National Car Rental
New Hampshire

For the most direct and quickest drive to the White Mountains, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is typically the best option. It provides immediate access to Interstate 93 North, the main highway leading directly into the Lincoln and Franconia Notch areas. While Boston Logan (BOS) is a larger international hub with more flight choices, you must factor in the time and potential stress of navigating Boston-area traffic before your New Hampshire journey begins. Portsmouth (PSM) is excellent for visiting the seacoast but adds considerable driving time if the mountains are your primary destination.

When driving to the Conway area late at night, be prepared for dark, rural roads with limited lighting once you exit the main highways. It is highly advisable to download your route map for offline use, as cell service can be spotty in certain areas leading into the mountains. Be especially vigilant for wildlife, such as deer and moose, which are more active after dusk and can be difficult to see. Also, keep in mind that most gas stations, restaurants, and stores in smaller towns will be closed, so plan to get any necessary supplies closer to the airport.

To enjoy the Kancamagus Highway while avoiding the worst traffic, an early start is essential, especially during peak fall foliage season. From Manchester or the seacoast, aim to be on the road by 7:00 a.m. to get ahead of the main crowds. A great strategy is to drive north on I-93 to Lincoln to start the highway from its western end, which is often less congested initially than the Conway side. This allows you to enjoy the scenic pull-offs with fewer people before making your way east toward the more crowded North Conway area later in the day.

On a typical summer weekend, you should budget approximately two to two-and-a-half hours for the drive from Manchester to the Mount Washington area, including towns like Gorham or Jackson. While the drive can be done in under two hours without traffic, weekend travel often brings congestion, particularly on Route 16 heading north through Conway. To ensure a stress-free trip, plan for potential slowdowns around popular towns and attractions. Leaving Manchester early in the morning is the best way to mitigate delays and maximize your time in the mountains.

For a beautiful fall foliage drive that sidesteps the main crowds on the Kancamagus Highway, consider exploring routes in the western White Mountains or the Lakes Region. A great loop involves taking Route 118 from near Lincoln over to Route 25, then heading toward the scenic university town of Plymouth. Another excellent option is the drive around Lake Sunapee on Route 103 and Route 11, which offers stunning colors with far less traffic. These routes provide classic New England scenery, charming small towns, and vibrant foliage without the bumper-to-bumper conditions of more famous roads.

To secure parking at popular Franconia Notch attractions like the Flume Gorge and the Basin, especially on a summer or fall weekend, you should plan to arrive very early. Aim to be at the parking lots no later than 9:00 a.m., and even earlier if it's a holiday or a peak foliage Saturday. These lots fill up quickly, and once they are full, you may face a long wait or have to skip the attraction entirely. Arriving early not only guarantees a spot but also allows you to experience these natural wonders with fewer crowds on the trails.

The most straightforward and scenic drive between Lincoln and Bretton Woods is north on Interstate 93 through Franconia Notch State Park. This route is not only direct but also takes you past stunning landmarks like the Flume Gorge, the Basin, and the former site of the Old Man of the Mountain. After passing Cannon Mountain, you will take Exit 35 for Route 3 North. Follow Route 3 for about 10-15 minutes, and it will lead you directly to the entrance of the Omni Mount Washington Resort and the Bretton Woods area.

A great way to combine Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains is to create a multi-day loop. Start by driving from the south to explore lakeside towns like Meredith or Wolfeboro first. From the northern side of the lake, you can take Route 25 to Route 16 North, which leads you directly toward Conway and the eastern White Mountains, including the Kancamagus Highway. After exploring that area, you can drive the 'Kanc' west to Lincoln and then head south on I-93 to complete your loop, giving you a comprehensive tour of both iconic regions.

For a central base with easy access to a wide variety of attractions, many travelers choose the Lincoln/North Woodstock area or the North Conway/Conway area. Lincoln is perfectly positioned at the western end of the Kancamagus Highway and the entrance to Franconia Notch, offering immediate access to major hikes and scenic drives. North Conway provides a bustling town atmosphere with extensive dining and shopping, and it serves as the gateway to Crawford Notch, Mount Washington, and the eastern side of the Kancamagus. Both locations minimize driving time to premier New Hampshire destinations.

