Thrifty Car Rental
New Hampshire

Finding your rental car at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is designed to be a simple process. 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 through different terminals. A covered walkway typically leads you directly from the baggage claim area to the rental car facility, making for a quick and weather-protected transition to begin your New Hampshire journey.

For a more relaxed start to your trip, flying directly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is often the better choice. MHT provides immediate access to New Hampshire's main highways, allowing you to avoid the heavy urban traffic associated with Boston. While Boston's Logan Airport might offer more flight options, the drive north can add significant time and stress, especially during peak commuter hours. Choosing MHT means you can be on your way to the mountains or lakes region much more quickly.

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 straight through the scenic Franconia Notch, offering spectacular views without demanding technical mountain driving. This path serves as a perfect introduction to the region's beauty in a comfortable and straightforward way.

To avoid the heaviest traffic on a summer weekend, it's best to plan your arrival in popular towns like Lincoln or North Conway before 10 a.m. Traffic volumes build rapidly as day-trippers and other travelers converge on these gateway towns. Arriving early not only helps you miss the backups but also makes it much easier to find parking at shops, restaurants, and trailheads. An alternative strategy is to arrive later in the afternoon, after the initial morning rush has subsided.

A strategic base for exploring both regions is the area around Plymouth or Campton. These towns are conveniently located right off I-93, positioning you at the southern edge of the White Mountains and just a short drive north of the Lakes Region. This central location allows for easy day trips in either direction, whether you're heading to Franconia Notch or Lake Winnipesaukee. It's an efficient way to experience the best of both areas without the hassle of changing your accommodations.

A classic and highly rewarding one-day loop begins in Lincoln, heading east on the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112). You can make stops at Sabbaday Falls and the various scenic overlooks along the way. Once you reach Conway, head north on Route 16/302 through North Conway and into Crawford Notch. From there, you can loop back west via Route 3 and I-93 South to return to Lincoln. This comprehensive route covers two of the state's most famous scenic drives and can comfortably be done in a day.

Before you go, it is essential to 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, leading to 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. This simple check can save you from a disappointing and unnecessary drive to the entrance.

For the best experience with minimal traffic, plan your drive on the Kancamagus Highway for early in the morning, ideally just after sunrise. During these hours, the road is quiet, making it much easier and safer to pull into the scenic overlooks. The morning light also provides a beautiful golden glow for photography. A late afternoon drive on a weekday can also be less crowded, but be mindful of the sun's position as you navigate the winding road.

A frequent point of confusion for visitors is the main intersection in North Conway where Route 16 and Route 302 converge and split. If you find yourself in the wrong lane or miss your turn, the safest way to recover is to proceed to the next traffic light or shopping center entrance. There, you can make a safe turn and easily circle back. Avoid making sudden lane changes, as this area is typically busy with both cars and pedestrians.

Towns like Meredith and Wolfeboro serve as excellent hubs for exploring the Lakes Region. They are situated on the shores of the lake but also have strong road networks that provide easy access to surrounding areas without forcing you through the most congested chokepoints. From these locations, you can easily plan day trips to other parts of the lake or venture further into the state. This strategic positioning helps minimize your time spent in traffic and maximizes your time for enjoyment.

During peak season, especially on weekends, parking lots at major Franconia Notch trailheads like Flume Gorge and Falling Waters fill up extremely early, often before 9 a.m. You should 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 your best strategy. Planning for this extra time and walking distance is key to a stress-free start to your hike.

A smart approach is to visit one attraction right at opening time and the other later in the afternoon. For instance, arrive at Flume Gorge when it opens to enjoy the walk before the large crowds arrive. After lunch and perhaps another small activity, visit The Basin in the mid-to-late afternoon. By then, the midday rush has typically passed, allowing for a more peaceful experience at this popular, quick-to-visit natural wonder.

Both drives are scenic and manageable, but they offer different experiences. Franconia Notch is traversed 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 intimately through the mountains, feeling a bit more enclosed. While it has more curves, Route 302 is well-maintained and not overly steep, making it perfectly suitable for the average driver.

The most efficient strategy is to drive directly 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 your car in the garage, the entire historic downtown, including Market Square, the waterfront, and Strawbery Banke Museum, is easily and pleasantly explored on foot. This approach lets you spend your time enjoying the city rather than circling for a parking spot.

