So, you’re sitting there wondering exactly how far is vermont from me right now. Maybe you’re craving a creemee—that’s Vermont-speak for soft serve—or you’re just desperate to see some actual stars instead of city smog.
The honest truth? Vermont is probably a lot closer than you think, but the "time" it takes to get here is a total moving target. Distance isn't just a number on a map; it's a mood. If you're in the Northeast, you could be crossing the border before your favorite podcast finishes an episode. If you're out in Cali, well, pack a neck pillow because you’ve got a cross-country haul ahead of you.
How Far Is Vermont From Me If I'm in the Northeast?
If you live in a neighboring state, "how far is Vermont" is basically a question of which backroad has the least amount of construction.
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- Boston, MA: You're looking at about 180 to 220 miles depending on if you're heading to the southern border or all the way up to Burlington. In a car, it’s a crisp 3-hour drive.
- New York City, NY: It’s roughly 285 miles to Burlington. If you leave at 4 AM to beat the George Washington Bridge nightmare, you can make it in 5 to 6 hours. Take the Amtrak Ethan Allen Express if you want to nap; it’s about 7.5 hours but way more relaxing than I-87.
- Montreal, QC: You guys are basically neighbors. It’s only 95 miles. You can be in downtown Burlington in under 2 hours, assuming the border crossing at Highgate Springs isn't backed up with leaf-peepers.
- Philadelphia, PA: This is where it starts to feel like a "trip." It's about 350 miles and usually takes 6 to 7 hours of driving.
Vermont is a skinny state, only about 160 miles long from top to bottom. But don't let that fool you. Driving from Brattleboro in the south to Newport in the north can take nearly three hours because of the winding mountain gaps and the fact that we don't really do "straight lines" here.
Calculating Your Real Distance (Beyond the Miles)
When people ask "how far is vermont from me," they usually forget to account for the Green Mountains. The state is split down the middle by a spine of peaks.
If your GPS says 50 miles, but you have to go over Appalachian Gap or Smugglers' Notch, that 50 miles is going to feel like 100. In the winter? Double it. Seriously. A light dusting of snow on Route 100 turns a quick jaunt into a slow-motion adventure.
Air Travel and Major Hubs
If you aren't within driving distance, you’re likely flying into BTV (Burlington International Airport).
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- From Chicago: About a 2-hour flight (800+ miles).
- From Florida: Roughly 1,200 miles. You’re looking at a 3-hour flight or a brutal 21-hour drive.
- From London: Okay, now we're talking. You're about 3,300 miles away. You’ll likely fly into Boston or JFK and then grab a puddle jumper or a rental car.
Why the "Distance" to Vermont Changes With the Seasons
In Vermont, we measure distance in "mud" and "foliage."
In late September, "how far" becomes irrelevant because you’ll be moving at 5 mph behind a tour bus looking at orange maples. That's the Foliage Tax. In March, it’s Mud Season. You might be only 2 miles from the main road, but if your Subaru gets bogged down in a foot of Rutland County sludge, you might as well be on Mars.
Honestly, the state is tiny. It's the 45th largest state in the US. You could fit Vermont into Texas about 28 times. But because there are no billboards (it's illegal here!) and the buildings are short—no skyscraper in the state is taller than 124 feet—the scale feels different. Everything feels tucked away.
Actionable Steps for Your Vermont Trek
Ready to stop Googling and actually get here?
- Check the Gap Closures: If you’re coming in the winter, check if Smugglers' Notch (Route 108) is closed. It shuts down every winter because it's too narrow for plows. If your GPS tells you to go that way in January, it's lying to you.
- Download Offline Maps: Vermont is famous for its "cell service dead zones." Once you get off I-89 or I-91, your bars will vanish. Download your Google Maps area for offline use before you cross the border.
- Pick Your Entry Point: For the south (skiing/Bennington), use Route 7. For the north (Burlington/craft beer), stick to I-89. For the "Real Vermont" (cows/quiet), take Route 100.
Vermont isn't just a place on a map; it's a shift in pace. Whether you're 20 miles away or 2,000, the minute you see those "Welcome to Vermont" signs, the air just smells better. Pack a flannel, leave the "city rush" at the border, and just drive.