Burlington, Vermont: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Burlington, Vermont is served by Burlington International Airport, also known as Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. The airport is located in South Burlington, just three nautical miles (6 km) east of Burlington's central business district. It is by far the busiest airport in Vermont, with around 40% of its passengers coming from Quebec, Canada as of 2015. The airport offers flights to various domestic destinations and Canada through a handful of airlines, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

Burlington International Airport's location

Burlington International Airport (IATA: BTV, ICAO: KBTV, FAA LID: BTV) is located in South Burlington, Vermont, just three nautical miles (6 km) east of Burlington's central business district. The airport is owned by the City of Burlington and is the busiest airport in Vermont, with around 40% of its passengers coming from Quebec, Canada, as of 2015.

The airport is conveniently situated in the northern part of the state, near Lake Champlain. It is just a ten-minute drive from the lake and an hour's drive from five renowned mountain resorts. Burlington International Airport is easily accessible, with walk-to parking available. The airport's address is 1200 Airport Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403, and its office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The airport covers an area of 942 acres (381 hectares) and sits at an elevation of 335 feet (102 meters) above mean sea level. It features two runways: Runway 15/33, which is 8,319 feet by 150 feet (2,536 meters by 46 meters), and Runway 1/19, which is 4,112 feet by 75 feet (1,253 meters by 23 meters). The airport is home to the Green Mountain Boys of the Vermont Air National Guard and serves a mix of light general aviation, air carrier, and tactical fighter aircraft.

Burlington International Airport offers a range of amenities for travellers, including dining options, gift shops, and comfortable seating areas. The airport is committed to providing a positive travel experience for its passengers and recommends arriving two hours before the scheduled departure time.

Airlines that fly to Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont is served by Burlington International Airport (BTV), which is located in South Burlington, just 5 miles from the centre of Burlington. The airport is served by a selection of full-service and discount airlines, including:

• American Airlines
• Breeze Airways
• Delta
• Frontier Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• United

Non-stop flights are available to and from destinations such as:

• Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP)
• Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

BTV is northern New England's most convenient and welcoming airport, with walk-to parking and a new $15 million expansion. It is just ten minutes from Lake Champlain and an hour from five world-class mountain resorts.

Transport from the airport

Burlington International Airport (BTV) is located in South Burlington, Vermont, and offers various transport options for travellers. The airport is served by the Chittenden County Transportation Authority's South Burlington Circulator Bus Purple Line #12, which connects it to Burlington, South Burlington, and the University of Vermont. This bus service provides an affordable and convenient option for travellers looking to get into the city or access the university.

For those seeking more flexibility, rental cars are available inside the terminal on the main floor, adjacent to the baggage carousels. This option is ideal for travellers who plan to explore the region at their own pace and prefer the convenience of having their own vehicle.

Additionally, Burlington International Airport offers a range of other ground transportation options, including limousines, taxis, and vans. These can be found at the airport's taxi and ground transportation services, providing travellers with a comfortable and direct journey to their destination.

For travellers looking to connect to other parts of Vermont or nearby areas, shuttle services are available. The Vermont Shuttle offers transportation to various locations, including Montreal, Plattsburgh, Albany, Boston, and other parts of Vermont. This service provides a flat fee for the day and operates smoke-free vehicles, ensuring a comfortable journey. AA Transportation is another option, providing shuttle and taxi services to and from the airport, connecting Burlington with other Vermont destinations and even locations in Canada and New York.

Burlington International Airport's history

Burlington International Airport (BTV) is located in South Burlington, Vermont, just three nautical miles (6 km) east of Burlington's central business district. It is the state's busiest airport, with 100 times the traffic of the second-busiest airport, Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport.

The airport's history dates back to 1920 when the first aircraft landed there on August 14. The pilot, Captain Hubert Stanford Broad, had served in the Air Forces of Great Britain during World War I. After circling the city of Burlington and performing stunts for spectators, he landed his Avro plane in a new field north of Williston Road, marking Burlington Airport's first fly-in.

Following this, WWI pilot and future Mayor of Burlington, Johnny Burns, Aviation Commissioner Mason Beebe, and Chamber of Commerce secretary James Taylor raised funds to purchase the land. They transformed the field into a landing strip in 1920, levelling it with a horse-drawn grader and steamroller owned by the City of Burlington. The airport office was set up in the 1853 Eldridge Schoolhouse, which was relocated to the airfield.

On September 22, 1921, the Burlington Municipal Airport—Vermont's Aerodrome—was officially recognised at a dedication ceremony by Governor Hartness, himself a pilot. The airport came under the management of the City of Burlington in 1921, and in 1928, after further improvements, it received recognition from the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America. The local Board of Airport Commissioners was formed, and the first set of fees for renting hangar space was established, marking the initial steps towards financial sustainability.

By 1930, Curtiss-Wright Flying introduced passenger and freight services to Albany and Montreal, significantly reducing travel times. The airport attracted aviation pioneers such as Post and Gatty, who starred in a 1931 air meet, and Amelia Earhart, who visited the airport twice in the 1930s.

During World War II, the Burlington Municipal Airport was located just outside a Defence Zone extending inland from the coastline, where private aircraft were restricted from operating. This made the airport a busy hub for pilot training, and it was noted as the world's busiest airport on August 14, 1942, and February 11, 1943, with an impressive number of landings on those days.

In 1948, airport manager Hugh Finnegan oversaw a significant expansion, and by 1958, the airport's acreage had increased from 72 in 1920 to 942, with improved infrastructure.

In the 1960s, the airport introduced jet services, and in 1969, the Burlington Board of Aldermen voted to change its title from "municipal" to "international," reflecting its growth and ambition.

The airport continued to expand in the 1970s and 1980s, with voter-approved funding for a new terminal, additional gates, and improved facilities. In the 2000s, BTV faced competition from other airports but maintained its position as a key transport hub for Vermont, serving over 1.5 million passengers annually.

In 2023, the airport was renamed the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in honour of former U.S. senator Patrick Leahy.

Other airports near Burlington, Vermont

Burlington International Airport (BTV) is located in South Burlington, Vermont, and is the closest airport to the city. However, there are several other airports in the region that serve the area.

Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG)

Located 29.8 km or 37 miles from Burlington, Plattsburgh International Airport is a small airport with domestic flights. It is a good alternative to Burlington International Airport and is accessible from the city.

Montreal St. Hubert Airport (YHU)

Around 116.5 km or 97 miles from Burlington, Montreal St. Hubert Airport is another airport option. This airport serves Montreal, Canada, and is accessible from Burlington.

Montreal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Montreal's primary airport is approximately 117.1 km or 104 miles from Burlington. As an international airport, it offers a wider range of destinations and is a good alternative for travellers.

Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB)

Located in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, Lebanon Municipal Airport is about 95 miles or 119 km from Burlington. It is a smaller municipal airport that serves the region.

Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT)

This small regional airport is situated 81 miles or 130 km from Burlington. Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport serves southern Vermont and provides access to popular tourist destinations in the region.

These airports offer alternative options for travellers heading to or departing from the Burlington area, providing a range of domestic and international flight choices.

Frequently asked questions