In VT/QC, I always had a much quicker time by jumping off the last exit before the border and crossing at one of the smaller stations. Shorter waits, friendlier agents, simpler crossing.
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Originally Posted by HereAndThereSC
It's not as a sure bet anymore as a lot of people have caught on to this.
HTSC
I try to find obscure border crossing too, but if they are uncrowded, they're also more likely to "hassle" you if you're not local. Kind of like how the TSA is "more thorough" sometimes in obscure airports because they have less to do.
Given the nasty taxes incurred by cross-border air travel, it often makes sense for longer trips to drive across the border. You do have to consider rent-a-car costs too. These can be expensive at some of the smaller airports.
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Are any of the VT/QC crossings insanely busy? I'll be crossing midafternoon on a Thursday if it matters.
Are they really going to hassle a family of four U.S. citizens driving up to Montreal for a weekend? They never have before, at either airports or land crossings.
BTV rental car rates seem pretty normal. On the cheap end, it's $104/wk. for a Thrifty "wild car", which ends up being something small...usually a midsize. On the nicer end, it's $190/wk. for a National midsize, which ends up being almost "pick of the lot" in places that don't have an Exec Select aisle. Probably a premium or SUV. No unusual taxes at BTV. Those rates are about on par with what I've gotten at YUL in the past, although YUL has the advantage in that it usually has some very nice cars on the Exec aisle.
I used to live in ALB, and I would have to say ALB would be your best bet. The airport is located right on the Adirondack Northway (I87) and its a straight shot to Montreal. I drove it in 3 hours once, and there won't be any traffic as long as you don't leave ALB between 5-6pm. You'll be treated to some spectacular scenery along the route too. Just be cautious when travelling on the freeway though through the mountains...and cell service is spotty in some areas.
Are any of the VT/QC crossings insanely busy? I'll be crossing midafternoon on a Thursday if it matters.
Are they really going to hassle a family of four U.S. citizens driving up to Montreal for a weekend? They never have before, at either airports or land crossings.
BTV rental car rates seem pretty normal. On the cheap end, it's $104/wk. for a Thrifty "wild car", which ends up being something small...usually a midsize. On the nicer end, it's $190/wk. for a National midsize, which ends up being almost "pick of the lot" in places that don't have an Exec Select aisle. Probably a premium or SUV. No unusual taxes at BTV. Those rates are about on par with what I've gotten at YUL in the past, although YUL has the advantage in that it usually has some very nice cars on the Exec aisle.
I've had my car searched -- with my family no less -- which didn't bother me, other than the delay. Delays bother me more, and you're more likely to experience that returning to the USA.
With car rentals that cheap in BTV, you're bound to save money given your avoidance of the high transborder aviation tax. You'll also save $20+ on gas by driving your car empty to the USA border and filling up on the American side.
One thing I've said when questioned about why I chose a small border crossing was: "My Garmin took me through here". Usually it eases things up. Obviously you better have a GPS on the dash board when you use that excuse.
The I-87(QC Aut 15) and I-89(QC Rte 133) can get busy on week-ends... Friday afternoons/Saturday mornings/Sunday evenings are usually the worst times. Usually the nearby crossings (think one away in each direction) can sometimes be busy too.