Driving in the vicinity of the Mount Washington Auto Road demands respect for the mountain's extreme and rapidly changing weather. Conditions at the summit can be drastically different from those at the base, shifting from sunny to foggy with high winds in a matter of minutes. Before planning your drive up, always check the official road status and summit forecast. Be prepared for steep grades and narrow sections of road without guardrails. If visibility becomes poor, it is crucial to drive slowly, use your headlights, and be prepared to turn back if conditions feel unsafe.

For a first-time winter driver in New Hampshire, the mountain passes, known as notches, can be the most challenging routes after a snowfall. Roads through Franconia Notch (I-93) and Crawford Notch (Route 302) are at higher elevations and can experience icy conditions, blowing snow, and reduced visibility. While major highways are well-plowed, these scenic passes require extra caution. Rural backroads in any region can also be tricky as they are often the last to be cleared, so sticking to state highways and interstates is the safest strategy during or immediately after a winter storm.

To minimize traffic on a ski weekend road trip, timing your travel is key. For resorts like Loon and Cannon, which are right off I-93, try to drive up on a Friday afternoon before 4:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m. to avoid the main rush out of Massachusetts. For Bretton Woods, the same principle applies for the I-93 portion of your drive. When returning on Sunday, leaving either before noon or after 7:00 p.m. can help you miss the worst of the southbound congestion, ensuring a smoother journey home.

During peak travel windows, such as Friday afternoons and evenings or Sunday afternoons, expect significant traffic volume on Interstate 93. The stretch from the Massachusetts border north to Concord, and again from Tilton towards the White Mountains, can become heavily congested. On Sundays, the southbound traffic heading back towards Massachusetts often slows to a crawl, particularly through Hooksett and Manchester. To avoid the worst of it, try to schedule your drives for off-peak hours, such as mid-day on Friday or later in the evening on Sunday.

For easy event parking in downtown Manchester, utilizing the city's public parking garages is your most reliable strategy. The Victory Parking Garage and the Center of New Hampshire Garage are both centrally located and offer ample space, putting you within a short walk of major venues like the SNHU Arena and the Palace Theatre. Arriving about an hour before your event starts will typically ensure you can find a spot without stress. Relying on street parking is less predictable and often involves time limits that may not work for a longer event.

It is very practical to visit Dartmouth College in Hanover and enjoy a scenic Connecticut River Valley drive in a single day. A great plan is to start your morning exploring the beautiful campus and the charming town of Hanover. Afterward, you can take a leisurely drive south along Route 12A, which closely follows the river and passes through picturesque towns like Cornish, home to the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park. This route offers classic New England landscapes and allows for plenty of stops without feeling rushed, making for a perfect and manageable day trip.

A common navigation mistake visitors make is underestimating the rural nature of roads immediately off the highway exits. GPS can sometimes suggest a 'shortcut' that turns out to be a poorly maintained or unpaved road, especially in the mountains. In small-town centers, another frequent issue is navigating the town commons or squares, which can have confusing intersections or one-way streets. It's always wise to stick to numbered state routes when possible and to slow down and be observant when driving through historic town centers for the first time.

The best strategy for managing fuel in the White Mountains is to adopt the habit of filling up your tank whenever you pass through a larger town during the day. Towns like Lincoln, North Conway, and Gorham have multiple gas stations with regular hours. Don't let your tank get below a quarter full, as stations can be few and far between on scenic byways and in smaller villages. Many of these smaller, independent stations also close early, so fueling up mid-day prevents a stressful search for an open station late at night.

To catch a sunrise, the drive is usually traffic-free, but you must plan for the darkness and potential for wildlife on the roads. For a popular sunset spot like Artist's Bluff, plan to arrive at least an hour before sunset to secure parking and enjoy the changing light without rushing. The key is to get to your viewpoint well ahead of the main event. The drive down after sunset will likely be slow as everyone leaves at once, so just be patient and enjoy the afterglow of the evening.

The most effective strategy for visiting Hampton Beach by car on a peak summer day is to arrive extremely early. Plan to be there before 9:00 a.m. to have the best chance at securing a spot in the main state park lot or other nearby lots. An alternative is to park at the North Beach or another satellite lot and use the trolley service to get to the main boardwalk area. Trying to find parking mid-day on a sunny weekend is often a frustrating and fruitless exercise, so an early start is non-negotiable for a smooth experience.

