Payless Car Rental
New Hampshire

For most first-time visitors, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is the most convenient and straightforward choice for picking up a rental car. It's centrally located, offering easy access to major highways like I-93 and Route 101 that connect to all regions of the state. The airport is well-signed and less congested than larger hubs, making the transition from your flight to your vehicle a low-stress experience. Alternatively, Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) is an excellent, even smaller option if your trip is focused on the Seacoast region.

Starting your New Hampshire road trip from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is very manageable with a bit of planning. The most direct route is to take I-93 North, which leads you directly into the heart of southern New Hampshire and continues all the way to the White Mountains. To avoid the initial city congestion, try to schedule your flight to arrive outside of peak weekday rush hours. Once you are on I-93, the drive becomes much more relaxed and scenic as you cross the state line, setting a pleasant tone for your adventure.

The most direct and user-friendly route for a weekend trip to the White Mountains from southern New Hampshire is taking Interstate 93 North. This major highway is well-maintained and offers a clear path through the state, gradually becoming more scenic as you head north. You can follow it all the way to Lincoln and the Franconia Notch area, which serves as a perfect base for exploring the region. This route minimizes the need for navigating complex back roads, allowing you to relax and enjoy the changing landscape on your way to the mountains.

To enjoy a fall foliage tour without major delays, strategic timing and route selection are key. Plan your drive for a weekday if possible, as weekend traffic can be significant on popular scenic byways. Start your day early to get ahead of the crowds, especially if you plan to drive the famous Kancamagus Highway. Consider a 'hub and spoke' approach: use a major artery like I-93 to cover distance quickly, then venture onto shorter scenic loops before returning. Exploring less-traveled routes like Route 118 near Rumney or Route 16 north of Gorham can also yield spectacular color with fewer cars.

Driving the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a quintessential New Hampshire experience, but it requires some planning, particularly with limited daylight. The road is a 34.5-mile scenic byway with no gas stations, restaurants, or services, so ensure you have a full tank of gas before you start. It features numerous hairpin turns and elevation changes, so maintain a safe speed and be prepared to use lower gears on descents. With limited daylight, prioritize your stops at scenic overlooks and allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the drive itself, not including stops, to ensure you complete it safely before dark.

After picking up your rental car, especially from Manchester (MHT), you'll find convenient shopping centers just a short drive away. Areas along South Willow Street in Manchester or near the Everett Turnpike (Route 3) in Nashua and Bedford have numerous large supermarkets, pharmacies, and outdoor retailers. If you're heading directly north to the mountains, the cities of Concord and Tilton, right off I-93, offer major grocery stores and supply shops. These locations are ideal for stocking up on snacks, water, and any last-minute gear before you venture into more rural areas.

To make the most of a day trip to Mount Washington from the Lakes Region, an early start is essential. Plan to be on the road by 7:30 or 8:00 AM at the latest, as the drive to the Mount Washington Auto Road or the Cog Railway can take 1.5 to 2 hours. This early departure helps you avoid traffic and ensures you arrive with ample time to ascend the mountain before potential afternoon weather changes. It also allows for a more relaxed pace, with time for photo stops along the way and perhaps another short activity in the afternoon.

A common navigation mistake is underestimating the time it takes to get to the Mount Washington area due to its winding, two-lane approach roads. Another frequent issue is relying solely on GPS without cross-referencing, which can sometimes lead to incorrect turns onto private or unmaintained logging roads. When heading to the Auto Road, ensure your navigation is set for the official Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center address in Gorham. For trailheads, it's wise to use official trail maps or hiking apps in conjunction with your car's GPS and look for official Forest Service signage.

From North Conway, several attractions are easily accessible with straightforward parking. A drive south on Route 16/302 leads you to Diana's Baths, which has a dedicated parking lot, though arriving early is recommended. Heading north, Attitash Mountain Resort and Story Land both have large, well-managed lots designed for visitor volume. For a simple scenic drive, continuing north on Route 302 towards Crawford Notch State Park offers numerous pull-offs and viewpoints with easy in-and-out access, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without a parking hassle.

The most stress-free way to experience Franconia Notch during peak season is to arrive very early, ideally before 9:00 AM, especially on weekends. This gives you the best chance of securing a parking spot at popular sites like the Flume Gorge or the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. An alternative strategy is to visit later in the afternoon, after 3:00 PM, when the morning crowds have started to depart. You can also park at a less-crowded lot, like the one at the former Cannon Mountain ski area base, and use the paved Franconia Notch Recreation Path to walk or bike to different attractions.

