Why Stop Here? Known for its independent spirit, diverse cultural scene, outdoor activities, and proximity to Southern Vermont’s attractions.
Connectivity: Limited local bus service, taxis, and ride-shares available.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Keene, NH
20 miles (30 mins)
RUT
Manchester, VT
50 miles (1 hour)
ALB
Bennington, VT
40 miles (50 mins)
ALB
ALB (Albany Intl., NY)
70 miles (1 hour 30 mins)
ALB
HPN (Westchester Co., NY)
110 miles (2 hours 15 mins)
HPN
BOS (Boston Logan, MA)
100 miles (2 hours)
BOS
The Ethan Allen Express Line Stations (North to South)
The Ethan Allen Express provides a direct link between New York City and Vermont’s western side, often passing through stunning mountain and lake landscapes.
1. Burlington, VT (BNC)
Location: Vermont’s largest city, nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. The Ethan Allen Express extended its service here in 2022.
Why Stop Here? Explore the vibrant Church Street Marketplace, enjoy waterfront activities, visit the University of Vermont, or soak in the city’s lively arts and food scene.
Connectivity: Local bus service (GMT), taxis, and abundant ride-shares.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Middlebury, VT
35 miles (45 mins)
BTV
Stowe, VT
40 miles (50 mins)
BTV
Montreal, QC (Canada)
95 miles (1 hour 45 mins)
YUL
BTV (Burlington Intl.)
4 miles (10-15 mins)
BTV
2. Middlebury, VT (MDB)
Location: A picturesque college town in the heart of the Champlain Valley, known for Middlebury College and scenic surroundings.
Why Stop Here? Visit the prestigious Middlebury College, explore charming shops, enjoy local art, or access nearby hiking and natural attractions like the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail.
Connectivity: Limited local transport; taxis or pre-arranged rides recommended.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Burlington, VT
35 miles (45 mins)
BTV
Rutland, VT
30 miles (40 mins)
RUT
Killington Resort, VT
40 miles (55 mins)
RUT
BTV (Burlington Intl.)
40 miles (50 mins)
BTV
3. Rutland, VT (RUD)
Location: Vermont’s second-largest city, serving as a hub for central Vermont and a gateway to the Green Mountain National Forest.
Why Stop Here? Access popular ski resorts like Killington and Okemo. Explore the city’s revitalized downtown, enjoy local history, or venture into the mountains for outdoor adventures.
Connectivity: Local bus service, taxis, and ride-shares available.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Killington Resort, VT
15 miles (25 mins)
RUT
Okemo Mountain, VT
25 miles (35 mins)
RUT
Manchester, VT
30 miles (40 mins)
ALB
RUT (Rutland Southern Vermont)
7 miles (15 mins)
RUT
ALB (Albany Intl., NY)
70 miles (1 hour 30 mins)
ALB
4. Castleton, VT (CAS)
Location: A historic village in southwestern Vermont, home to Castleton University.
Why Stop Here? Visit Castleton University, explore the historic village, or access nearby recreational areas.
Connectivity: Limited local transport; taxis or pre-arranged rides recommended.
Destination
Distance (Approx. Driving)
Relevant Airport
Rutland, VT
12 miles (20 mins)
RUT
Lake Bomoseen, VT
5 miles (10 mins)
RUT
Granville, NY
20 miles (30 mins)
ALB
RUT (Rutland Southern Vermont)
15 miles (25 mins)
RUT
ALB (Albany Intl., NY)
60 miles (1 hour 15 mins)
ALB
Key Airport Codes & Locations
BTV: Burlington International Airport, VT (serves Burlington, Essex Jct, St. Albans, Waterbury-Stowe, Montpelier, Middlebury)
RUT: Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, VT (serves Rutland, Castleton, Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, White River Jct)
LEB: Lebanon Municipal Airport, NH (serves White River Junction, Bellows Falls, Brattleboro)
ALB: Albany International Airport, NY (southern gateway for Brattleboro, Rutland, Castleton)
BOS: Boston Logan International Airport, MA (accessible from Brattleboro)
HPN: Westchester County Airport, NY (accessible from Brattleboro)
YUL: Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, QC, Canada (accessible from St. Albans, Burlington, Essex Jct)
Tips for Your Vermont Amtrak Journey
Book in Advance: Especially for peak seasons (fall foliage, ski season), tickets can sell out quickly.
Enjoy the Scenery: Both routes are renowned for their scenic beauty. Grab a window seat, relax, and watch Vermont glide by.
Food & Drink: Amtrak trains typically have a Café Car offering snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. You can also bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Luggage: Amtrak has generous luggage policies, often more flexible than airlines, making it ideal for ski gear or extended stays.
Connectivity at Stations: Many Vermont stations are smaller, historic buildings. While charming, they might have limited amenities. Plan your onward transportation (taxi, ride-share, rental car) in advance, especially for less populous stops.
Traveling through Vermont by Amtrak is an experience that combines convenience with unparalleled natural beauty. So, sit back, relax, and let the train take you on an unforgettable journey through the Green Mountains!
Ready for your Vermont adventure? Visit Amtrak.com to book your tickets and explore more!
