One hour on Burlington’s trolley: waterfront vistas, university gates and Church Street’s pulse

BURLINGTON TROLLEY FIELD GUIDE

One hour on Burlington’s trolley: waterfront vistas, university gates and Church Street’s pulse

A concise, one-hour guided trolley circuit that orients first-time visitors to Burlington’s waterfront, campuses and marketplaces.

One hour on Burlington’s trolley: waterfront vistas, university gates and Church Street’s pulse.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Burlington
Operator
Burlington Trolley Tours
Category
Trolley
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark on a captivating one‑hour trolley tour of Burlington that showcases the city’s waterfront, historic sites and iconic attractions, with informative narration and complimentary water on board.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WATERFRONT

Lake Champlain and the Burlington Waterfront

The tour begins at Burlington’s scenic waterfront on Lake Champlain, a natural and cultural gateway where the trolley departs and returns, framing the city’s lakeside identity.

THE CAMPUS ROUTE

University Landmarks and Academic Gateways

Along the route you pass major institutions including the University of Vermont and St. Michael’s College, each called out in the tour’s narrated highlights.

THE MARKETPLACE

Church Street and Burlington’s Civic Heart

The trolley drives by Church Street Marketplace and other classic local attractions while the guide points out historical sites and things to do before leaving Burlington.

What the day feels like

What the hour feels like

The outing is a relaxed, narrated trolley loop that starts at the waterfront and moves through the city’s key corridors — the University of Vermont, University Mall, the airport corridor, St. Michael’s College, across the Winooski River past the University Medical Center, by Church Street Marketplace, and back to the lakefront — with stops and commentary that point out history and local color, and bottled water provided onboard.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits best

1
FamiliesAdvertised as suitable for all ages, making it a straightforward orientation option for families traveling with children.
2
StudentsThe tour is appropriate for students of any age and the operator notes special student information (discounts are available on request).
3
SeniorsListed as an all‑ages outing, the trolley’s format accommodates older travelers who prefer a seated, narrated sightseeing experience.
4
Young ChildrenWith an 'All Ages' designation, the one‑hour trolley circuit is presented as suitable for young children when accompanied by adults.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Burlington is a four‑season city: check the forecast and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, raincoat, camera and a water bottle as appropriate for conditions.

Pack for Weather

Dress for the season and variable weather; the operator recommends planning clothing and sun/rain protection accordingly.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts one hour.

Where does the trolley start and finish?

Tours start or end at the Burlington Waterfront on Lake Champlain.

Is anything provided on board?

A bottle of water is provided on the trolley.

Are there student discounts?

If you are a student, notify the operator and they can provide a discount code.

Can I connect from the Amtrak station?

With the new Amtrak service to Burlington station you can arrive by train and hop onto the Burlington tours trolley.

What should I bring with me?

Check the weather and consider sunglasses, sunscreen, raincoat, camera and a water bottle depending on conditions.