Montreal Airport to Burlington: 7 Proven Ways to Get There

The easiest way to get from Montreal Airport to Burlington is a pre-booked private taxi. It takes you from the arrivals hall to your Vermont address in about two hours, with the border crossing handled by a driver who does the route regularly. There are no direct commercial flights between the two cities, so the choice is really between a private ride, a bus, a rental car or a lift from someone you know.

Montreal–Trudeau (YUL) is a popular choice for Vermonters and visitors. It has wide international connections and often better fares than smaller airports. The catch is the last leg: roughly 95 miles south, across an international border, usually after a long flight and a customs line.

This guide covers how the trip works, seven proven ways to make it, what to do about the border, and the mistakes that cause most of the stress. Whether you’re coming home to Vermont, visiting family or heading to a ski weekend, you’ll know exactly what to book.

How Far Is Montreal Airport from Burlington?

The distance is approximately 95 miles (about 153 km). Under normal conditions the drive takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, plus time at the border.

The usual route heads south from Montreal on Autoroute 10, Autoroute 35 and Route 133, crosses the border at Highgate Springs, VT / St. Armand–Philipsburg, QC, then follows Interstate 89 south into Burlington. It’s a straightforward drive, and the crossing is generally one of the quieter ones.

Border delays are the wild card. Waits can range from a few minutes to well over an hour depending on the day, the season and the time. Weekends, holidays and summer afternoons are the busiest, so it’s worth checking official wait-time pages before you go and leaving a buffer.

7 Proven Ways to Get from Montreal Airport to Burlington

1. Book a Private Taxi or Car Service

A pre-booked driver tracks your flight, meets you after customs and drives you straight to your door. There’s no waiting for a schedule, no transfers and no hauling bags onto a bus. It’s the strongest option for families, anyone with luggage, late arrivals and winter travel.

Our Burlington to Montreal service runs both directions, including transportation from Montreal to Burlington VT, around the clock. If you’re comparing options, ask for a flat-rate quote so you know the cost before you leave.

Best for: families, groups, heavy luggage, late-night arrivals, winter trips.

2. Take a Shared Shuttle

Shared shuttles can cost less per person, but they usually run on fixed times and may make more than one stop. That’s fine with a flexible schedule. If your flight lands late or customs takes longer than expected, a missed departure can leave you waiting for hours.

Best for: solo travelers with flexible plans.

3. Use an Intercity Bus

Bus service connects Montreal with Burlington’s downtown transit center and is often the cheapest way to go. The trade-off is getting from the airport to the bus station first, working around limited departure times and carrying your bags on and off. Border inspection also adds time, so check the schedule carefully.

Best for: budget travelers with light luggage and patience.

4. Rent a Car

Renting gives you flexibility if you’re exploring Vermont after you arrive. Check the rental company’s rules before you book, since cross-border and one-way rentals can carry extra fees and conditions. You’ll also handle the border, the route and winter driving yourself, which many travelers find tiring after a flight.

Best for: longer trips with multiple stops.

5. Try a Rideshare App

Rideshare works well for short city trips, but long cross-border rides are a different story. Drivers may decline them, availability changes with the hour and weather, and prices can rise during busy periods. Treat it as a backup, not a plan.

Best for: short local hops, not a reliable 95-mile crossing.

6. Ask Friends or Family

Free is hard to beat, but a four-hour round trip plus waiting through customs and a possible border line is a lot to ask, especially at night or in winter.

Best for: short notice with a generous driver.

7. Book a Round Trip in Advance

If you know your return date, reserve both directions together. It’s one of the most overlooked ways to save stress: your pickup is locked in, you avoid scrambling on your last day, and you can often discuss pricing for the full trip up front.

Best for: anyone with fixed travel dates, including students and visiting families.

Which Option Is Right for You?

• Family with kids and luggage: private taxi, with child seats requested in advance.
• Late-night arrival: private taxi, since buses and shuttles may have stopped running.
• Tight budget and flexible time: bus or shared shuttle.
• Staying a week and exploring Vermont: rental car, or a taxi plus local rentals.
• Business traveler: private taxi or luxury car service.
• Winter visit: private taxi, so a local driver handles the weather.

What Happens at the Border Between Montreal and Burlington?

Heading south, you leave Canada with little more than a quick exit and then enter the United States at the Highgate Springs port of entry. U.S. officers decide admission, and every passenger in the vehicle is questioned and checked.

Requirements depend on citizenship, so verify with the official agencies before you travel.

• U.S. citizens returning home by land need a WHTI-compliant document. Acceptable adult documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license (Vermont and New York both issue them) or a Trusted Traveler card such as NEXUS. A standard license alone is not enough. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection WHTI FAQ.
• Canadian citizens and visitors from other countries should check current U.S. entry requirements, including any visa or other authorization, before booking.
• Children traveling with only one parent, or with other adults, may need extra paperwork. Check official guidance well before the trip.

Keep every passenger’s documents in a pocket or carry-on, not in the trunk. No driver can promise a specific crossing time, so plan with a buffer.

