Getting There & Away: White Mountains

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) provides the largest international gateway in New England. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and Portland International Jetport (PWM) offer smaller, mainly domestic alternatives. Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB) is a very small regional airport.

Flight Information

BOS hosts major international and domestic carriers, offering wide flight options.
MHT and PWM mainly connect to various major U.S. Cities.
Prices fluctuate by demand; book well in advance for peak seasons (summer, fall foliage, winter holidays).

Transfers from Airports

Rental cars offer the most flexibility for exploring the White Mountains; public transportation within the region is limited. All major airports have on-site car rental agencies.

Ground Transport Choices

Rental cars are highly recommended for exploration. Book in advance.
Direct shuttle services to the White Mountains are limited. Private car services exist.
No direct public transit from major airports to the White Mountains.

Flight Deals

Find great airfare deals for your trip via Dollar Flight Club.

Best Fares

Compare and book flights for optimal pricing through Skyscanner.

Car Rentals

For flexible travel, find car rentals via DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation

Driving Considerations

A valid driver's license from your home country or state is necessary.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English.
Winter road conditions (Nov-Mar) often call for 4WD/AWD vehicles and snow tires.
Wildlife (deer, moose) frequent roads, especially at dawn/dusk; drive cautiously.

Public Transport Limitations

No Amtrak train service directly reaches the White Mountains.
Concord Coach Lines offers intercity bus service to nearby towns, but local travel from stops is limited.
The Kancamagus Highway can experience heavy traffic during peak fall foliage.
The Mount Washington Auto Road is steep and winding; use lower gears for descent.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

No specific exit fees are imposed for departing New Hampshire. Any fees are included in airfare or are standard federal taxes.

Departure Procedures

Arrive at the airport (BOS, MHT, PWM) at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.

Travel Time

Allow ample driving time from the White Mountains to the airport, considering traffic and weather conditions.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland Location

The White Mountains comprise an inland mountain range. There is no direct access via significant navigable waterways from oceans or major lakes for commercial passenger transport.

Water Activities

Recreational activities like kayaking and canoeing are popular on rivers.
Lakes in the vicinity also support various water sports.
These activities serve leisure, not functional transit purposes.

No Direct Sea/River Access

Boat taxis and major water transportation options are not applicable for travel to or within the White Mountains. The geographical layout supports overland travel as the main means of access.

Access Methodologies

Automobile travel is the most practical and flexible method for visitors.
Road networks provide access throughout the entire mountain region.
Air travel to nearby major airports facilitates the initial journey.

Border Crossing

The White Mountains border Canada (Quebec) to the north. Main entry points from Canada are not directly within the mountainous region.

Entry Points

Travelers from Canada use official border crossings in Vermont or Maine.
Standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures apply.
All required documentation for entering the U.S. Is necessary.

Train & Bus Accessibility

No Amtrak train service directly serves the White Mountains. The closest Amtrak stations are in Portland, Maine, or Boston, Massachusetts. From these cities, ground transportation is necessary.

Intercity Connections

Concord Coach Lines offers intercity bus service to towns like Plymouth, Lincoln, North Conway.
Local taxis or pre-arranged car rentals are needed from bus stops to reach final destinations.
The Conway Scenic Railroad operates tourist excursions within the region.

Road Safety Warnings

Main roads are well-maintained, but secondary roads can be narrow and steep.
Winter driving from November to March calls for cautious driving, snow tires, or 4WD/AWD.
Observe posted speed limits and the "Move Over" law for emergency vehicles.

The Kancamagus Highway can experience heavy traffic congestion during peak fall weekends.
The Mount Washington Auto Road is steep; use lower gears for descent to prevent brake overheating.
Drive cautiously on rural roads, especially at dawn/dusk, to avoid wildlife collisions.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Rental vehicles provide the greatest freedom for exploring the White Mountains at your own pace. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons when demand is high.

Requirements & Companies

A valid driver's license (plus IDP if not English) and major credit card are needed.
Minimum age for rental is typically 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25.
Major companies (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc.) operate at airports serving the region.

Bicycle Rentals

No widespread bicycle sharing programs exist. Local bike shops in towns like North Conway, Lincoln, and Franconia offer bicycle rentals, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes.

Cycling Opportunities

Rentals support exploration of paved rail trails and dedicated recreational paths.
Always wear a helmet; be aware of vehicle traffic on roads without bike lanes.
Mountain biking trails are available at resorts like Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods.

Walking Routes

Town centers like North Conway and Lincoln are pedestrian-friendly with sidewalks for strolling. Paved walking paths like the Franconia Notch Recreational Path offer easier routes.

Parking Information

Ample parking exists in towns. Popular trailheads fill early during peak season; arrive early or have a backup plan. Some WMNF areas require a day-use fee for parking.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are available in larger towns by calling; street hailing is uncommon. Uber/Lyft operate but driver availability can be limited, especially outside peak season or remote areas.

Specialized Transportation

Mountain Access

The White Mountains feature unique transportation experiences that double as attractions, providing access to scenic views or historical journeys without strenuous hiking.

Unique Journeys

Mount Washington Cog Railway: Historic mountain-climbing train to the summit.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway: Gondola to Cannon Mountain's summit.
Wildcat Mountain Gondola: Similar system to Wildcat Mountain's summit.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility varies across attractions and transportation options. Newer buildings, major visitor centers, and some resorts are generally compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Accessible Options

Accessible attractions include the Mount Washington Auto Road and Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.
Rental cars represent the most accessible option for independent travel.
Check specific attraction websites or New Hampshire State Parks for detailed accessibility information.

Tour & Leisure Transport

Tour Buses

Numerous operators offer guided bus tours, popular for fall foliage viewing, typically departing from major cities.

Hop-On-Hop-Off

Limited hop-on-hop-off services exist within the region itself, mainly within a specific town area.

Conway Scenic Railroad

Offers scenic train rides from North Conway, including longer excursions into Crawford Notch.

Travel Insight

Self-driving offers the most practical and flexible way to explore the White Mountains, providing freedom to reach diverse attractions at your own pace.

Getting There & Away