Hertz Car Hire
New Hampshire

To avoid Boston’s notorious traffic, consider taking a shuttle or coach directly from Logan Airport to a southern New Hampshire city such as Manchester or Concord. Arrange to collect your hire car from a location in one of those towns. This lets you relax on the bus journey north and start driving already outside the most congested metropolitan area. Starting from Manchester puts you on a direct and far less stressful route to the White Mountains via I‑93, saving considerable time and frustration.

The most efficient plan is to use Portsmouth as your coastal base and accept that hiking days will involve a significant but manageable commute. Drive west on Route 16 (Spaulding Turnpike), which connects the Seacoast region directly to the Mount Washington Valley and North Conway. This route is straightforward and takes roughly 90 minutes to two hours each way, depending on your chosen trailhead. Start very early to secure trailhead parking and maximise daylight, then enjoy the scenic drive back to Portsmouth for dinner and an evening in town.

During busy summer or autumn weekends, add a significant buffer to standard travel times. The drive from Manchester to the southern edge of the Lakes Region, such as Weirs Beach in Laconia, can easily stretch from one hour to 90 minutes or more. Traffic often bottlenecks on I‑93 North around Concord and again on local roads like Route 3 as you approach the lake. To minimise delays, travel early in the morning, before 9am, or later in the afternoon. Always check a live traffic app before you depart for the most accurate real‑time estimate.

For a first‑time winter driver, stick to major highways as much as possible. Interstate 93 is the primary artery into the White Mountains and is very well maintained and prioritised for ploughing and gritting during winter storms. This route provides direct access to exits for Cannon Mountain and Loon Mountain. For Bretton Woods you’ll take I‑93 to Route 3, also a major, well‑serviced road. Avoid smaller scenic back roads as they may not be cleared as quickly and can be harder to navigate in snowy or icy conditions.

On a typical Friday evening during ski season, expect heavy congestion on I‑93 northbound, starting from the Massachusetts border and intensifying around Manchester and Concord. The journey can easily take an extra hour or more compared with off‑peak times. The heaviest traffic is usually between 4pm and 7pm as commuters mix with weekend travellers. To avoid the worst, try to leave either before 2pm or after 8pm, or consider travelling on a Thursday night or very early on Saturday morning if your schedule allows.

A popular and convenient stopping point is the Hooksett Welcome Centre on I‑93 North, just past Manchester; it offers restrooms, a state liquor store and visitor information. Further north, Tilton (Exit 20 off I‑93) has a cluster of fast‑food restaurants, petrol stations and shops right off the highway. If you’re taking Route 16 towards North Conway, the towns of Rochester and Ossipee provide plenty of opportunities for breaks with numerous restaurants and services. Many travellers enjoy stopping at the White Lake State Park day‑use area in Tamworth for a scenic leg stretch.

During peak foliage, expect the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) and the roads through Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch to be extremely popular and slow‑moving, especially at weekends. A smarter plan for parking at iconic viewpoints like those along the 'Kanc' is to go very early in the morning, ideally before 9am. Alternatively, visit on a weekday to reduce crowds. Another strategy is to explore less‑trafficked but equally beautiful routes, such as Route 302 through Crawford Notch or back roads around the Lakes Region, which offer stunning scenery with fewer parking challenges.

Base yourself centrally, perhaps in Lincoln or North Conway. On day one, do a scenic drive such as the full Kancamagus Highway loop. On day two choose a hike in the immediate vicinity, for example trails in Franconia Notch if you’re in Lincoln, or Cathedral Ledge if you’re in North Conway. On day three explore nearby small towns like Littleton, Jackson or Woodstock, focusing on local shops and cafés. This keeps driving minimal and avoids retracing your steps.

