One of the most compelling advantages of living and working in the Plattsburgh, NY region is how effortlessly you can get where you need to go. Montreal, Burlington, Vt and New York’s Lake Placid Olympic region are all within an hour’s drive. For healthcare providers balancing demanding schedules with personal commitments, the ability to travel easily - whether locally or internationally - is more than a convenience; it’s a quality-of-life booster. Plattsburgh sits at the crossroads of multiple transportation modes, making it one of the most accessible small cities in the Northeast.

Plattsburgh International Airport offers a convenient local option for domestic travel. For broader domestic and international access, residents can easily reach major airports in Burlington, VT and Montreal, QC - both a comfortable one-hour drive and supported by strong highway connections. Interstate 87 runs directly through Plattsburgh, linking the region to Montreal to the north and Albany and New York City to the south. Just across Lake Champlain, Interstate 89 provides a direct route through Vermont, making cross-state travel smooth and efficient.

One of the most unique advantages of the region is the ease of traveling between New York and Vermont via the Lake Champlain ferries. The Grand Isle, VT → Plattsburgh, NY crossing operates 24 hours a day, year-round, and takes only 15 minutes from shore to shore. Many people enjoy the ferry as part of their commute - a peaceful transition between home and work with views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. The Lake Champlain Transportation Company runs day and night, offering flexibility for varied schedules. Seasonal routes also operate from Burlington, VT to Port Kent, NY, giving commuters and weekend explorers additional options for crossing the lake.

 These ferries have been providing safe, reliable service across Lake Champlain since 1826, making them a trusted part of daily life for residents on both sides of the lake. And if you live further north or south of Plattsburgh, you can take the bridge to Vermont. One is conveniently located in Rouses Point, NY and the other in Crown Point, NY.

 Rail travel is equally accessible. The Plattsburgh Amtrak Station, located in the heart of the city, connects residents to destinations along the Adirondack line, including New York City and Montreal. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or prefer rail for longer trips, Amtrak provides a comfortable, scenic alternative to driving.

 All of this convenience is set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful regions in the Northeast. Plattsburgh is framed by the Adirondack Mountains to the west and Lake Champlain to the east, offering four seasons of outdoor recreation - from hiking and skiing to kayaking and lakeside relaxation.

“The drive is honestly pretty easy, I've been doing it for almost 5 years now. It’s a straight drive south from Montreal. There is rarely any traffic. The Border Patrol Agents are always very friendly and crossing the border is even quicker with the Nexus card. Its time I use to catch up on phone calls, news, or medical podcasts.”  

“I ride the ferry from South Hero, Vermont to Cumberland Head/Plattsburgh 3-4 times per week as part of my commute. It runs regularly, even when the lake is frozen over! I have started to look forward to the ferry as a 15-minute break during my commute, where I can relax, catch up on emails, and enjoy the views of the lake and mountains all around me.”

University of Vermont Health is a rural academic health system with over 100 years of service to small towns and cities across Vermont and northern New York. Our locations include: an academic medical center that partners with the Larner College of Medicine, 5 community hospitals, a children’s hospital, more than 205 outpatient sites, a multi-specialty physicians' group, a home health and hospice provider, 4 skilled nursing facilities and other support services. The community hospitals are located in Plattsburgh, NY, Malone, NY, Elizabethtown, NY, Berlin, VT and Middlebury, VT. For providers joining UVM Health, this means the rare opportunity to build a meaningful career in a place where natural beauty, community connection, and easy mobility all come together.