What actually connects
Amtrak Vermonter runs NYC-DC-through-Vermont daily, stopping in Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Windsor, White River Junction, Randolph, Montpelier, Waterbury, Essex Junction, and St. Albans. The Ethan Allen Express runs NYC-Rutland-Burlington. Both take about 8-10 hours from NYC. Greyhound and Megabus connect Boston and NYC to Burlington, White River Junction, and Rutland. From those hubs, you’re stuck.
Making it work
The car-free trip that works: NYC or Boston → Burlington → base yourself there. Church Street is walkable, buses run to Shelburne Museum ($1.50), and you can rent bikes for the Island Line. Ski week car-free: Amtrak to Waterbury, MMBA shuttle to Stowe (free in winter, runs every 30 min). Killington runs a free winter shuttle from Rutland Amtrak. Beyond those two — Uber is thin and taxis are $3/mile and up.
The honest verdict
For a Burlington-focused city trip or a dedicated Stowe/Killington ski week, no car is fine. For any foliage tour, covered-bridge hunt, or general 'see rural Vermont' trip, rent a car. Enterprise and Hertz have desks in Burlington, White River Junction, and BTV airport.
Good to know
How expensive is Uber in Vermont?+
In Burlington, $10-$18 for typical rides. Outside Burlington, supply is unreliable — you may wait 20 minutes or get no driver at all.
Do inns offer pickup?+
Some higher-end inns pick up from White River Junction or Rutland Amtrak for guests staying multiple nights. Ask before booking.