Flexibility and a backup plan are key. Check the Mount Washington Observatory’s higher summits forecast right before you leave. If the weather is clear, make the Auto Road your first activity to take advantage of good conditions. If the forecast is uncertain or deteriorates, pivot to a lower‑elevation activity in nearby Pinkham Notch or Crawford Notch. Good alternatives include visiting Glen Ellis Falls, hiking to Diana’s Baths, or browsing the shops in North Conway until the weather improves.

From Lincoln, the most logical loop is to head south first to visit Flume Gorge in the morning. After your visit, return to I‑93 and drive a few miles north to Exit 32, where the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) begins. Drive the full 34.5‑mile scenic byway east, stopping at viewpoints along the way; this leads directly into Conway. From there it’s a short drive north on Route 16 to North Conway, and you can return to Lincoln via Route 302 through Crawford Notch for a different scenic perspective.

The commonest mistake is relying solely on a phone’s GPS, as mobile service is virtually non‑existent for much of the Kancamagus Highway. That can leave you without directions or the ability to look up information on trailheads and overlooks. Download offline maps of the White Mountains region to your phone before you start. It’s also wise to carry a physical road map as a reliable backup. Another frequent error is underestimating the time needed with stops, so start with a full tank and plenty of daylight.

For extremely popular trailheads, especially at weekends in summer and autumn, arriving early is critical. To secure a spot for the Franconia Ridge Loop, plan to be in the car park by 7:00am, and even earlier on holiday weekends. For attractions such as Diana’s Baths and Artist’s Bluff, which have quicker turnover, arriving before 9:00am is highly recommended. If you arrive later you will likely face full lots and may need to use overflow parking or choose a less crowded hike.

Be prepared before you arrive. Many popular areas within the White Mountain National Forest require a recreation pass, often purchasable at on‑site self‑service pay stations, so carrying some cash is a good idea. New Hampshire State Parks use a mix of staffed toll booths, pay‑and‑display machines and online reservation systems. Read the signs carefully on arrival to understand specific requirements, and display your pass or receipt clearly on the dashboard to avoid a fine.

The Kancamagus Highway is an excellent choice, as many of its best views are from roadside pull‑offs requiring no walking. Similarly, the drive through Crawford Notch on Route 302 offers dramatic mountain scenery viewable from the car. The Mount Washington Auto Road allows you to drive to near the highest summit in the north‑east. Another easy option is the short drive up Cathedral Ledge in North Conway, which provides spectacular valley views a few steps from the car park.

On a rainy day, shift focus from trails to towns and indoor attractions. Consider a scenic low‑elevation drive around Lake Winnipesaukee, stopping in charming towns like Meredith, Wolfeboro or Alton Bay for lunch and shopping. Alternatively, visit covered bridges in the Conway area or explore antique shops and craft breweries across the state. This way you can still experience New Hampshire’s character and beauty from the comfort of the car and cosy indoor spaces.

Driving at dawn and dusk in the White Mountains requires heightened awareness, as large animals such as moose and deer are most active then. They can be hard to spot and may step onto the road unexpectedly, particularly on remote routes like Route 302, the Kancamagus Highway and Route 3 north of Franconia Notch. Drive at or below the speed limit and constantly scan the road edges. Be extra cautious where moose crossing signs are posted—they mark high‑activity areas.

Focus on a specific geographic cluster of bridges rather than trying to see them all. The area around Conway and Jackson in the White Mountains is an excellent choice; it features bridges such as Albany, Saco River and Honeymoon within short driving distances. Another good region is the Dartmouth–Lake Sunapee area, which has a high concentration of historic bridges. By selecting one region you can visit three to five bridges in a few hours, leaving time for other activities.

Choose a hotel in a centrally located town like Plymouth or Ashland. These towns sit on I‑93 and make a perfect midway base between the two regions. From there you can drive south about 30 minutes to explore Lake Winnipesaukee and its towns, and on another day head north 30–45 minutes to reach the White Mountains, including Lincoln, Franconia Notch and the Kancamagus Highway, keeping daily drive times short in either direction.

