Dollar Car Hire
New Hampshire

For late‑night arrivals, Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is generally your most reliable option in New Hampshire. As the state’s largest airport, its rental/hire car counters typically keep the longest opening hours to accommodate a wider range of flight schedules. It’s still sensible to verify the specific closing time for your chosen hire company on their website. That ensures staff will be available to assist you, even if your flight is delayed.

This is a very realistic and popular way to begin a New Hampshire adventure. The drive from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to the heart of the White Mountains, such as Lincoln or North Conway, typically takes about two and a half to three hours without heavy traffic. Try to avoid arriving during Boston’s evening rush hour for a smoother exit from the city. It’s also a good idea to stop for any supplies in a larger town like Concord or Plymouth on your way north, as options become more limited once you’re in the mountains.

The most straightforward and comfortable route for drivers new to the area is to take I‑93 North from Manchester to Concord, then connect to Route 4 East, and finally take the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) north. This route is a well‑maintained primary highway that gradually leads you into the Mount Washington Valley. It allows you to enjoy the changing scenery without navigating the tighter curves or steeper grades of more direct mountain passes, making for a relaxed introduction to the region.

A logical loop itinerary is the most efficient way to experience both regions. Starting from Manchester you can drive north to the White Mountains and spend a few days exploring areas like Franconia Notch and the Kancamagus Highway. From there, drive south‑east via Route 16 towards the Seacoast to visit Portsmouth and the surrounding coastal towns. To complete the loop, take Route 101 West, which provides a direct and easy drive back towards the Manchester area.

The most convenient and reliable option for exploring Portsmouth town centre is the Hanover Street Parking Garage. It offers ample space and a central location, allowing you to leave your car for several hours without worrying about time limits. On‑street metered parking is available but can be difficult to find at busy times and is better suited to shorter stops. Using the garage lets you relax and enjoy the city’s historic streets, shops and restaurants on foot.

Driving the Kancamagus Highway in early spring requires flexibility and caution, as conditions are highly unpredictable. You might encounter clear, dry road surface at lower elevations while finding icy patches or even fresh snow higher up in the mountain pass. The road can also be temporarily closed due to late‑season snowstorms. Before you go, check the latest road status reports, such as those on the New England 511 website, and be prepared for a range of weather possibilities.

On a prime summer weekend you need to arrive extremely early to secure a parking spot at popular trailheads in Franconia Notch. For famous hikes like the Falling Waters Trail or the Franconia Ridge Loop, car parks are often completely full by 7:00 a.m., and sometimes even earlier. To avoid disappointment, plan to be at the trailhead at or shortly after sunrise. It’s also wise to have a backup plan for a less crowded walk in case your first choice is already at capacity.

During peak fall‑foliage weekends, driving through Franconia Notch on I‑93 can feel more like being in a slow‑moving parade than on a highway. Traffic often slows to a crawl, especially around popular viewing areas like the Flume Gorge and Echo Lake. To have a better experience, plan to drive this scenic stretch either very early in the morning, before 9 a.m., or later in the afternoon. Visiting on a weekday instead of a Saturday or Sunday will also make a significant difference in traffic volume.

Yes — particularly within the White Mountains National Forest, you should not rely solely on GPS. Mobile signal is notoriously unreliable or nonexistent on many back roads and scenic routes like the Kancamagus Highway. Your GPS may lose signal or suggest unmaintained logging roads as shortcuts. For peace of mind, download offline maps of the region to your phone before you start your drive and carry a paper road map as a reliable backup.

Lincoln serves as an excellent base for several fantastic day trips that are short on driving time. You can easily spend a day exploring Franconia Notch State Park, which is right next door, visiting attractions like the Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain. A drive east along the scenic Kancamagus Highway to Conway and back is a classic trip. Additionally, the charming towns of Littleton and Woodstock are just a short, pleasant drive away for shopping and dining.

Accessing the Mount Washington area requires planning, especially on clear days when it’s most popular. Parking at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Centre, a hub for many hiking trails, fills up very early, so an early start is crucial. The Mount Washington Auto Road has its own large car park at the base, but be prepared for a potential wait to begin your ascent during peak hours. Always check the weather and road status before heading out, as mountain conditions can change rapidly.

Winter road conditions vary significantly across the state. In southern New Hampshire main roads are generally cleared more quickly due to higher traffic and population density. As you travel north into mountain towns like Jackson or Bartlett, expect more roads to be snow‑packed or icy, especially secondary roads. The region receives more snowfall and temperatures stay colder, so it’s important to adjust your speed and driving style accordingly for a safe journey.

When driving to New Hampshire’s ski resorts, be prepared for challenging final approaches. Access roads leading to the base lodges are often steep and can become slick with ice, so driving slowly and cautiously is key. The car parks themselves can also be icy, especially in the early morning or after a thaw‑freeze cycle. Take your time when parking and be mindful of pedestrians carrying bulky ski equipment through the lots.