A great way to sequence this day is to visit Castle in the Clouds in the morning when you're fresh and ready for the views and walking. It's located in Moultonborough, and arriving early helps avoid crowds. Afterward, you can drive to a nearby town like Weirs Beach or Meredith for an afternoon lake cruise. This allows you to park once in the cruise town, enjoy lunch, and then board the boat without having to move your car again. This sequence separates the two main activities and minimizes parking-related stress.

For day trips into both Vermont and Maine, towns in the western and northern parts of New Hampshire are ideal. Littleton and Hanover are excellent bases for exploring Vermont, as they are situated right on the Connecticut River border, providing easy access to towns like St. Johnsbury or Woodstock. For trips into Maine, basing yourself in North Conway or Gorham is perfect. From there, it's a short and scenic drive into Maine's western mountains region, including destinations like Fryeburg or Bethel.

When driving on New Hampshire's rural roads and approaching covered bridges, the most important thing is to slow down and be observant. Many covered bridges are single-lane, so you must look for oncoming traffic and yield the right-of-way as posted. These narrow roads often have sharp curves, limited shoulders, and can be shared by cyclists and farm equipment. Always anticipate that another vehicle or obstacle could be just around the next bend, and drive at a speed that allows you to react safely.

To plan a relaxing day trip to the Monadnock Region, start by driving from Manchester to Mount Monadnock State Park early to secure parking for your hike. After your hike, explore the charming nearby towns of Jaffrey or Peterborough for lunch. For the afternoon, you can visit a local farm stand or orchard, which are plentiful in the area. For a low-stress drive back, consider taking the scenic Route 101, which is a more relaxed alternative to the main highways and passes through several classic New England villages.

Driving in New Hampshire during mud season, which typically occurs in late March and April, requires caution, especially on unpaved roads. As the snow melts and the ground thaws, many dirt and gravel roads become extremely soft, muddy, and prone to deep ruts. The messiest areas are often the rural backroads in the White Mountains and other less-developed regions. It's best to stick to paved state highways and interstates during this time, and be aware that some smaller roads and hiking trailheads may be temporarily closed to prevent damage.

For a scenic drive that captures New Hampshire's beauty without challenging mountain passes, Route 1A along the seacoast is a fantastic choice. This short but beautiful drive offers stunning ocean views, historic homes, and a classic coastal New England feel. Another excellent option is driving around Lake Winnipesaukee via Routes 11, 28, and 25, which provides continuous lake views and access to charming towns. Both of these routes are relatively flat and easy to navigate, delivering maximum scenery with minimal driving difficulty.

The most convenient places to stock up on groceries and supplies are in the larger towns you'll pass through on your way north. If you're driving up I-93 from Manchester, the towns of Tilton and Plymouth have large, full-service supermarkets located just off the highway exits. These are perfect stops to get everything you need before you get into the more remote mountain areas where stores are smaller and have fewer options. Making this stop early in your drive ensures you arrive at your cabin fully prepared.

To ensure a smooth start to a day at Story Land or Santa's Village, plan to arrive at the park about 30 minutes before it officially opens. This strategy helps you avoid the peak arrival traffic that builds up on routes like 16 and 302. Arriving early not only makes the drive more pleasant but also guarantees you a convenient parking spot close to the entrance. It allows you to get your tickets and be ready to go right when the gates open, maximizing your time for fun inside the park.

To efficiently visit both notches, consider basing yourself in a central location like Bretton Woods or Twin Mountain. From there, you can dedicate one day to exploring Crawford Notch (Route 302) and its attractions, like the Cog Railway and Arethusa Falls. On another day, you can easily drive west on Route 3 to access Franconia Notch (I-93) for sights like the Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain. This approach creates two distinct day trips from a single base, eliminating the need for repetitive driving between the two scenic areas.

For popular trailheads in the White Mountains, an early start is absolutely critical, especially on weekends. Plan to arrive at the parking lot before 8:00 a.m., and even earlier for highly sought-after hikes like those in Franconia Notch. It's also essential to have a backup plan. Research a second or even third hiking option nearby in case your primary choice is full. Never park illegally on the roadside, as this can result in fines and towing, so having alternative trailheads in mind is the best strategy.

