How Do I Get from Burlington, VT to Canada? — Complete Guide to Cross-Border Transportation Options

Traveling from Burlington, Vermont to Canada is easier than many travelers expect. Whether you’re heading to Montreal for a weekend, catching a flight from a Canadian airport, or exploring Quebec’s charming towns, there are several comfortable, efficient, and budget-friendly transportation options. From Burlington to Montreal taxi services to cross-border shuttles, long-distance car rides, and public transportation routes, this guide explains everything you need to know.

 

🧭 Quick Overview: Burlington, VT to Canada Travel

• Most Popular Route: Burlington, VT → Montreal, QC (approx. 95 miles / 153 km)
• Travel Time: Around 2 hours by car (depending on border wait times)
• Border Crossing: Typically at Highgate Springs / St. Armand, a major US–Canada crossing on I-89 → Route 133 QC
• Main Transport Options:
• Taxi or private car service
• Shuttle to Canadian border and transfer
• Intercity bus
• Long-distance rideshare or booked car ride
• Driving yourself (rental or personal vehicle)

 

🚖 Burlington, VT to Montreal Taxi — Comfortable and Direct Travel

One of the simplest and most direct ways to reach Montreal from Burlington, VT is by booking a private taxi or car service. Many transportation companies in Burlington offer door-to-door service that picks you up from your hotel, home, or Burlington International Airport (BTV) and drops you directly at your destination in Canada — whether that’s a Montreal hotel, downtown location, or Trudeau International Airport (YUL).

✅ Why Choose a Burlington to Montreal Taxi?

• Door-to-door convenience: No transfers or waiting for scheduled buses.
• Comfortable for groups or families: Ideal for those with luggage, ski gear, or pets.
• Customizable departure times: Perfect for early flights or late arrivals.
• Professional drivers: Experienced with cross-border procedures, familiar with the quickest customs lanes.

Typical taxi ride time from Burlington to Montreal is about 2 hours, but you should factor in an extra 15–45 minutes for border crossing, depending on time of day, season, and traffic. Early morning crossings on weekdays are often faster than weekend afternoons.

📝 Booking Tips

• Reserve in advance, especially during ski season, holidays, or summer weekends.
• Ask the company if border wait time is included in the price or metered separately.
• Confirm if they offer flat rates for Burlington to Montreal trips — many reputable services do.
• Carry valid passport and documents — everyone in the vehicle must be prepared for customs inspection.

 

🚌 Burlington to Canadian Border Shuttle — An Affordable Alternative

For travelers who prefer a more budget-friendly option, shuttles from Burlington to the Canadian border can be a great choice. Some operators run scheduled or on-demand shuttles to the Highgate Springs border crossing (the closest major crossing to Burlington, about 40–45 minutes north). From there, you can connect to Canadian taxis, rideshares, or regional buses to continue to your final destination in Canada.

✨ Why Use a Border Shuttle?

• Lower cost than a full taxi to Montreal.
• Flexible pick-up points: Many shuttles can collect you from hotels, BTV Airport, or downtown Burlington.
• Ideal for solo travelers or students looking to keep expenses low.

🚦 How It Works

1. Book the shuttle from Burlington to the Highgate Springs / St. Armand border.
2. Travel by shuttle to the US border side (about 45 minutes).
3. Clear US exit and Canadian customs on foot or with assistance.
4. Transfer to a Canadian-side taxi or bus heading to your destination (e.g., Montreal).

Some shuttle companies even coordinate with Canadian taxi partners, allowing a seamless transfer just after customs. This hybrid approach can save 30–40% compared to a full Burlington–Montreal taxi ride.

 

🚗 Long Distance Travel Service — Book Long Distance Car Ride with Ease

Another increasingly popular way to travel between Burlington and Canada is through long-distance car services or pre-booked private rides. These are not typical taxis — they’re often specialized transport companies or licensed long-distance drivers who offer flat-rate trips between cities and across borders.

🌟 Advantages of Long-Distance Car Services

• Fixed pricing: No surprises from the meter.
• Comfortable vehicles: SUVs, minivans, and executive sedans are common.
• Professional drivers experienced in cross-border travel.
• Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, similar to taxis but often more upscale.
• Option to schedule well in advance, ensuring reliability.

Long-distance car rides can be booked online through specialized transportation providers. You can choose one-way or round-trip services depending on your travel plan. Some services even offer wait & return options, ideal for day trips or business travel between Burlington and Montreal.

 

🌉 Cross-Border Car Service Burlington VT to Montreal Canada — Hassle-Free Transportation

For travelers seeking the most seamless and comfortable experience, cross-border car services from Burlington VT to Montreal are the premium choice. These services specialize in international transfers and are fully licensed for cross-border operations.

