Burlington to Hershey: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The 450-mile drive from Burlington, Vermont to Hershey, Pennsylvania traces a corridor of shifting landscapes—from the Adirondack foothills to the fertile Hudson Valley, then across the rolling farmlands of eastern Pennsylvania. One striking fact: the route crosses no fewer than five distinct geologic provinces formed by ancient seas and glacial retreats.

Most travelers underestimate the sheer variety of topography between these two cities. For instance, the drive passes within 20 miles of the highest point in Vermont (Mount Mansfield) and within view of the Delaware Water Gap, a notch carved through Kittatinny Mountain by the Delaware River.

Choosing the best route depends on your priorities: the I-87 corridor (New York State Thruway) is faster but bypasses charming towns, while US-7 and US-4 through Vermont and New York offer scenic byway experiences. To better understand how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, read our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The drive passes through the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Taconic Range, the Hudson Valley, and the Pocono Plateau of Pennsylvania. Key natural landmarks include the Bennington Battle Monument (Vermont), the Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA), and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (PA).

• Bennington Battle Monument (Vermont) – 306-foot obelisk commemorating a Revolutionary War battle.
• Mohawk Trail (MA) – scenic byway with mountain views.
• Delaware Water Gap (PA/NJ) – hiking trails and river overlooks.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The route does not pass directly through any UNESCO World Heritage sites, but the Statue of Liberty (a 1-hour detour from I-87 near New York City) is a notable exception. For those willing to extend the drive slightly, the site is accessible via ferry from Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

Additionally, the nearby Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater is a 3-hour drive from Hershey, making it a possible side trip.

Culinary Infrastructure

Along the route, diners and farm stands abound. Vermont is known for maple syrup and craft beer (e.g., Magic Hat Brewery in South Burlington). New York's Hudson Valley features farm-to-table restaurants and apple orchards. Pennsylvania offers classic Amish markets and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine near Hershey.

• Best for coffee: Muddy Waters (Burlington, VT) and Caffe Lena (Saratoga Springs, NY).
• Best for lunch: The Blue Benn Diner (Bennington, VT) for classic diner fare.
• Best for sweets: Hershey's Chocolate World, of course, but also local bakeries in Lititz, PA.

Local Commerce & Culture

Small towns along the way offer antiques, art galleries, and seasonal markets. In Vermont, the Shelburne Museum (20 minutes from Burlington) houses folk art and a steamboat. In Pennsylvania, the town of Jim Thorpe (a detour off I-476) features Victorian architecture and train rides.

• Vermont: Church Street Marketplace (Burlington) – pedestrian shopping and dining.
• New York: Troy's River Street – historic district with antiques.
• Pennsylvania: Hershey's attractions – museums, gardens, and outlet shopping.

The most common route follows I-89 south from Burlington to White River Junction, then I-91 south to Brattleboro. From there, US-5 briefly connects to I-91 again, then I-84 west into New York. At Newburgh, NY, I-87 south leads to the New Jersey border, where I-78 west heads across Pennsylvania to Harrisburg. Finally, US-322 east or PA-39 north reaches Hershey.

Total driving distance is about 450 miles, with pure driving time of 7 to 8 hours without traffic. Realistically, plan for 9 to 11 hours with stops. The route includes numerous toll roads: I-87 (New York State Thruway) and I-78 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) have tolls; expect to pay around $15–$20 total.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas prices vary significantly along the route. As of 2025, Vermont stations average $3.50/gallon, New York stations $3.70, and Pennsylvania stations $3.60. A mid-size car with 30 mpg will need about 15 gallons, costing roughly $54. Tolls add another $15–$20. For the journey, budget at least $70 in fuel and tolls.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Fall foliage season (late September to mid-October) offers peak beauty along the Vermont and New York segments, with brilliant maples and birches. Summer brings lush greenery and occasional thunderstorms. Winter driving demands caution north of Albany due to snow and ice. Spring can be muddy with variable visibility.

• Best time to drive: Late spring (May–June) or early fall (September–October) for mild weather and scenic colors.
• Road conditions: I-87 and I-78 are generally well-maintained; US routes may have potholes in spring.
• Visibility: Fog can occur in valleys early morning, especially near the Hudson River.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Major interstates (I-89, I-91, I-87, I-78) are well-lit and patrolled. However, sections of I-87 north of Albany are rural with limited cell service. In winter, road crews are prompt in Vermont but slower in parts of Pennsylvania. Emergency call boxes exist on toll roads but not on rural US highways.

Rest areas are frequent on I-87 (every 30 miles) and I-78 (every 25 miles). Vermont's rest areas are scenic but sparse; plan fuel stops in larger towns.

Family and Child Suitability

The route is highly family-friendly with numerous stops geared toward children. Highlights include the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour (Waterbury, VT), the Magic Forest amusement park (Lake George, NY), and the Crayola Experience (Easton, PA). Hershey, of course, is the ultimate destination with Hersheypark and Chocolate World.

• Top family stop: Crayola Experience, Easton, PA – 20 interactive attractions.
• Rest stop tip: Look for rest areas with playgrounds, such as the I-87 Rest Area near Mohawk, NY.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most rest areas allow leashed pets. Many hotels along the route accept pets, including La Quinta Inn & Suites (multiple locations) and Red Roof Inns. For dining, outdoor patios often welcome well-behaved dogs, especially in Vermont and the Hudson Valley.

• Pet relief areas: Designated pet areas exist at New York State Thruway rest stops.
• Veterinary clinics: Emergency vets available in Burlington (VT), Albany (NY), and Harrisburg (PA).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Plan a stop every 2 hours or 100 miles. Key rest zones include:

1. Middlebury, VT (70 miles from Burlington) – scenic college town with cafes.
2. Saratoga Springs, NY (170 miles) – horse racing town with parks.
3. Scranton, PA (340 miles) – coal mining history, rest stops with vending.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Two under-the-radar stops: 1. The Quechee Gorge (Vermont) – a 165-foot-deep chasm with hiking, 10 minutes off I-89. 2. The Village of Cooperstown (NY) – home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, a 1-hour detour from I-88.

For a peaceful break, visit the Storm King Art Center (New Windsor, NY) – a 500-acre outdoor sculpture park just off I-87.