On busy summer weekends, parking at both Flume Gorge and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway requires planning. Both attractions have dedicated lots, but they can fill to capacity by mid-morning. It's highly advisable to purchase tickets online in advance, as this often guarantees entry for a specific time slot. Arriving before 10:00 AM is your best strategy for finding a space without a long wait. If lots are full, staff will direct traffic, and you may need to wait or consider returning later in the afternoon when crowds begin to thin out.

A great plan for a day trip combining a drive, hike, and viewpoint is to focus on a specific area like Crawford Notch or Franconia Notch. For example, you could drive through Crawford Notch on Route 302, stopping at the Willey House site for views. Then, proceed to the Arethusa Falls trailhead for a rewarding and relatively short hike. Alternatively, in Franconia Notch, you could drive the parkway, take the short, accessible loop around Echo Lake for your walk, and then enjoy panoramic views from the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.

For families with small children, the Kancamagus Highway is an excellent choice, as it features numerous well-marked scenic overlooks and trailheads with restroom facilities. These pull-offs are frequent and provide safe places to stretch, have a snack, and enjoy the view. Another great option is the drive around Lake Winnipesaukee using Routes 11, 28, and 25. This route passes through several small towns like Wolfeboro and Meredith, which offer public parks, restrooms, and easy places to stop for a break by the water.

Driving from Manchester to the Seacoast on a summer Friday afternoon requires patience, as Route 101 East becomes heavily congested with beach and weekend traffic. The journey can easily take twice as long as it would during off-peak hours. To mitigate delays, plan to leave either before 1:00 PM or after 6:00 PM. If you must travel during peak time, be prepared for slow-moving, stop-and-go conditions, particularly as you approach the Hampton tolls and the exits for Exeter and Hampton Beach. Having snacks and drinks in the car is a good idea.

Driving in downtown Manchester for an event is generally straightforward, as the city has a simple grid layout and good signage for major venues like the SNHU Arena. The biggest challenge is finding parking if you arrive close to the event start time. Visitors typically use the numerous public parking garages, such as the Center of New Hampshire Garage or the Victory Parking Garage, which are centrally located and offer hourly rates. Arriving about 45 minutes to an hour early will give you plenty of time to find a spot and walk to your destination without feeling rushed.

The simplest way to visit Concord's State House area is to head directly for one of the city's public parking garages. The School Street Garage or the Storrs Street Garage are both excellent options located just a short walk from Main Street and the State House plaza. Using a garage eliminates the stress of searching for on-street metered parking, which can be limited and have time restrictions. This approach allows you to park once and then comfortably explore the historic downtown, shops, and government buildings on foot for the rest of your visit.

To avoid the heaviest traffic around Lake Winnipesaukee, especially in Laconia and Weirs Beach, timing is crucial. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends during the summer. If you must visit on a Saturday or Sunday, plan to arrive in the area before 10:00 AM to get ahead of the main rush. The traffic typically peaks between noon and 4:00 PM. Another effective strategy is to plan your visit for the shoulder seasons, like late spring or early fall, when the weather is still pleasant but the summer crowds have subsided.

For the most direct and least winding drive from the Lakes Region to the White Mountains, your best option is to take Route 25 from Meredith or Moultonborough to Route 16 North in West Ossipee. From there, Route 16 will take you straight up to the North Conway area. While Route 16 has some curves, it is a major, well-maintained highway and is much less twisty than smaller back roads. This route provides a comfortable and efficient way to transition between the two popular regions without navigating challenging terrain.

When taking a boat cruise from Weirs Beach, the main departure point, it's essential to arrive early, especially on summer weekends. The primary public parking lots are large but can fill up, so allow at least 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure to find a spot and walk to the docks. Be prepared for metered or paid lot parking. After the cruise, expect significant pedestrian and vehicle traffic as multiple attractions let out at once. Patience is key when exiting the area, as it can take some time for traffic to clear out.

