Travel information for the 2026 Gathering, held July 7-12 at the University of Vermont campus in Burlington, Vermont.
We recommend referencing the University of Vermont’s travel pages. They have lots of helpful information!
When to Arrive
Check-in is on July 7, 2026 from 3:00-5:15 p.m. Check-in will be at the Davis Center:
The Davis Center is located at:
570 Main St
The University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05405
Dinner on July 7 is from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Early Arrival
Some people may arrive onsite early if they:
- Attend the Pre-Gathering Retreat for Friends of Color
- Attend the mandatory training for Junior Gathering staff
- Attend the mandatory training for High School staff
Not all clusters may be available when you select early housing. Monday night housing is available only for pre-Gathering attenders and invited volunteers.
Travel Options
Car
The University of Vermont campus is located in Burlington, Vermont. There is a flat rate parking fee to park on UVM’s campus for the week.
Carpooling
If you are interested in carpooling, indicate your interest when you register for the Gathering. You’ll receive an email from FGC to tell you how to contact other carpoolers, or you may follow these instructions.
Airplane
The Burlington International Airport is approximately two miles from campus. Green Mountain Transit may offer service from the airport on Bus #11 or Bus #1. For more information, visit the University of Vermont’s website.
There is also an option on the Gathering registration form to sign up for carpooling (offer or request a ride, or to share a rental car).
We highly recommend purchasing a refundable ticket or travel insurance, as all participants must have a negative COVID test before arriving at the Gathering. We ask all passengers and drivers to wear masks during transport. This helps to limit COVID exposure leading up to the the Gathering.
Train
There are two train stations near the University of Vermont campus. For more information, visit the University of Vermont’s website. You may also want to view the map of bus and train lines.
- Essex Junction Station
The Amtrak Vermonter offers service from Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC. The station is accessible by Green Mountain Transit Bus Route #2 Essex. - Burlington Station
This station is under 1.5 miles from University of Vermont and is accessible by GMT bus.
We highly recommend purchasing a refundable ticket or travel insurance, as all participants must have a negative COVID test before arriving at the Gathering. We ask all passengers and drivers to wear masks during transport. This helps to limit COVID exposure leading up to the the Gathering.
Luggage limitations. We recommend reading Amtrak Carry-on Baggage and Amtrak Special Items (scroll down to Baby Items) or contacting Amtrak if you have questions about luggage limitations.
Discounts: Did you know Amtrak offers group ticket sales? If you are traveling with 3-8 people on the same reservation, there is a discount on ticket prices. There may also be discounts available for students, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Bus
Several bus companies provide bus service to Burlington. We recommend referencing University of Vermont’s website for more information. You may also want to view the map of bus and train lines.
Once you arrive on campus, the University of Vermont offers the Campus Area Transit System, which is comprised of buses.
Travel Grant Opportunities
Financial aid is available, including travel grants for some Friends. See our Financial Aid page for more information. Please note that the priority deadline to apply for financial aid is May 1.
Campus Map
- View the interactive campus map.