Thrifty Car Hire
New Hampshire

Finding your car hire at Manchester–Boston Regional Airport is intended to be straightforward. After collecting your luggage, follow the overhead signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Car Center.” The airport consolidates these services, so you won't need to search different terminals. A covered walkway typically leads directly from baggage claim to the rental car facility, providing a quick, weather‑protected transfer to begin your New Hampshire trip.

For a more relaxed start, flying directly into Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is often the preferable option. MHT offers immediate access to New Hampshire's main highways, letting you avoid the heavy urban traffic around Boston. While Boston Logan may offer more flight choices, the drive north can add significant time and stress, especially in peak commuter periods. Choosing MHT gets you on your way to the mountains or lakes region much sooner.

The most direct and manageable route is to take Interstate 93 North. This major highway is well maintained and engineered for a gradual, steady climb into the mountains, rather than the steep grades and sharp turns of smaller state roads. It leads you through the scenic Franconia Notch, offering dramatic views without requiring technical mountain driving. This route is a comfortable, straightforward introduction to the region.

To avoid the heaviest traffic on a summer weekend, aim to arrive in popular towns like Lincoln or North Conway before 10 a.m. Traffic volumes rise quickly as day‑trippers and other visitors converge. Arriving early not only helps you miss the backups but also makes finding parking at shops, restaurants and trailheads much easier. An alternative is to arrive later in the afternoon after the morning rush has eased.

A strategic base for exploring both regions is the area around Plymouth or Campton. These towns sit conveniently close to I‑93, placing you at the southern edge of the White Mountains and a short drive north of the Lakes Region. This central location allows easy day trips in either direction, whether heading to Franconia Notch or Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s an efficient way to experience both areas without changing accommodation frequently.

A classic and rewarding one‑day loop starts in Lincoln, heading east on the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112). Stop at Sabbaday Falls and various scenic overlooks along the way. Once you reach Conway, head north on Route 16/302 through North Conway into Crawford Notch. From there, loop back west via Route 3 and I‑93 South to return to Lincoln. This route covers two of the state’s most famous scenic drives and is comfortably doable in a day.

Before you go, check the official Mount Washington Auto Road website for the day's operating status. Weather at the summit is famously extreme and can change in minutes, resulting in closures due to high winds, ice or fog, even on a sunny day at the base. The website provides real‑time updates on whether the road is open to the summit, current weather conditions and visibility reports. That simple check can save you an unnecessary trip to the entrance.

For minimal traffic, plan your drive on the Kancamagus Highway early in the morning, ideally just after sunrise. The road is quiet then, making it much easier and safer to pull into scenic overlooks. The morning light also gives a lovely golden glow for photography. A late‑afternoon weekday run can also be less crowded, but be mindful of the sun’s position on the winding road.

A frequent point of confusion is the main intersection in North Conway where Route 16 and Route 302 meet and split. If you’re in the wrong lane or miss your turn, the safest recovery is to proceed to the next traffic light or shopping centre entrance. There you can make a safe turn and circle back. Avoid sudden lane changes, as this area is typically busy with both vehicles and pedestrians.

Towns like Meredith and Wolfeboro serve as excellent hubs for exploring the Lakes Region. They sit on the lake shore but also have good road networks that provide easy access to surrounding areas without forcing you through the most congested chokepoints. From these locations you can plan day trips across the lake or venture further inland. This positioning helps minimise time spent in traffic and maximises time for enjoyment.

During peak season, especially at weekends, car parks at major Franconia Notch trailheads like Flume Gorge and Falling Waters fill very early, often before 9 a.m. Be prepared to use designated overflow lots, which can require a walk of up to a mile along a paved recreation path to reach the trailhead. To secure a spot in the main lot, arriving before 8 a.m. is the best approach. Plan for the extra time and walking distance for a stress‑free start to your hike.

A sensible approach is to visit one attraction right at opening and the other later in the afternoon. For example, arrive at Flume Gorge when it opens to enjoy the walk before the crowds. After lunch and perhaps another short activity, visit The Basin in the mid‑to‑late afternoon. By then the midday rush has typically passed, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

Both drives are scenic and manageable but offer different experiences. Franconia Notch is carried by Interstate 93, a modern, multi‑lane highway that feels open and straightforward. Crawford Notch on Route 302 is a two‑lane road that winds more closely through the mountains and feels a little more enclosed. While it has more curves, Route 302 is well maintained and not overly steep, so it’s suitable for the average driver.