A great way to combine a visit to Castle in the Clouds with another stop is to plan your day geographically. Start your morning at the Castle in Moultonborough, allowing about two to three hours to explore the mansion and grounds. Afterward, you can take a scenic and easy drive south along the lake on Route 109 to the charming town of Wolfeboro. This route keeps you on the eastern side of the lake, where you can enjoy lunch, browse the shops, or walk along the waterfront without having to navigate through the more congested areas further west.

To create an efficient covered-bridge tour, it's best to focus on a specific region where bridges are clustered and plan a logical loop. For example, the area around Swanzey in the Monadnock Region has several historic bridges that can be linked together in a simple driving route. Similarly, the region near Cornish and Plainfield has a collection of bridges, including the impressive Cornish-Windsor Bridge. Before you go, use an online map to plot the locations of the bridges you want to see and connect them in a circular path to minimize unnecessary backtracking.

Driving in New Hampshire during mud season, which typically occurs in late March and April, requires caution. As the snow melts and the ground thaws, many unpaved rural and forest service roads become extremely soft, muddy, and prone to deep ruts. It's common for towns to post weight limits or temporarily close these roads to prevent damage. When heading to trailheads, stick to paved state highways as much as possible and be prepared to find that access roads to more remote areas may be impassable or closed entirely.

During a winter storm, travel between southern New Hampshire and the northern ski resorts can be challenging and slow. Major highways like I-93 are a top priority for state plow crews, but conditions can still involve snow cover and reduced visibility. It is crucial to allow for significant extra travel time, sometimes doubling your usual drive. The final miles on state routes leading directly to the mountains, like the Franconia Notch Parkway or Route 302, can be particularly tricky. Always check the latest road conditions and weather forecasts before you depart.

When mountain weather turns unexpectedly, a great plan-B is to explore the valleys and towns instead of high-elevation roads. You could drive along Route 16 through the scenic Saco River valley, stopping in towns like Jackson or North Conway for indoor activities like shopping or visiting a cafe. Another safe option is to drive along Route 302 west of Bretton Woods towards the town of Littleton, which has a charming Main Street. These lower-elevation drives are less exposed to the worst weather and offer plenty of enjoyable alternatives.

For beautiful scenery without intimidating terrain, the drive around Lake Winnipesaukee is an excellent choice. The roads are generally flat or have gentle rolling hills, offering constant views of the water and surrounding landscape. Another fantastic option is Route 113, which runs from Holderness to Sandwich, providing a classic New England feel with farms, forests, and views of the Squam Lakes. Both of these routes deliver a relaxing and picturesque driving experience perfect for any traveler.

To efficiently travel between New Hampshire and Vermont, use the interstate system as your backbone. You can drive north on I-93 in New Hampshire to the White Mountains, then take a scenic connector like Route 302 west into Vermont. Once in Vermont, you can connect with I-91 to travel north or south quickly. This strategy allows you to cover the long distances on major highways and then use the charming two-lane roads for shorter, more focused explorations of specific areas, maximizing your sightseeing time.

Incorporating a stop in Portsmouth while driving on I-95 between Boston and Maine is very simple. Take Exit 7 for Downtown Portsmouth. This exit leads you directly onto Market Street, which takes you into the heart of the city's historic center in just a few minutes. For parking, aim for the Hanover Street Parking Garage, which is centrally located and well-signed. After your visit, you can easily get back on I-95 North or South by following the clear signage from downtown.

On a sunny summer day, expect significant traffic heading into Hampton Beach, especially along Route 101 East and Ocean Boulevard (Route 1A). The flow is often slow and stop-and-go, so it's best to arrive early in the morning. Most visitors park in the large state park lot right on the main beach, which fills up quickly. There are also numerous private lots along the side streets, as well as metered spots along Ocean Boulevard. Be prepared for a bit of a walk from your parking spot to the sand during peak times.

The most effective strategy for visiting a popular state park beach, like Wallis Sands or Hampton Beach State Park, is to go on a weekday if your schedule allows. If you must go on a weekend, arriving before 10:00 AM is critical, as lots often reach capacity by late morning. Many New Hampshire state parks now use an online reservation system for parking, which is the best way to guarantee your spot. Check the park's official website in advance to see if you can book your entry and parking ahead of time.

A great way to plan a brewery tour is to pick a region and create a loose loop. For example, you could focus on the Seacoast area, which has a high concentration of breweries in and around Portsmouth, Dover, and Hampton. This minimizes drive time between locations. Alternatively, you could plan a route along a major corridor like I-93, stopping at breweries in Concord, Tilton, and the Lincoln area. Always have a designated driver, and plan your scenic drive portion for earlier in the day before you begin sampling.