Timing is crucial to secure parking in popular lakeside towns during peak summer weekends. Your best strategy is to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 10am, to find a spot in the main public lots before day‑trippers and beachgoers fill them. Once parked, explore the town on foot for the day. Alternatively, visit later in the afternoon, after 3pm, when some early visitors have left and parking spaces may open up.

Drive the full length of Route 1A along the coast. Start in the south at Hampton Beach to experience the lively boardwalk in the morning. From there drive north on Route 1A, which takes you past North Hampton State Beach, through the coastal homes of Rye and on to Wallis Sands State Park. This coastal route is far more scenic than inland Route 1 and lets you pull over easily at beaches and rocky viewpoints along the way.

Park in the Foundry Place Garage, a short walk from Market Square. This large modern car park usually has available spaces and lets you leave the car for the day or weekend. Parking here avoids the frustration of hunting for limited on‑street spaces in the narrow historic downtown. From the garage, Portsmouth’s main attractions, restaurants and shops are easily accessible on foot.

Drive slowly and with extra caution. Expect streets much narrower than modern roads and tight right‑angle turns. Pay attention to one‑way signs, which are common. Watch for pedestrians who may step into the road from between parked cars. If you’re in a larger vehicle, consider parking in a designated garage at the edge of the historic district and exploring on foot.

Focus on a region with a high density of breweries. The Seacoast area, including Portsmouth, Dover and Hampton, is an excellent choice with many breweries within a 20–30 minute drive. Another option is to centre the trip around Manchester and Concord, which also have a strong cluster of craft producers. By concentrating on one region per day you can visit several locations while minimising time behind the wheel and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience.

An SUV or a minivan is often the most practical hire when travelling with bikes. These vehicles typically offer more cargo space so you can store bikes inside with wheels removed, keeping them secure and protected from the weather. An SUV also provides better clearance for accessing some trailhead car parks that may be on unpaved or rougher roads. Check the vehicle’s cargo capacity and seating configuration to ensure it meets your party’s needs and kit.

Base yourself in Manchester or Nashua for convenience. These cities are a short drive from the Merrimack Premium Outlets, making shopping days easy. From this southern New Hampshire hub you have straightforward access to main roads: take Route 101 east for a coastal day trip in under an hour, or head onto I‑93 north to reach the White Mountains in about 90 minutes without changing your base.

While the drive can be about 90 minutes in ideal conditions, you should budget significantly more time during peak traffic. On a Friday afternoon or holiday weekend the journey from Manchester (MHT) to North Conway can easily take two and a half to three hours. Traffic often builds on I‑93 north of Manchester and can be particularly slow on Route 16 as you approach Conway. Always check a real‑time traffic app before leaving the airport.

Stick to the main interstate for a late‑night drive. From Manchester‑Boston Regional Airport take I‑293 to I‑93 North. This is a well‑lit, multi‑lane route for most of the journey toward the mountains and is much easier to navigate than winding back roads at night; it’s also the best option for avoiding wildlife. Have your hotel’s address programmed into your GPS before you leave the airport and consider staying in a town directly off a major exit, such as Lincoln or Plymouth, to minimise complex navigation after a long day of travel.

During mud season, typically March through May, be cautious when leaving main paved roads. Many unpaved dirt and gravel roads can become extremely soft, muddy and deeply rutted as the ground thaws. It’s best to stick to state highways and paved town roads in this period. If you must use a back road, drive slowly and be prepared for challenging conditions; avoid them entirely after heavy spring rain if possible.

Summer is peak road construction season in New Hampshire, so build extra time into your schedule. Before you set out check the New Hampshire Department of Transportation’s traveller information site for updates on major projects and potential delays. On the road be prepared for single‑lane closures, especially on two‑lane routes like the Kancamagus Highway or Route 302. The best approach is to remain flexible, pack your patience and enjoy the scenery while you wait.