The most efficient strategy is to drive straight to the Hanover Street Parking Garage. This centrally located facility saves you the frustration of navigating narrow, often one‑way streets in search of limited on‑street parking. Once you’ve parked, the whole historic downtown — including Market Square, the waterfront and Strawbery Banke Museum — is easily and pleasantly explored on foot. This lets you enjoy the city rather than circling for a space.

For a smoother coastal drive, start in the south and work north. Arrive at Hampton Beach early in the morning to enjoy it before peak crowds and traffic build up. Then take the scenic Route 1A north through Rye, stopping at coastal parks and pull‑offs. Finish the day in Portsmouth, where you can explore the historic city in the late afternoon and evening as beach traffic thins out.

Convenient stops include the Hooksett Welcome Centres just north of Manchester, which offer toilets and travel information. Further north, the city of Concord (accessible from Exits 14 and 15) has numerous fast‑food and restaurant choices right off the highway. Another hub is Tilton (Exit 20), which features a cluster of restaurants, petrol stations and stores, making it a popular and easy place to refuel both vehicle and passengers.

During peak autumn foliage weekends you should plan for significant delays on I‑93, especially through the mountains and approaching the Hooksett tolls. It’s wise to add at least 60 to 90 minutes to your expected travel time, particularly if you’re driving south on a Sunday afternoon. To minimise delays, try to travel during off‑peak hours, such as early morning or later in the evening.

In winter, higher‑elevation routes are most susceptible to severe conditions. Be particularly cautious on the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), which may close entirely, as well as Franconia Notch (I‑93) and Crawford Notch (Route 302). These areas are exposed to high winds that can cause drifting and sudden whiteouts. Always check the latest road conditions and weather forecasts from a reliable source before heading into the mountains during a winter storm.

When an afternoon snowstorm is forecast, anticipate slow and challenging driving on access roads to ski resorts. These roads can become congested and slick very quickly as snow accumulates and everyone tries to leave at once. Road crews are typically effective, but heavy snowfall can still cause significant backups. Plan to leave the mountain earlier than usual or be prepared to wait out the initial rush for a safer, less stressful departure.

Yes, be mindful when driving on state highways that pass through town centres. For example, on Route 16 in North Conway or Route 3 in Lincoln the speed limit can drop sharply from 55 mph to 30 or 25 mph in a short distance. These transitions from open road to busy village are common across the state. Paying attention to posted speed signs as you approach any town is the best way to avoid an unpleasant surprise.

For a hiking‑focused trip, a vehicle with an all‑weather cargo mat or liner is extremely helpful for handling muddy gear. This lets you toss dirty boots and wet jackets in the back without worrying about the vehicle’s interior. Many travellers also keep a small bin or a few sturdy bags in the boot to contain soiled items. Having a towel and a clean pair of shoes to change into after your hike will make the drive to your next destination much more comfortable.

The gateway towns of Lincoln (on the west side) and North Conway (on the east side) are the primary hubs for last‑minute supplies. Both towns have large supermarkets for groceries and water, as well as well‑stocked outdoor outfitters for any gear you may have forgotten, like rain jackets or hiking socks. Stopping in one of these towns before heading deep into the National Forest ensures you’re well prepared.

A popular scenic loop is to drive east from North Conway on Route 302 into Fryeburg, Maine, and continue towards the Sebago Lake region. For your return, take a different route such as heading north on Route 113 through Evans Notch (seasonal). That path eventually leads back into New Hampshire near Gorham, from where you can drive south on Route 16 to return to North Conway, completing a varied and scenic circle.

The Monadnock Region in the south‑west corner of the state is perfect for this. The area around Keene, Peterborough and Harrisville is full of picturesque villages, winding country roads and numerous historic covered bridges. You can spend a day meandering from town to town on scenic back roads. The Lakes Region likewise offers many opportunities to discover charming small towns by sticking to the smaller state routes that circle the lakes.

To minimise stress, use a sat‑nav app with real‑time traffic data to find alternative routes that bypass the busiest retail corridors. At weekends, main roads like the Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua and Route 28 in Salem can become extremely slow. If your destination is within those areas, try to visit early in the morning or on a weekday. Otherwise, using parallel secondary roads is often a faster and more pleasant option.

A good day‑trip plan is to drive a short distance to a nearby state park, such as Bear Brook or Pawtuckaway, for a morning hike. These parks offer a variety of well‑marked trails suitable for all abilities. After your hike, drive back towards Manchester and explore the historic Millyard district. That area is home to several excellent breweries and restaurants, providing a relaxing way to round off an active day.

During peak hours, the main car park at the Conway Scenic Railroad station in North Conway fills quickly. Visitors should be prepared to use nearby municipal lots or designated on‑street parking within the village. To ensure a stress‑free experience, it’s recommended to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled train departure. This provides ample time to find parking and walk to the historic station without feeling rushed.

