Lake Champlain Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Lake Champlain

Renting a car in and around Lake Champlain offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and craft your travel plans to suit your preferences. This is particularly appealing for those seeking outdoor adventures or romantic experiences amidst the stunning scenery. With a car, you can visit key attractions like Ausable Chasm, located 9 km away, perfect for outdoor and adventure activities. North Beach, situated 15 km from Lake Champlain, is ideal for a relaxing beach experience. For motorsports enthusiasts, Airborne Speedway, just 11 km away, provides an exciting day out. Additionally, you can explore charming nearby cities such as Colchester, 19 km away, which features Niquette Bay State Park and Waterfront Park, or Burlington, 18 km away, known for its vibrant waterfront and ECHO Lake Aquarium. Port Kent, only 7 km away, is another delightful stop with attractions like Ausable Chasm. Overall, renting a car ensures you can fully enjoy the beauty and activities around Lake Champlain, catering to various traveller types.

Most popular car rentals around Lake Champlain

• Premium SUV: This car type accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. It is especially popular among business travellers who appreciate the space and comfort that a Premium SUV provides. With its robust performance and spacious interior, it offers the flexibility to navigate both urban areas and scenic routes around Lake Champlain effortlessly.
• Midsize: Perfect for couples or families, the Midsize car option comfortably accommodates 5 travellers and supports up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle strikes a balance between space and efficiency, making it a great choice for those wanting to explore Lake Champlain while having ample room for both passengers and luggage. Its versatility ensures a pleasant driving experience as you travel through the picturesque surroundings.
• Fullsize: This option is ideal for families or groups, accommodating 5 travellers with the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. The Fullsize car offers generous space, making it a top choice for those traveling with extra gear or who simply prefer a roomy interior. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, this vehicle ensures that you can comfortably enjoy your journey around Lake Champlain.

Top rated car suppliers around Lake Champlain

• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations situated conveniently within 12 km of Lake Champlain, Enterprise is a popular choice for travellers. Known for its diverse fleet, the most booked vehicles include Premium SUVs and Midsize cars, perfect for exploring the scenic surroundings. Their commitment to customer satisfaction ensures a smooth rental experience as you enjoy the flexibility of your journey.
• Alamo Rent A Car: With 1 rental location also 12 km away from Lake Champlain, Alamo Rent A Car offers a great selection of vehicles to suit your needs. Popular choices include Premium SUVs and Mini Vans, making it easy to accommodate family or friends while you explore the attractions around the lake. Alamo's straightforward rental process adds to the convenience for your trip.
• Avis: Located 12 km from Lake Champlain, Avis provides a reliable car rental option with 1 rental location. Known for their selection of Compact and Economy cars, Avis is ideal for budget-conscious travellers looking to maximise their exploration without sacrificing comfort. Their efficient service ensures that you can quickly get on the road and begin your adventure around the beautiful Lake Champlain.

Where to stay around Lake Champlain

• Colchester: Located 19 km from Lake Champlain, Colchester offers a romantic outdoor experience with beautiful scenery. Key attractions include Niquette Bay State Park, perfect for adventure seekers, and Waterfront Park, ideal for family outings. The area features charming parks like Airport Park, and travellers can enjoy nearby food options, including local wineries and sweet treat shops. This destination is particularly appealing in the warmer months when outdoor activities are plentiful.
• Plattsburgh: Situated 14 km from Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh is great for those seeking adventure and outdoor activities. Highlights include Cumberland Bay State Park, known for its scenic beauty, and the Airborne Speedway for motorsports enthusiasts. The city also features the Battle of Plattsburgh Center and War of 1812 Museum for culture aficionados. With various dining options, including local wineries, this region is vibrant and welcoming, especially during the summer and fall seasons.
• Burlington: Just 18 km from Lake Champlain, Burlington is a hub for outdoor and adventure lovers, especially in winter for skiing activities. Visitors can explore Waterfront Park for family fun, the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center for educational experiences, and North Beach for a relaxing day by the water. The city is known for its breweries and sweet treat spots, making it a delightful place to stay, particularly in the warmer months when outdoor activities abound.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Lake Champlain

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well before your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most cost-effective option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are also acceptable. Just ensure to return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worth the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Lake Champlain

The best value period to rent a car in and around Lake Champlain is May, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. This month offers an ideal balance for those looking to explore. June through August see average prices but high demand, making it a busier time for rentals. April, however, tends to be the most expensive month with slightly high prices and average demand. The trend continues into December, which is typically the busiest month for rentals in the area.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	22.3°F (-5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	29.5°F (-1.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	47.5°F (8.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	64.2°F (17.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
August	77.0°F (25.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	63.0°F (17.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
October	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
November	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly Low