Overview
Burlington is Vermont's largest city, yet it still feels like a relaxed lakeside college town. Set on the shores of Lake Champlain with the Green Mountains rising behind it, it's the natural gateway to New England's ski slopes, autumn foliage and lake country. There are no direct flights to Burlington from the UK, but a single connection through a US East Coast hub gets you there comfortably, and demand for cheap flights to Burlington from British travellers has grown alongside interest in Vermont's outdoors.
Best time to fly to Burlington
Autumn, from late September to mid-October, is the headline season, when the hills turn red and gold; it's also the busiest, so book early. Winter (December to March) is ski season for nearby Stowe and Sugarbush. Summer brings warm days around the mid-20s Celsius and a lively waterfront. Late spring is the quietest stretch and often the best value – see the When to book chart above for the current sweet spot.
Airlines and routes
Flights to Burlington from the UK route through a US hub such as Boston, New York (JFK or Newark), Washington, Philadelphia or Chicago, followed by a short domestic hop into BTV. The transatlantic leg is typically flown by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American, Delta, United or JetBlue; the connecting flight is usually American, Delta, United or JetBlue. London to Boston is around 7.5 hours; add a connection and a 60–90 minute flight, so allow roughly 12–16 hours door to door. Some travellers instead fly direct to Montreal and drive the 90 minutes south.
Things to do in Burlington
Compact and walkable, Burlington rewards a few unhurried days before you head for the mountains.
- Church Street Marketplace: a four-block pedestrian street of independent shops, cafes and street performers in the heart of downtown.
- Lake Champlain waterfront: cycle paths, beaches and sunset cruises aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen.
- Shelburne Museum: a sprawling collection of American folk art and historic buildings just south of the city.
- Ben & Jerry's Factory: guided tours at the original plant in Waterbury, about 30 minutes east.
- Stowe and Mount Mansfield: Vermont's highest peak, for skiing in winter and hiking or the toll road in summer.
At Burlington International Airport (BTV)
BTV is a compact single-terminal airport about 3 miles (5 km) east of downtown in South Burlington – a 10 to 15 minute drive. You'll find taxis and rideshare outside arrivals, a Green Mountain Transit bus route into the city, hotel shuttles, and all the major car hire firms on site. A hire car is worth it if you're heading to Stowe, Shelburne or the Green Mountains.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Burlington
- Book the transatlantic leg roughly two to five months ahead; the When to book chart above shows the current booking window for Burlington.
- Fly midweek, Tuesday to Thursday, and steer clear of the autumn foliage peak and UK school holidays.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to compare nearby departure days.
- Compare routings via Boston, New York and Montreal – the connecting hub often makes the biggest difference to the fare.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa but must hold an approved ESTA under the US Visa Waiver Programme for stays of up to 90 days; apply online a few days before you travel and carry a passport valid for your stay. The currency is the US dollar, so budget in pounds and expect restaurant tips of around 18–20%. No special vaccinations are required. Winters are genuinely cold, well below freezing, so pack accordingly, and check your travel insurance covers winter sports if you plan to ski.