8 Practical Tips for a Smooth Ride from YUL to Burlington

1. Book as soon as your flight is confirmed. Holidays, ski weekends and college move-in dates fill up quickly.

2. Share your flight number and terminal. Your pickup can then be adjusted if your plane is early or late.

3. Add time for customs. After an international flight you’ll clear passport control and baggage claim before you meet your driver. Don’t assume you’ll be out the minute you land.

4. Confirm the meeting point. Ask your driver exactly where to meet and keep your phone on, with a data or roaming plan that works in Canada.

5. Check documents a week early. An expired passport or a missing enhanced license is much easier to fix before you leave.

6. Request child seats ahead of time. We provide seats for children, and our vans seat a family of up to six with a suitable amount of luggage.

7. Plan for the weather. Winter snow can slow the whole trip. If a storm is forecast, leave more time at the other end and keep your driver informed.

8. Book the return ride too. A confirmed ride home saves you from hunting for transport at the end of your trip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating border time. A "two-hour drive" can easily become three on a busy weekend.
• Packing passports in checked luggage. Keep documents within reach.
• Waiting until you land to arrange a ride. Long-distance rides across the border are hard to find at the last minute.
• Assuming rideshare will accept the trip. Many drivers won’t cross the border, and availability is unpredictable.
• Booking a bus without checking connection time. Missing the last departure can mean a hotel night in Montreal.
• Choosing only on price. A cheap ride that doesn’t show up costs much more than a few extra dollars.
• Giving a vague destination. Provide the full Vermont address, including apartment numbers or gate codes.
• Forgetting the return leg. Book both directions together.

Real-World Scenarios

A Vermont couple returning from a European trip. They booked a flight through Montreal to save on fares. Their driver tracked the flight, waited through a delayed landing and had them home before midnight, with no night bus and no rental return to worry about.

A family heading to a Stowe ski week. They landed at YUL with skis, boots and car seats. A private van carried everyone and everything together, and they continued north without changing vehicles. Our Burlington to Stowe taxi service handles trips like this.

A college student coming back after break. Rather than a long bus ride with transfers, a pre-booked ride took them from the terminal to campus. Students can ask about special rates on our college service page.

How to Choose the Best Taxi Service Burlington VT Travelers Trust

Cross-border rides are less forgiving than a quick trip across town, so choose carefully. When comparing options for the best taxi service Burlington VT offers, look for:

• Licensed, professional drivers with experience on the Montreal route.
• Clear confirmation and a real phone number to call.
• Flight tracking and a plan for delays.
• Transparent pricing, including flat-rate quotes for long trips.
• Clean, well-maintained vehicles with room for luggage.
• 24-hour availability for late landings and early departures.
• Flexible payment. We require no deposit. You pay after the ride, by phone, online or directly to the driver, and we accept all major debit and credit cards.
• Special rates for students, military personnel, veterans, government employees and companies.

Our About Us page explains more about how we work. For other trips around the region, see our overview of Burlington Vermont transportation, our airport shuttle service, or our guides to Burlington Airport to Middlebury and Plattsburgh airport shuttle.

Going the Other Way: Taxi Burlington to Montreal

The same service works in reverse. If you’re leaving from Vermont, you can book a taxi Burlington to Montreal to Trudeau Airport or a downtown address, with pickup at your home, hotel or Burlington International Airport. Many travelers book a round trip, so the ride out and the ride home are both arranged at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Montreal Airport from Burlington, Vermont?
About 95 miles. The drive usually takes close to two hours, plus any wait at the border.

Is there a direct flight between Montreal and Burlington?
No. The distance is too short for direct commercial service, so travelers drive, take a bus or book a ride.

What is the best way to get from Montreal Airport to Burlington?
For most travelers, a pre-booked private taxi. It’s direct, handles luggage and works around flight delays and border time.

Which border crossing is used?
The usual route uses Highgate Springs, VT / St. Armand–Philipsburg, QC, on Interstate 89.

How long are border waits?
They vary widely, from a few minutes to well over an hour on busy days. Check official wait times and leave a buffer.

What documents do I need?
Every passenger needs acceptable documents. U.S. citizens need a WHTI-compliant document, such as a passport, passport card or enhanced driver’s license. Others should check current U.S. entry rules in advance.

Can you pick me up late at night?
Yes. We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What if my flight is delayed?
Give us your flight number when you book so your pickup can be adjusted. If plans change, call us.

Do you provide child seats?
Yes. Request them when you book and tell us your children’s ages.

Do I need to pay a deposit?
No. You pay after the ride is finished.

Conclusion: Plan Your Montreal Airport to Burlington Ride Before You Fly

Flying into Montreal can save money and open up better connections, but only if the last 95 miles go smoothly. A pre-booked ride from Montreal Airport to Burlington replaces guesswork with a plan: a confirmed pickup, a professional driver and a clear route home.

Book early, share your flight details, carry the right documents and leave a buffer for the border. Do that, and the ride becomes the easy part of your trip.

Ready to book?

• 📞 Call or text: 802-239-1515
• 💻 Book your ride online
• ✉️ burlingtonairporttaxi@yahoo.com
• 📍 45 Clover St, South Burlington, VT 05403