There are several convenient stops for groceries and supplies as you drive north from Manchester towards the Lakes Region. The towns of Concord and Tilton, both located directly off Interstate 93, have large, full‑service supermarkets and retail centres. Stopping in one of these locations is a great strategy to stock up on everything you need. This ensures you are well prepared before you reach the smaller, more specialised shops found in the immediate lake towns.

To bypass the often congested local roads in towns like Meredith or Wolfeboro, the most efficient strategy is to first head towards a major highway. From the western side of Lake Winnipesaukee take Route 11 to Route 16 South (the Spaulding Turnpike). From the eastern side, Route 28 South will also connect you to Route 16. This route provides a more direct, faster‑moving path to Portsmouth and the Seacoast, helping you avoid the stop‑and‑go traffic common on a summer day.

The driving experience when crossing from New Hampshire into Vermont is quite similar, offering a seamless transition for your road trip. Both states are characterised by scenic rural highways and winding two‑lane roads that pass through small towns and hilly terrain. You can expect a comparable pace of travel, where the journey itself is part of the destination. The roads are generally well maintained in both states, providing a beautiful drive through the heart of northern New England.

A great plan is to take the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) north directly from the Portsmouth area. This route evolves into the White Mountains Trail and leads you right into the heart of the scenery. For easy and rewarding stops, consider pulling over at the scenic vistas just south of Conway for beautiful mountain views. Further north, Diana’s Baths offers a short, flat walk to picturesque waterfalls, and a stop in the village of Jackson provides a chance to see a charming covered bridge.

Finding parking in the centre of North Conway can be quite challenging during peak times, especially on weekends and during the fall‑folliage season. On‑street parking along the main thoroughfare fills up quickly. Your best bet is to look for the larger public car parks located just behind the main strip of shops and restaurants. Be prepared to walk a few blocks, and consider arriving earlier in the day to secure a spot more easily.

Many of the charming, historic inns in the White Mountains feature parking that reflects their age. You can often expect smaller, sometimes unpaved or gravel car parks and narrow driveways that may require careful manoeuvring. It’s good practice to plan your first arrival during daylight hours. This makes it much easier to navigate the property layout and find your designated parking spot without stress.

One important rule for visitors to know is New Hampshire’s “Move Over Law”, which requires you to slow down and, if possible, move one lane over for any stopped emergency or roadside assistance vehicle with flashing lights. Additionally, the frequent moose‑crossing signs in the northern half of the state should be taken very seriously. These animals are a genuine hazard, particularly at dawn and dusk, so it’s crucial to stay alert and reduce your speed in marked zones.

Driving a loop that includes both notches is a classic and highly recommended way to see the White Mountains. A great plan is to start in a town like Lincoln or Woodstock, then drive north on I‑93 through Franconia Notch. From there, take Route 3 north to Twin Mountain and connect with Route 302 east, which will take you through the stunning scenery of Crawford Notch. To complete the loop, you can connect to the famous Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) in Conway for a beautiful drive back to your starting point.

For pre‑dawn or post‑dusk driving, sticking to the main, well‑maintained roads is your safest bet. Interstate 93 through Franconia Notch and Route 302 through Crawford Notch are both good choices as they are major thoroughfares. The Kancamagus Highway is also drivable, but it’s much darker with more curves and no lighting, so you’ll need to be extra cautious. Always be on high alert for wildlife, as animals like moose are most active during these hours.

The key to a stress‑free trip to Hampton Beach on a summer weekend is to beat the crowds. Plan to arrive very early in the morning, ideally before 9 a.m., to secure a parking spot before the main lots fill up and traffic on Route 1A becomes heavily congested. An alternative strategy is to visit on a weekday, when both traffic and crowds are significantly lighter. Trying to arrive mid‑day on a Saturday will almost certainly involve a long wait in traffic.

Yes, both routes offer good options for family breaks. Interstate 93 features large, well‑equipped state welcome centres in Hooksett and Canterbury that have restrooms, picnic areas and space for kids to stretch their legs. While Route 16 has fewer official rest areas, it is dotted with numerous scenic pull‑offs as you get closer to the White Mountains. These overlooks provide safe places to stop, enjoy the view and take a quick break from the car.

Driving Route 1 and I‑95 along the Seacoast offers two completely different experiences. Route 1 is the scenic, slower‑paced road that takes you through the heart of coastal towns like Portsmouth, Rye and Hampton, offering glimpses of the ocean and local life. In contrast, I‑95 is a major interstate designed for efficiency, bypassing all the local character for a much faster, though less interesting, trip. Choose Route 1 for sightseeing and I‑95 when your priority is simply getting from point A to point B quickly.

Your primary consideration should be safety. Before leaving the airport, check the latest road conditions and weather advisories using a resource like New England 511. If the forecast is severe or roads are reported as hazardous, the safest decision is often to postpone your drive. Consider booking a hotel near the airport for the night and starting your journey north the next morning when road crews have had time to clear the highways.