During Laconia Motorcycle Week in June expect major traffic congestion and extremely limited parking across the Lakes Region, particularly in Laconia, Weirs Beach and Meredith. Main roads such as Route 3 and Route 11 will be very slow with heavy motorcycle traffic. Parking will be scarce and often restricted to event-specific lots. If you are not participating in the event it’s advisable to avoid the central Lakes Region or visit very early in the morning before the main crowds gather.

Take Interstate 93 North directly into the heart of the White Mountains. For Story Land in Glen take I‑93 to Exit 32 in Lincoln, then travel across the scenic Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) to Route 16. For Santa’s Village in Jefferson continue on I‑93 to Exit 35 in Twin Mountain and then follow Route 3. Sticking to these major, well‑signed roads is simpler than navigating a web of back roads and ensures access to services along the way.

Use the interstates as your main connectors. A sensible loop is to drive up I‑93 to the Littleton area, then cross into Vermont and head south on I‑91 to explore towns like St. Johnsbury or Norwich. To return to New Hampshire you can take I‑89 East from the White River Junction area, which brings you back toward Concord. This uses the fastest north‑south routes while allowing you to dip onto scenic two‑lane roads for shorter, targeted explorations.

Use Route 302 as your gateway. This main road runs directly from the Portland, Maine area west into the heart of the White Mountains, passing through North Conway and Crawford Notch. Drive this route, enjoy the mountain scenery, then connect with I‑93 in Twin Mountain to continue north or south. It makes for a logical, scenic detour that fits smoothly into a larger New England road trip without significant backtracking.

Adopt the habit of filling up whenever you’re in a larger town before heading onto a scenic byway. Towns like Lincoln, North Conway, Gorham and Littleton are reliable service hubs before entering remote areas. A good rule of thumb is never to start a drive on roads like the Kancamagus Highway or through Dixville Notch with less than half a tank. Also pack water and snacks, as food options can be as sparse as petrol stations on these beautiful but isolated routes.

Call your hotel ahead to ask about parking and check‑in policies. Many hotels will let you pre‑register and leave your car in their lot in the morning even if your room isn’t ready. This secures a valuable parking spot for the day; you can then explore on foot or use a local shuttle. This simple step can save you the hassle of hunting for parking on a busy Saturday afternoon.

Expect conditions to change rapidly and often be much worse than in the valleys. Roads can be snow‑covered or icy even when towns are clear. The most important sign to turn around is if you feel uncomfortable with conditions or if your vehicle is struggling for traction. If you see road closure gates ahead they are there for a reason—do not drive past them. Always check road conditions online before you depart.

Look for designated public car parks, usually located just off the main street. Littleton, for example, has several municipal lots near the town centre. In places like Jackson and Bethlehem you’ll often find on‑street parking, but pay attention to posted time limits or restrictions. Park in the designated areas and explore on foot—this helps keep narrow main thoroughfares clear for local traffic.

To avoid crowds, visit the most popular sites first thing in the morning. Start at a well‑known waterfall such as Diana’s Baths or Sabbaday Falls, aiming to arrive before 9am. Spend the midday period driving to and photographing covered bridges, which tend to be less busy than waterfalls. This approach lets you enjoy popular natural sites in relative peace and leaves a more relaxed afternoon for exploring.

This is ambitious but achievable with an early start. Choose a shorter sunrise hike, such as Artist’s Bluff or Mount Willard, so you’ll be back at your car by mid‑morning. After breakfast, drive south on I‑93 towards the Lakes Region and expect to arrive in a town like Meredith or Weirs Beach by early afternoon. That gives you several hours for a boat tour, a lakeside walk or a late lunch before heading back.

Budget ample time for the drive and the car return process. From North Conway or Lincoln allow at least two hours to drive to Manchester‑Boston Regional Airport (MHT) without traffic. Add an extra 30–45 minutes as a buffer for possible morning commuter traffic, especially on weekdays. Also allow around 30 minutes for the rental return and shuttle at the airport—leave the White Mountains about three hours before you need to be at your airline’s check‑in desk.