Burlington Vermont Amtrak Station

The Burlington Vermont Amtrak Station is the northern end of the Ethan Allen Express. The train links Vermont's largest city with Albany and New York City. It is a good option if you want to see the Hudson Valley and Green Mountains without driving. This guide covers the station building, its office and services, connecting routes, onboard amenities and planning tips.

Station Ownership and Operations

The building is owned by Main Street Landing Company, and the parking lot is owned by the State of Vermont. Because the station is shared with other tenants, offices and businesses, it feels more like a community hub than a typical rail stop.

Station Office, Tickets and Services

Check Amtrak's Burlington station page for current office, waiting-room and assistance hours. They can change, and third-party sites often list them incorrectly. In general, you can:

• Buy tickets online at amtrakingtrains.com

• Use ticket desks and kiosks where available.

• Request passenger assistance when you book if you need help with boarding, luggage or mobility.

• Change or cancel a reservation through the website or app.

The Ethan Allen Express Route

The train is named for Vermont co-founder and Revolutionary War figure Ethan Allen. Service began on December 2, 1996, as an extended Empire Service train. Amtrak began direct service to Burlington on July 29, 2022, extending the train north from Rutland with intermediate stops in Middlebury and Ferrisburgh-Vergennes.

Connecting Routes and Services

Amtrak Connections at Albany-Rensselaer

Albany-Rensselaer is the main transfer point. From there you can reach other Amtrak trains, including:

• Empire Service, which runs along the Hudson River and westward across New York State.

• Lake Shore Limited, a long-distance train toward Chicago.

• Maple Leaf, which continues toward Niagara Falls and Toronto.

• Adirondack, which heads north toward Montreal.

South of Albany, the Ethan Allen Express acts as an additional Empire Service trip, so you share the track with several other Amtrak routes.

Thruway Bus Connections

The train is supplemented by twice-daily Burlington-to-Albany Amtrak Thruway bus service operated by Vermont Translines. You can book these buses through Amtrak. They also connect passengers from Vermont towns without direct rail service, such as Manchester and Bennington.

The Vermonter

The Vermonter is a separate Amtrak route through eastern Vermont and the Connecticut River Valley. It does not stop in Burlington. Essex Junction, about ten miles from Burlington, is its busiest Vermont station. Know which train you want when you book, because Burlington is served by the Ethan Allen Express.

Local Transit

Burlington's Downtown Transit Center is about three blocks from the station. From there, local buses serve the city and surrounding region. For most visitors, walking, taxis, rideshare or a bike are the easiest options.

Onboard Services

• Seating: Coach and business class.

• Food: A café car serves snacks, drinks and light meals. There is no sleeper product on this route.

• Daytime travel: Because the train runs by day, you can enjoy the river and mountain views. This is especially popular in foliage season.

• Pets and bikes: Amtrak has specific policies and fees, so check them before you travel.

• Winter travel: Weather can affect trains and Vermont roads, so watch forecasts.

Nearby Attractions

• Burlington Waterfront and Bike Path: a short walk from the station.

• Church Street Marketplace: shops, cafés and street performers.

• ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: a science and aquarium museum.

• Craft breweries and Vermont food: cheddar, maple syrup and farm-to-table dining.

• Middlebury and Rutland: easy day trips by train for college-town charm or skiing.

Tips for Riders

1. Confirm departure times on Amtrak.com on the day you travel.

2. Book early for fall foliage, holidays and ski weekends.

3. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

4. Bring a photo ID, a charger and snacks.

5. Allow extra time if you have same-day connections at Albany.

Conclusion

The Burlington Vermont Amtrak Station combines a historic setting with modern rail access. Union Station sits at the foot of Main Street beside Lake Champlain, and it offers a direct daily connection to New York City through the Hudson Valley. Connections at Albany open up the wider Amtrak network, and Thruway buses extend service to more Vermont towns. Service is limited to one train each way per day, so plan ahead, confirm the current schedule and book early for busy seasons. For tourists, students and weekend travelers, it is a relaxed and scenic way to reach Vermont.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Where is the Burlington Vermont Amtrak Station?
It is Burlington Union Station at 1 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401, on the Lake Champlain waterfront.

 Which train stops at the Burlington Amtrak Station?
The Ethan Allen Express, which runs daily between Burlington and New York City.

Can I buy tickets at the station?
You can book on Amtrak.com, in the Amtrak app, at ticket desks and kiosks where available, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Check Amtrak's station page for current office hours.

 Does Amtrak connect Burlington to other cities?
Yes. At Albany-Rensselaer you can transfer to Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf and other routes. Thruway buses also run between Burlington and Albany.

 Is the Vermonter the same as the Ethan Allen Express?
No. The Vermonter serves eastern Vermont and stops at Essex Junction, about ten miles from Burlington. The Ethan Allen Express serves Burlington directly.

 Is there parking at the station?
The parking lot is owned by the State of Vermont. Rules and fees can change, so check Amtrak's station page before you go.

 Is there food on the train?
Yes. A café car sells snacks, drinks and light meals, and you can also bring your own food.