When dealing with bad weather like snow or ice, it’s wise to at least double your normal travel time to Manchester Airport (MHT). A drive that typically takes 45 minutes could easily stretch to an hour and a half or more. Road conditions can change quickly, and traffic moves much slower. Giving yourself a generous buffer ensures you can drive safely and cautiously without the added stress of potentially missing your flight.

Manchester is a great starting point for several easy and rewarding day trips. You can drive east on Route 101 to explore the historic seaport of Portsmouth for a coastal experience. For a classic New England small‑town feel, head west toward the Monadnock Region to visit charming towns like Peterborough and Harrisville. A drive north to Concord, the state capital, also offers a pleasant mix of history and scenery along the Merrimack River.

Driving in Hanover’s town centre near Dartmouth College requires some attention, as the streets are narrow and some are one‑way. On‑street parking is limited and in high demand, so your best option is to head directly for the public parking garage. This allows you to park once and explore the beautiful campus and surrounding town on foot. Be aware that during major college events like graduation or homecoming, both traffic and parking will be significantly more congested.

During the busy summer season, the best strategy in popular lake towns is to park your car and explore on foot. Arrive early in the day to secure a spot in a municipal or public car park, as street parking is scarce and fills up quickly. Once parked, the main attractions, shops and restaurants in towns like Meredith and Weirs Beach are easily walkable. This approach saves you the frustration of trying to find parking multiple times throughout the day.

For the most direct and stress‑free drive, take New Hampshire Route 101 East from Manchester. This is a multi‑lane highway that provides a straight shot all the way to the Seacoast area. The signage is clear, and there are very few turns or complex junctions to worry about. It’s the preferred route for travellers who value simplicity and efficiency when getting to Portsmouth.

Yes, absolutely. It is highly advisable to download offline maps before driving in the White Mountains National Forest. Areas along the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), as well as in more remote passes like Evans Notch and Bear Notch Road, have little to no mobile service. Relying on live navigation in these regions is risky, and having offline maps ensures you can navigate confidently without an internet connection.

Wildlife, particularly deer and moose, are a serious consideration when driving in New Hampshire’s rural and forested areas. Be especially vigilant during the hours of dawn and dusk, when these animals are most active and visibility is lower. Pay close attention to wildlife crossing signs, reduce your speed, and continuously scan the sides of the road. A collision with a moose can be extremely dangerous, so caution is paramount.

To enjoy beautiful fall colours with fewer crowds, explore some of the state’s less‑travelled scenic byways. Instead of the Kancamagus Highway, consider driving Route 118 from Canaan to Warren, which offers a quieter mountain experience. The area around Lake Sunapee, using routes like 103 and 4A, provides lovely foliage with rolling hills and lake views. Another excellent choice is driving through the small towns and back roads of the Monadnock Region in the south‑west of the state.

The key is to break the journey into manageable segments. Plan to spend at least one or two nights in the White Mountains first, using a town like Lincoln or Littleton as your base. This allows you to explore the region without feeling rushed. From northern New Hampshire, the drive to Montreal is a reasonable three to four hours via I‑93 and I‑91. This approach turns a long travel day into two enjoyable parts of your holiday.

A great way to make the drive to Acadia more relaxed is to split it into two days. On your first day, drive from your starting point in New Hampshire to a city along the southern or mid‑coast of Maine, such as Portland or Brunswick. This is a relatively short and easy drive. After a comfortable overnight stay, you’ll be refreshed for the scenic, and slightly longer, second leg of the journey up the coast to Bar Harbour and Acadia National Park.

When heading from Portsmouth into Maine for a day trip, be prepared for potential traffic on the bridges connecting to Kittery, especially on summer weekends. Once you’re in popular coastal towns like York, Ogunquit or Kennebunkport, parking is the main challenge. The lots near the beaches and town centres fill up very early. Your best strategy is to start your day trip as early as possible, aiming to arrive and park before 10 a.m.

When driving into Massachusetts, it’s important to know that many of their major highways use an all‑electronic tolling system with no cash option. Hire car companies offer programmes to manage these tolls for their customers. The most effective strategy is to discuss the specific options with the rental/hire agent when you pick up the vehicle. Understanding their process beforehand will help you avoid any unexpected charges or violations.

The state‑run Welcome Centres on Interstate 93 in Hooksett are an ideal meeting point for groups travelling in separate cars. These centres, accessible from both northbound and southbound lanes, offer large car parks, restrooms and visitor information. They provide a safe and convenient location for everyone to gather, coordinate plans and use the facilities before continuing the journey north together.

A great three‑day plan would be to create a scenic loop. On day one, drive from Manchester north to the Lakes Region to explore around Lake Winnipesaukee. For day two, continue north into the White Mountains, drive the iconic Kancamagus Highway, and stay overnight in a town like North Conway or Lincoln. On your final day, drive south‑east to the coast to enjoy historic Portsmouth for a few hours before completing the loop with an easy drive back to Manchester via Route 101.