Family‑focused parks like Story Land and Santa’s Village are excellent choices for easy logistics. These attractions are designed for families and feature large, dedicated car parks located right at the entrance, which simplifies getting in and out. Many state park beaches, such as Ellacoya State Park on Lake Winnipesaukee, also offer straightforward parking and quick access to facilities, making them great options for a low‑hassle family outing.

Expect to lose cell service in many parts of the White Mountain National Forest, especially along the Kancamagus Highway, through Crawford Notch and on most remote back roads. To navigate effectively, download maps of the region to your phone for offline use before you enter these areas. Having a dedicated GPS unit or a traditional paper map as a backup is also a very sensible precaution.

When driving at night in northern New Hampshire, exercise extreme caution for moose, especially along Route 3 north of Pittsburg, Route 302 through Crawford Notch, and the stretch of Route 16 between Milan and Errol. This area is often called “Moose Alley” for good reason. These large animals are most active at dusk and dawn and can be very hard to see, so reducing your speed and staying highly alert is essential for safety.

To minimise crowds, plan your visit for a weekday if possible. Arriving early in the morning, right when the Mount Washington Auto Road or Cog Railway opens, is the most effective strategy to beat the queues and secure good parking. An alternative is to visit later in the afternoon, once the morning rush has subsided. Always check the official websites for current conditions and opening times before you make the drive.

On day one, focus on exploring Franconia Notch by driving up I‑93, perhaps visiting the Flume Gorge or the Cannon Mountain aerial tramway. Spend the night in a nearby town like Lincoln or Woodstock. On day two, drive the scenic Kancamagus Highway east to North Conway for lunch and some exploring. In the afternoon, complete the loop by driving through Crawford Notch on Route 302, which will reconnect you with I‑93. This pacing allows for a thorough yet relaxed tour.

The key is to time your drives strategically. When leaving Boston, avoid the morning and evening commuter rush hours (typically 7–10 a.m. and 3–7 p.m.). Plan to drive north mid‑day or later in the evening for a much smoother trip. On your return to Boston, leave New Hampshire either very early in the morning or after the evening commute has ended. This approach maximises your holiday time by minimising time spent in traffic.

When using a scenic pull‑off, always signal well in advance to alert drivers behind you. Make sure your vehicle is pulled completely off the travel lane so traffic can pass safely. When you’re ready to leave, wait for a safe gap in traffic before re‑entering the road. Use only designated pull‑offs and avoid stopping suddenly on the hard shoulder, especially on bends or hills where visibility is limited.

When camping, expect narrow, sometimes unpaved roads within the campground, which can be tricky to navigate, especially in a larger vehicle. Parking pads at individual pitches may be small or not perfectly level. It’s best to arrive during daylight to make finding your pitch and setting up camp much easier. Also check for any gate closure times, as some campgrounds restrict entry after a certain hour.

Success depends on preparation the night before. Pack your car with all your hiking gear, food and water so you can leave immediately in the morning. Calculate your drive time to the trailhead and add a generous buffer. Set multiple alarms to ensure you wake up on time. Driving on dark, winding mountain roads requires extra caution, so a relaxed pace is essential for a safe, stress‑free start.

For high impact with minimal time, the stretch of I‑93 through Franconia Notch is unbeatable, offering breathtaking mountain scenery directly from a major highway. Another excellent option is Route 1A along the seacoast, which provides beautiful ocean views and a charming coastal atmosphere in just a few miles. Both drives deliver a strong sense of New Hampshire’s diverse landscapes without needing a full day of travel.

The main challenge in North Conway is the heavy mix of vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Route 16. Drivers must be constantly vigilant for people using the numerous crosswalks. Making left turns across traffic can be very difficult during busy periods, and finding a parking space in the main village often requires patience and a bit of luck. Driving slowly and being aware of your surroundings is key to navigating the village centre safely.

To avoid the heaviest traffic, most travellers either leave the White Mountains very early on Sunday morning, aiming to be on the road before 10 a.m., or they enjoy a full day and start driving south after 6 p.m., once the peak traffic has subsided. Leaving between noon and 5 p.m. on a Sunday, especially during summer or autumn, almost guarantees significant delays on I‑93 South.

A logical approach is to plan a large loop through the three states. For example, start in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, then drive west into Vermont to explore the Green Mountains. From Vermont, travel east across the northern part of the states into Maine’s mountains or down to its coast. Finally, drive south through Maine and back to your starting point. This circular route minimises backtracking and makes for a more efficient, enjoyable journey.