To have a smoother coastal drive, start your day in the south and work your way north. Arrive at Hampton Beach early in the morning to enjoy the area before the peak beachgoing crowds and traffic build up. Afterward, take the scenic Route 1A north through Rye, stopping at the various coastal parks and pull-offs. Conclude your day in Portsmouth, where you can explore the historic city in the late afternoon and evening as beach traffic begins to thin out.

For convenient stops, the Hooksett Welcome Centers just north of Manchester are an excellent first option, offering restrooms 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 major hub is Tilton (Exit 20), which features a large cluster of restaurants, gas stations, and stores, making it a popular and easy place to refuel both your car and yourself.

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 are driving south on a Sunday afternoon. To minimize delays, try to travel during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or later in the evening, when the volume of leaf-peeping traffic is lower.

In winter, higher elevation routes are most susceptible to severe weather. Be particularly cautious on the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), which may close entirely, as well as in 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, it's crucial to anticipate slow and challenging driving conditions on the 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 very 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 and less stressful departure.

Yes, visitors should be particularly mindful when driving on state highways that pass through town centers. 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 very short distance. These transitions from open road to busy village are common throughout the state. Paying close attention to posted speed limit signs as you approach any town is the best way to avoid an unwelcome surprise.

For a hiking-focused trip, a vehicle with an all-weather cargo mat or liner is incredibly helpful for managing muddy gear. This allows you to toss dirty boots and wet jackets in the back without worrying about the vehicle's interior. Many travelers also keep a small bin or a few sturdy bags in the trunk to contain soiled items. Having a towel and a clean pair of shoes to change into after your hike will also 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 you head deep into the National Forest ensures you are well-prepared for your adventure.

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

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

To minimize stress, it's best to use a GPS app with real-time traffic data to find alternate routes that bypass the most congested retail corridors. On weekends, major roads like the Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua and Route 28 in Salem can become extremely slow. If your destination is within these areas, try to plan your visit for early in the morning or on a weekday. Otherwise, using parallel secondary roads is often a much faster and more pleasant option.

A great 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 skill levels. After your hike, you can drive back toward Manchester and explore the historic Millyard district. This area is home to several excellent breweries and restaurants, providing a perfect, relaxing way to cap off an active day.

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

Family-focused theme parks like Story Land and Santa's Village are excellent choices for easy logistics. These attractions are designed for families and feature large, dedicated parking lots located right at the entrance, which simplifies the process of 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 a great option for a low-hassle family outing.

You should 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, it is crucial to 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 wise precaution for reliable navigation.

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 famously known as "Moose Alley" for good reason. These large animals are most active at dusk and dawn and can be very difficult to see, so reducing your speed and staying highly alert is essential for safety.

To minimize 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 long lines and secure good parking. An alternative is to visit later in the afternoon, as the morning rush will have subsided. Always check the official websites for current conditions and operating hours before you make the drive.

On your first day, 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 eventually connect you back to 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 maximizes your vacation time by minimizing your time spent in traffic.

When using a scenic pull-off, always use your turn signal well in advance to alert drivers behind you. Make sure your vehicle is pulled completely off the travel lane so that traffic can pass safely. When you are ready to leave, wait for a safe gap in traffic before re-entering the road. It's important to only use designated pull-offs and avoid stopping suddenly on the shoulder, especially on curves or hills where visibility is limited.

When camping, be prepared for narrow, sometimes unpaved, roads within the campground, which can be tricky to navigate, especially in a larger vehicle. Parking pads at individual sites may be small or not perfectly level. It's always best to arrive during daylight hours to make finding your site and setting up your camp much easier. Also, be sure to 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 and stress-free start to your adventure.

For a high-impact drive with minimal time commitment, the stretch of I-93 through Franconia Notch is unbeatable. It offers 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 of these drives deliver a fantastic sense of New Hampshire's diverse landscapes without requiring 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 spot 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 center safely.

To avoid the heaviest traffic, most travelers either leave the White Mountains very early on Sunday morning, aiming to be on the road before 10 a.m. The other popular strategy is to enjoy a full day in the mountains and start the drive 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 fall, almost guarantees you will encounter significant delays on I-93 South.

A logical approach is to plan a large loop through the three states. For example, you could 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, you can drive south through Maine and back west to your starting point. This circular route minimizes backtracking and creates a more efficient and enjoyable journey.