In rural New Hampshire, GPS systems sometimes suggest shortcuts that lead onto 'Class VI' roads, which are unmaintained, often unpaved, and may not be suitable for a standard rental car. To avoid this, it's wise to stick to numbered state routes and paved local roads, even if your GPS suggests a faster alternative. Before your trip, download offline maps for the region as a backup. If a suggested turn looks like a dirt path or a private driveway, trust your judgment and stay on the more established road.

You are most likely to encounter cell signal gaps in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, particularly along the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) and in remote notches like Evans Notch or Dixville Notch. The area around the Mount Washington Auto Road can also have spotty service. To prevent navigation issues, it is highly recommended that you download the entire region's map for offline use in your preferred mapping app before you leave your hotel. This ensures your GPS will continue to function even without a cellular connection.

Drivers in New Hampshire should always be alert for wildlife, especially deer and moose. These animals can appear on any road but are most common in rural and forested areas, particularly in the White Mountains and the Great North Woods regions. Encounters are most likely to occur at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active and visibility is lower. Always scan the sides of the road as you drive, obey speed limits, and be aware that if you see one deer, another is likely nearby.

To minimize driving, choose a base camp that is central to your primary interests. If you plan to focus on hiking and mountain scenery, staying in a town like Lincoln, North Conway, or Jackson puts you right at the doorstep of the White Mountains. For a trip centered around water activities and charming towns, a base in Meredith or Wolfeboro in the Lakes Region is ideal. For a mix of history, culture, and easy access to all regions, consider Concord, the state capital, which sits at the crossroads of major highways.

Visiting both Franconia Notch and the Kancamagus Highway in one day is definitely achievable with an early start. A logical plan is to begin your day in Franconia Notch, visiting popular spots like the Flume Gorge or Cannon Mountain first thing in the morning to beat the crowds. After spending a few hours there, drive south to Lincoln and head east to begin your journey across the Kancamagus Highway. This route allows you to finish the scenic drive in Conway, where you can have dinner before heading back to your lodging.

From Lincoln or Woodstock, you have many excellent half-day options right at your fingertips. You can spend a morning exploring the attractions within Franconia Notch State Park, such as the Flume Gorge or the Basin, which are just a few minutes' drive north. A short drive east on the Kancamagus Highway will bring you to the Lincoln Woods trailhead for a flat, scenic walk along the river. For a different experience, the town of Littleton, with its delightful Main Street and river walk, is an easy 25-minute drive north on I-93.

To avoid parking issues at trailheads, focus on hikes that start from larger, well-established state parks or visitor centers. For example, many trails in Franconia Notch State Park and Crawford Notch State Park have larger lots designed to accommodate more vehicles. Hikes like Arethusa Falls or the loop around Echo Lake are good options. Additionally, arriving at any trailhead early in the morning, especially on a weekend, dramatically increases your chances of finding a spot. Always have a backup hike in mind in case your first choice is full.

If you have a late-night flight arrival, the best strategy for a low-stress start is to book a hotel near the airport for your first night. This is especially true if you're flying into Manchester (MHT). An airport-area hotel allows you to pick up your rental car and make a very short, simple drive to your lodging. You can then get a good night's sleep and begin your main journey to the mountains or coast the next morning in the daylight, feeling refreshed and ready for the scenic roads ahead.

For an efficient New Hampshire segment, select one or two central bases instead of moving every night. A great combination is to spend two or three nights in a White Mountains town like North Conway or Lincoln to explore the northern region. Then, you can transition to a second base in the Seacoast area, like Portsmouth, for another couple of nights. This approach allows you to fully explore each region with day trips from your lodging, minimizing the time spent packing and unpacking and maximizing your vacation time.

Driving in New Hampshire is generally more relaxed than in major metropolitan areas like Boston. Drivers tend to be more courteous, often allowing others to merge in traffic. On two-lane roads, it's common for slower vehicles to use designated pull-offs to let faster traffic pass, a courtesy that is always appreciated. However, tailgating is still a concern, especially on scenic routes, so maintain a safe following distance. Overall, a patient and polite approach to driving will fit right in with the local culture.