Driving to Vermont?

[Anonymous]

What is the best route, how long does it take and what is a good place to stay overnight en route, with two small kids? TIA!

[Anonymous]

It takes 9-11 hours. The first 4.5 are relatively easy---straight up 95. Slightly north of NYC you start taking the interstate through NY State. Have never had the time to pick a Hudson Valley town to stay in for the night but that would be my recommendation. That 3 hour stretch of interstate is relatively dull but not hectic like 95. Then you can either veer off and go north through Vermont or continue north through NY and then cross into Vermont (if you are headed to Burlington, e.g.). Those last three hours are on 2 lane roads, so slower driving but scenic. NOTE: I would NOT recommend making the drive in 1 day in winter because it gets dark very early and you can easily run into snow/ice. That happened to me last year and the last 2 hours of driving was harrowing. And take a paper map because if you are headed into the ski areas the cell service/GPS can be really spotty.

[Anonymous]

Really depends where you’re going to in VT. We used to take 95 to the NJ Turnpike to the Garden State Parkway. At the end, pick up the any thruway North to Albany, 787 to Troy. Picked up Route 7 thru Bennington to 30 To 11 Eastand and then pick up Route 100 in Londonderry. Then you can take 100 North or South right through the middle of Vermont. Take about 7.5 hours from NOVA to Londonderry, so we never stopped overnight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It takes 9-11 hours. The first 4.5 are relatively easy---straight up 95. Slightly north of NYC you start taking the interstate through NY State. Have never had the time to pick a Hudson Valley town to stay in for the night but that would be my recommendation. That 3 hour stretch of interstate is relatively dull but not hectic like 95. Then you can either veer off and go north through Vermont or continue north through NY and then cross into Vermont (if you are headed to Burlington, e.g.). Those last three hours are on 2 lane roads, so slower driving but scenic. NOTE: I would NOT recommend making the drive in 1 day in winter because it gets dark very early and you can easily run into snow/ice. That happened to me last year and the last 2 hours of driving was harrowing. And take a paper map because if you are headed into the ski areas the cell service/GPS can be really spotty.

This is very helpful to know. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

It is a long drive, I would recommend breaking it into two days. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Where you are going in Vermont makes a difference because it is a skinny but tall state. You can get from NoVa to Stratton in about 7-7.5 hours. Going further north takes longer for obvious reasons.

Once you get past NYC &/or Albany, depending on your route, you will find that the state highways go quickly from 4-lanes to 2-lanes (1 lane in each direction) and that really slows you down because it is so much harder to get past slow drivers. Because some place at the bottom of Vermont is so close you really don't need to stop overnight; however, if you do, then Albany is a good choice.

Don't try to plan your route ahead of time. Pull up Maps or Waze right before you pull out of your driveway. Keep the app up the whole time you're driving. IME if the app is going to divert you then usually it will happen by exit 11 on the turnpike, which is where you'll go left onto the Garden State Parkway and then up.

[Anonymous]

We went to Okemo with the the kids not too long ago.

There are different routes depending on NYC traffic, weather, and where in VT you're going.

Our trip up was different than our trip home bc there was a lot of NYC rush hr traffic at the time

[Anonymous]

We went to central VT recently and drove up through NY and then through Bennington and then 100. On the return we were on the NH border so took 91 south to 95. The plus of the 91 route is that it’s all highway driving (obviously depends where you are going). Just use google maps.

Our drive was 8 hours each way. Half way is NYC, maybe Stamford. Definitely don’t need an overnight for that. If you are going to Burlington or Stowe then maybe.

Pp is right that it’s very dark on the secondary roads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It takes 9-11 hours. The first 4.5 are relatively easy---straight up 95. Slightly north of NYC you start taking the interstate through NY State. Have never had the time to pick a Hudson Valley town to stay in for the night but that would be my recommendation. That 3 hour stretch of interstate is relatively dull but not hectic like 95. Then you can either veer off and go north through Vermont or continue north through NY and then cross into Vermont (if you are headed to Burlington, e.g.). Those last three hours are on 2 lane roads, so slower driving but scenic. NOTE: I would NOT recommend making the drive in 1 day in winter because it gets dark very early and you can easily run into snow/ice. That happened to me last year and the last 2 hours of driving was harrowing. And take a paper map because if you are headed into the ski areas the cell service/GPS can be really spotty.

+1 we usually do it in one go, but have stopped in Hudson a few times on way to Quechee/Woodstock. Talbott & Arding (bakery, grocer) in Hudson is a family favorite for lunch. Longer drive than going through CT, but much less crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is the best route, how long does it take and what is a good place to stay overnight en route, with two small kids? TIA!

If you are going in summer and to the northern part of VT, I highly recommend driving up through NY, breaking it into two days, and stopping in Saratoga Springs overnight - they have a lovely park with carousel and beautiful downtown area with shops and restaurants. We also stayed at a farm which our kids loved at the time. https://saratogafarmstead.com/ Then, the next day, you can keep driving and either take the ferry over or the bridge - the kids may really enjoy the ferry. Also, Ausable Chasm https://www.ausablechasm.com/ is just beautiful for a pit stop and quick snack.

[Anonymous]

Update Op? Did you make it to your destination?

[Anonymous]

Another helpful hint is that if you're going to Burlington, the ferries do not operate year round, so take the Crown Point bridge even if your GPS is telling you to go to the ferry.

[Anonymous]

I know this might not work for many, but FYI another option is the Amtrak Vermonter: Goes straight from Union Station.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Update Op? Did you make it to your destination?

Thanks, everyone, these are golden tips!

We are thinking about making the trip in February, not yet confirmed. I will report back if we do go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the best route, how long does it take and what is a good place to stay overnight en route, with two small kids? TIA!

If you are going in summer and to the northern part of VT, I highly recommend driving up through NY, breaking it into two days, and stopping in Saratoga Springs overnight - they have a lovely park with carousel and beautiful downtown area with shops and restaurants. We also stayed at a farm which our kids loved at the time. https://saratogafarmstead.com/ Then, the next day, you can keep driving and either take the ferry over or the bridge - the kids may really enjoy the ferry. Also, Ausable Chasm https://www.ausablechasm.com/ is just beautiful for a pit stop and quick snack.

Thank you! This sounds like fun. Is it worth visiting in the winter?