Navigate Franklin County and beyond. Complete guide to roads, public transit, airports, rail service, and commute times throughout Vermont and neighboring regions.
Franklin County is well-connected by interstate highways and state routes, providing easy access to Burlington, Montreal, and beyond.
Interstate Highway
Major north-south interstate connecting Burlington to Montpelier and beyond. Primary route for commuters traveling to Burlington (25 miles south).
Access Points:
Exits in St. Albans and Georgia
Connections:
Connects to I-91, Route 7, Route 2
Note: Well-maintained year-round, regular winter plowing
US Highway
Historic north-south corridor running through the heart of Franklin County. Main street for St. Albans and Swanton with commercial development.
Access Points:
Runs through St. Albans, Georgia, Swanton
Connections:
Connects to I-89, Route 78, Route 105
Note: Mix of highway and local traffic, retail corridor
State Highway
East-west route connecting Swanton to the Canadian border. Important international crossing at Highgate Springs.
Access Points:
Swanton to Canadian border
Connections:
Route 7, Canadian Highway 133
Note: Border crossing station at Highgate Springs
State Highway
Northern route through St. Albans and eastern Franklin County, providing access to rural communities.
Access Points:
Runs through northern Franklin County
Connections:
Route 7, Route 78
Note: Scenic rural highway
Green Mountain Transit provides public bus service throughout Franklin County and connections to Burlington.
Public Bus Service
Regional transit system serving Franklin County and the greater Burlington area with fixed routes and demand-response service.
Routes & Services:
Fares: Affordable fares, passes available
Features:
Franklin County residents have convenient access to several airports, including Burlington International, just 25 miles away.
Vermont's largest commercial airport offering direct flights to major US cities and connecting service worldwide.
Airlines:
Popular Destinations:
Direct flights to NYC, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and more
• Short-term and long-term parking available
• All major car rental companies on-site
Alternative airport across Lake Champlain in New York, often offering competitive fares.
Airlines:
Popular Destinations:
Florida, Southern destinations
• Often has lower fares for warm-weather destinations
Major international airport with extensive domestic and international service. Requires passport for border crossing.
Popular Destinations:
Extensive international and domestic Canadian service
• Passport required, factor in border crossing time
Amtrak's Vermonter line provides passenger rail service connecting Vermont to New York City and Washington, DC.
Passenger rail service connecting Vermont to New York City and Washington, DC.
Service: Vermonter Line
NYC, Washington DC, Springfield MA, Hartford CT, New Haven CT
Service: Limited service
Historical station, check current service availability
Year-round ferry service across Lake Champlain provides convenient access to New York and scenic travel options.
Route: Grand Isle, VT to Plattsburgh, NY
From St. Albans: 15 miles from St. Albans to Grand Isle ferry
Crossing Time: 12 minutes
Season: Year-round
Convenient crossing to New York side of Lake Champlain. Great for shopping trips to Plattsburgh or accessing I-87.
Accepts: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians
Route: Burlington, VT to Port Kent, NY
From St. Albans: 25 miles from St. Albans
Crossing Time: 60 minutes
Season: Year-round
Scenic crossing of Lake Champlain's main lake. Access to Adirondacks and I-87.
Franklin County features excellent multi-use trails for biking, walking, and year-round recreation.
Length:
26.5 miles
Surface:
Crushed stone, paved sections
Difficulty:
Easy - mostly flat
Route: Richford to St. Albans
Multi-use trail following former railroad corridor through Franklin County. Perfect for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing.
Multiple access points throughout Franklin County
Popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Length:
14 miles (nearby)
Surface:
Difficulty:
Route: Burlington waterfront area
Distance from St. Albans: 25 miles from St. Albans
Stunning lakeside trail along Lake Champlain. Connects to ferry crossing to South Hero.
Worth the drive for a scenic ride
Franklin County's central location provides reasonable commute times to Burlington, Montreal, and other regional destinations.
Distance: 25 miles
Drive Time: 30-35 minutes
Route: I-89 South
Main commute destination for Franklin County residents. Morning and evening traffic can add 5-10 minutes.
Distance: 70 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes
Route: I-89 North to Canadian border
Popular for shopping and entertainment. Passport required. Factor in border crossing time (15-45 minutes depending on wait).
Distance: 35 miles
Drive Time: 40-45 minutes
Route: Route 7 North to ferry, or around lake
Shopping destination. Ferry crossing available (Grand Isle to Plattsburgh).
Distance: 60 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour
Route: I-89 South
Vermont's capital city. Straight shot on I-89.
Real-time road conditions, weather alerts, and traffic information.
Features:
Location: St. Albans DMV
Services:
Vermont Winter Driving
Vermont winters require preparation. Snow tires or all-season tires with good tread are essential. Roads are well-maintained, but check Vermont 511 for real-time conditions before traveling. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle during winter months.
Learn more about living in Franklin County, Vermont.
Whether you're commuting to Burlington or exploring Vermont's beauty, we'll help you find the perfect home base in Franklin County.