The most reliable way to handle cell-service dead spots is to download offline maps of the region to your smartphone before you start your drive. Most major navigation apps offer this feature, which allows your phone's GPS to function without a cellular signal. Many rental cars also come equipped with built-in satellite navigation systems that are independent of cell service. As a final backup, it's never a bad idea to have a physical road map of the state in your car for peace of mind.

A great strategy for a brewery tour is to focus on a specific region with a high concentration of breweries, like the seacoast area around Portsmouth and Hampton. This allows you to visit several excellent spots with short, easy drives between them on well-lit roads. Alternatively, you can plan your brewery visits for the afternoon and select a final brewery that is located in or near the town where you are staying for the night. This ensures your last stop is close to your accommodation, eliminating the need for a long drive back in the dark.

The most significant bottleneck when driving from Boston is typically on Interstate 93, starting around the Salem and Manchester areas, especially during commuter hours or on Friday afternoons. The toll plazas, particularly in Hooksett, can also cause significant backups. To plan around this, try to travel during off-peak times, such as mid-day or later in the evening. Using a GPS app with real-time traffic data can also help you identify and potentially navigate around unexpected slowdowns by suggesting alternate routes like Route 3.

A same-day round trip from the seacoast to the White Mountains for a hike is feasible but makes for a very long day. You should prioritize an extremely early start, leaving the coast no later than 6:00 a.m. to maximize daylight and beat traffic. Choose a shorter, rewarding hike rather than an all-day epic to ensure you have enough energy for the drive back. The drive itself will take at least four hours round trip without stops, so managing your time and energy is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.

The best approach for exploring Portsmouth is to park your car for the day and enjoy the city's walkability. The Foundry Place Garage is a large, centrally located option that allows you to leave your vehicle and easily access Market Square, Prescott Park, and Strawbery Banke Museum on foot. Arrive in the morning to secure a spot, and then you are free to wander the historic streets and waterfront without worrying about finding new parking at each stop. This strategy is far more relaxing than trying to navigate the narrow, often congested downtown streets.

To break up the drive between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains, there are several kid-friendly stops to consider. The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness is a fantastic place to see native wildlife and stretch your legs on easy trails. Another great option is the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, which offers a fun, old-fashioned train ride along the Pemigewasset River. These attractions are conveniently located along the main travel corridor of I-93 and provide a perfect intermission for families on a longer travel day.

For international visitors, it's important to know that on two-lane roads, passing is only permitted where there is a dotted yellow line on your side, and you should only do so when it is clearly safe. When approaching a rotary or traffic circle, traffic already inside the circle has the right-of-way, so you must yield before entering. It is also customary to give a quick, friendly wave if another driver lets you merge or pull out. Finally, be aware that speeds are posted in miles per hour.

A great way to combine these two destinations is over two days, using a base in the western part of the state like Plymouth or Hanover. On the first day, you can explore the Saint-Gaudens park in Cornish and enjoy the scenic drives along the Connecticut River Valley. On the second day, you can drive east on a route like the Kancamagus Highway or head north towards Franconia Notch. This approach allows you to fully appreciate both the artistic history of the river valley and the natural grandeur of the mountains without feeling rushed.

For popular state parks with lake or beach access, such as Hampton Beach State Park or Wellington State Park on Newfound Lake, early arrival is crucial, especially on summer weekends. Many of these parks reach parking capacity by mid-morning and will close their gates to new arrivals. While some parks have experimented with reservation systems, the most reliable strategy is to plan on getting there early. Always check the official NH State Parks website before you go for the most current information on capacity and any reservation requirements.

During motorcycle season, which spans from late spring to early fall, you will share scenic roads with many groups of riders. This generally means you should be extra vigilant, maintain a safe following distance, and be patient, as passing opportunities may be limited. Riders often travel at or below the speed limit to enjoy the scenery, so it's best to relax and adopt a similar pace. Always double-check your blind spots before changing lanes or turning, as motorcycles can be harder to see than cars.

The most reliable way to build in a buffer for unpredictable weather is to check the regional and higher-summit forecasts before you leave and plan for the worst-case scenario. Always add at least 30 to 60 minutes to your estimated travel time for any mountain route, as fog, sudden rain, or even snow can dramatically slow traffic. It's also wise to have an alternate, lower-elevation route in mind if conditions on a high pass like the Kancamagus deteriorate. This proactive planning ensures that a sudden weather shift doesn't derail your itinerary.