Explore New Hampshire United States

Explore New Hampshire United States

What is the best time to travel to New Hampshire

The best time to travel to New Hampshire depends on your interests and preferences. The state experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The fall season, from late September to late October, is a popular time to visit because of the spectacular foliage. Spring is also a good time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities as the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner. Winter is ideal for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. Summer is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and water sports. It is important to note that peak tourist season in New Hampshire is during the summer and fall, which can result in higher prices and more crowds.

How to get to New Hampshire

New Hampshire is easily accessible by air, train, bus, and car.

By Air: The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in Manchester is the largest airport in New Hampshire, with many airlines offering flights to and from the airport. Another option is the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) in Portsmouth, which offers limited commercial airline service.

By Train: Amtrak offers train service to New Hampshire on the Vermonter and the Downeaster lines. The Vermonter line stops in Brattleboro, Vermont, while the Downeaster line stops in Dover, Durham, Exeter, and other towns in southern New Hampshire.

By Bus: Several bus companies operate in New Hampshire, including Greyhound, Concord Coach Lines, and Boston Express. These companies provide service to many cities in New Hampshire, as well as to Boston, New York City, and other nearby cities.

By Car: New Hampshire is easily accessible by car, with major highways including I-93, I-89, and the Spaulding Turnpike.

How to get around New Hampshire

Getting around New Hampshire is mainly done by car. However, there are other transportation options available such as buses, trains, and taxis.

Bus services are provided by the Concord Coach Lines and Greyhound Lines. The Concord Coach Lines connect New Hampshire with Boston, Maine, and New York, while Greyhound provides service throughout the United States.

Amtrak’s Downeaster train service runs from Boston to several towns in New Hampshire, including Exeter and Durham.

Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in major cities and towns.

In addition, there are bike-sharing programs in some cities, and biking and hiking trails are available throughout the state.

National Airports

New Hampshire has one major commercial airport, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), located in Manchester, NH, which serves the southern part of the state. The state’s largest city, Manchester, is located about 50 miles north of Boston and is easily accessible by car, bus, or train from many major cities in the region. Additionally, there are several smaller regional airports in the state, including Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) in Portsmouth and Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB) in Lebanon.

Trains in New Hampshire

There are no Amtrak train stations in New Hampshire, but travelers can take Amtrak trains to stations in neighboring states and then rent a car or take a bus to continue their journey within New Hampshire. Some nearby Amtrak stations include:

Boston, Massachusetts: Boston North Station and Boston South Station

Portland, Maine: Portland Transportation Center

Wells, Maine: Wells Regional Transportation Center

There are also a number of scenic train rides offered within New Hampshire, such as the Conway Scenic Railroad and the Mount Washington Cog Railway. These trains are popular with tourists and offer views of the state’s natural beauty.

Buses in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has several bus companies that offer transportation throughout the state and beyond. Here are some of the major bus companies operating in New Hampshire:

Concord Coach Lines: Concord Coach Lines provides bus services to various destinations within New Hampshire and other parts of New England. They have a hub at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

Greyhound: Greyhound offers intercity bus services that connect New Hampshire to other states in the Northeast and beyond.

Dartmouth Coach: Dartmouth Coach provides transportation between Lebanon and Hanover, New Hampshire, and Boston and New York.

Boston Express: Boston Express provides bus services between Nashua and Salem, New Hampshire, and Boston.

C&J Bus Lines: C&J Bus Lines offers services between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Boston and New York.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway: The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a scenic train ride to the summit of Mount Washington.

Amtrak: Amtrak provides train services to destinations in New Hampshire, including stops in Claremont, Hanover, and Dover.

Additionally, some smaller companies offer bus services within specific regions of New Hampshire.

Accommodations in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some popular options include:

Hotels and Motels: There are many hotels and motels in New Hampshire, ranging from budget options to luxury accommodations.

Bed and Breakfasts: For those who prefer a more intimate and homey feel, New Hampshire offers a variety of bed and breakfasts throughout the state.

Vacation Rentals: Many people choose to rent vacation homes or cabins during their stay in New Hampshire, particularly if they plan to spend a significant amount of time in the area.

Campgrounds: New Hampshire has many campgrounds, which are particularly popular during the summer months when the weather is warm.

Resorts: New Hampshire has several resorts that offer a range of amenities, such as spas, golf courses, and skiing.

It is recommended to book accommodations in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons or if you plan to visit popular tourist destinations.