🚗 What Is Cross-Border Car Service?

This is a pre-booked private car transfer operated by companies that routinely cross the US–Canada border. The vehicles are usually late-model SUVs or sedans, driven by professional chauffeurs who handle cross-border trips daily.

Many of these services are used by:

• Business travelers commuting between Burlington and Montreal
• Tourists heading to Montreal for extended stays
• Students traveling to Canadian universities
• Families with luggage or pets

✨ Benefits of Cross-Border Car Services

• Licensed & experienced drivers familiar with border procedures.
• Custom pick-up times and locations (airport, hotel, home, train station).
• Fixed pricing known in advance.
• Comfortable ride, often with Wi-Fi, bottled water, and spacious seating.
• No need to change vehicles at the border.

This is especially advantageous during winter months when driving conditions on I-89 and Quebec Route 133 can be challenging for unfamiliar drivers. A professional chauffeur can navigate snowy roads while you relax.

 

📍 Route Overview: Burlington, VT → Montreal, QC

The standard route for taxis, shuttles, and car services follows:

1. Burlington → I-89 North
2. Highgate Springs Border Crossing (US exit / Canadian entry)
3. Route 133 North (QC) → merges with Autoroute 35 North
4. Autoroute 10 West → Montreal city center

🕒 Total travel time: ~2 hours under normal traffic
🛂 Border time: 10–45 minutes depending on the queue

Peak border times: Weekends, holidays, and late afternoons can see longer delays. Early mornings often have the shortest wait.

 

🧳 What to Bring for Cross-Border Trips

Regardless of the transportation option you choose, make sure to have:

• Passport (valid for all passengers)
• Visa / ESTA / eTA, if required (based on nationality)
• Travel insurance that covers Canada
• Proof of vaccination or required health documents, if applicable
• Return tickets or accommodation details, sometimes asked at customs

Drivers will stop at the border and wait while passengers clear customs and immigration. In many taxi or car services, the same vehicle continues after clearance.

 

🚌 What About Public Bus Options?

There are intercity bus services that connect Burlington to Montreal, typically taking around 3 to 3.5 hours, including the border crossing. Companies such as Greyhound or regional operators run scheduled services.

This is often the most budget-friendly way to travel between Burlington and Canada, but it involves fixed schedules and shared seating. You may also need to get from BTV or your hotel to the downtownBurlington bus terminal first.

For travelers who prioritize comfort, speed, or flexible departure times, private taxi or cross-border car services are usually more suitable.

 

🧭 How to Choose the Right Transportation Option

Here’s a quick decision guide based on your travel style:

Traveler Type	Best Option	Why
Business traveler	Cross-border car service	Reliable, comfortable, direct, professional
Tourist / family	Burlington–Montreal taxi or shuttle	Door-to-door convenience with luggage
Budget traveler / student	Shuttle to border + Canadian taxi OR bus	Affordable and efficient
Day-trip visitor	Long-distance car service with wait & return	Flexible schedule for same-day travel
Confident driver	Rental car / personal vehicle	Ultimate freedom, but requires navigating border & roads

 

📝 Booking Checklist

Before booking your ride from Burlington to Canada:

1. Confirm your travel documents (passport, visa if applicable).
2. Book early during peak travel seasons to secure your ride.
3. Check pricing and ask if border wait times are included in the fare.
4. Share flight or train details if you need airport pick-up/drop-off.
5. Ask about cancellation policies in case your plans change.
6. Verify pick-up point (especially at Burlington Airport).

 

❄️ Seasonal Travel Tips

• Winter: Roads between Burlington and Montreal can be snowy/icy. Choose a service with AWD/4WD vehicles or professional chauffeurs if you’re not used to winter driving.
• Summer/Fall: Border wait times increase on weekends. Early morning departures help avoid congestion.
• Holidays: Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance, as cross-border services are in high demand.

 

🧠 Final Thoughts — Burlington to Canada Made Simple

Traveling from Burlington, VT to Canada is efficient and comfortable, especially if you take advantage of cross-border car services or pre-booked taxis. For travelers who value door-to-door service, flexible schedules, and comfort, private options are worth the cost.

For those on a budget, border shuttles combined with Canadian-side taxis or buses offer a reliable alternative. Meanwhile, intercity buses remain the cheapest but least flexible option.

No matter which you choose, the key is to book ahead, have your documents ready, and factor in border wait times. With a bit of planning, you can make your Burlington to Canada journey smooth and stress-free.