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Trip from Bristol, NH to Salem, NH

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 34m

Distance

74.6 mi

120 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 27m ★
6 AM
1h 34m
8 AM
1h 49m
10 AM
1h 39m
12 PM
1h 38m
3 PM
1h 40m
5 PM
1h 48m
8 PM
1h 30m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town in New Hampshire, United States

Bristol, NH

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Salem, NH, NH

Salem, NH

Banx Photography

Trip Overview

If you are looking for a straightforward trip through the heart of New Hampshire, this 76.8-mile journey from Bristol to Salem is an efficient choice. You can comfortably complete the drive in about 1 hour and 16 minutes, making it an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. Your path primarily utilizes Summer Street, Highway 104, and I-93 South to navigate the state. Budgeting around $12 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. Since the entire route stays within the Northeast region, you will experience a familiar, consistent atmosphere from start to finish. It is a practical, no-nonsense route perfect for travelers who prefer getting to their destination without unnecessary detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

37.3 miles from Bristol, NH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Styles Bridges Highway 15.7 mi 17m
Senator Styles Bridges Highway 15.4 mi 17m
Everett Turnpike 10.9 mi 13m
Alan Bartlett Shepard Junior Highway 10.8 mi 12m
I 93 7.7 mi 9m
Summer Street 4.4 mi 7m
Alan B Shepard Highway 4.4 mi 5m
Main Street 2.1 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Styles Bridges Highway — 15.7 mi, about 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bristol, NH and Salem, NH.

1

Start on Pleasant Street

102 ft · 2 sec · Pleasant Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
2

Continue on NH 104

4.4 mi · 7 min · Summer Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
3

Continue on NH 104

1.1 mi · 2 min · New Hampshire Highway 104
Use the left lane.
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 93 South: Tilton, Concord Use the left lane.
5

Merge onto I 93

15 mi · 16 min · Styles Bridges Highway
6

Continue on I 93

15 mi · 17 min · Senator Styles Bridges Highway
7

Continue on I 93

0.7 mi · 1 min · Styles Bridges Highway
8

Continue on I 93

8.9 mi · 10 min · Everett Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 93

2.0 mi · 2 min · Everett Turnpike
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 93

7.7 mi · 9 min · I 93
Toward I 93 South: Salem, Boston Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 93

4.4 mi · 5 min · Alan B Shepard Highway
Toward I 93 South: Derry, Boston Use the slight left lane.
12

Continue on I 93

1.0 mi · 1 min · Alan B Shepard Jr Highway
13

Continue on I 93

11 mi · 12 min · Alan Bartlett Shepard Junior Highway
Use the straight lane.
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Exit 2 Toward Pelham, Salem
15

Keep slight left at fork

321 ft · 9 sec
16

Turn left onto Pelham Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Pelham Road
Use the straight lane.
17

Continue on Main Street

2.1 mi · 5 min · Main Street
18

Turn right

113 ft · 8 sec
19

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Flexibility is your biggest advantage on this short trip, as the 1-hour and 16-minute duration allows you to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Since there are no designated stops on this route, make sure your vehicle is prepared before you pull away from Bristol. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the first leg requires your full attention, so plan for a focused start to your drive. With a fuel budget of $12, you can easily manage your costs without needing to worry about mid-route refueling. Use the simplicity of this 76.8-mile trek to your benefit by keeping your departure timing fluid and avoiding the stress of a rigid itinerary.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 37.3 miles from Bristol, NH, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 15.7 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 16 miles or 21m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 37.3 miles or 45m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 17m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Salem, NH than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bristol, NH so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Bristol, NH

This is one driving day of about 74.6 miles and 1h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Bristol, NH.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Styles Bridges Highway for about 15.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

capital city of state of New Hampshire, United States; county seat of Merrimack County, New Hampshire

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Concord, NH

37 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Concord, NH to Salem, NH

38.2 mi · 50m

Pacing Suggestions

Sanbornton, NH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Concord, NH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 37.3 miles from Bristol, NH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

The Windmill Restaurant Inc.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Concord, New Hampshire

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.3

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16032250600

Visit website

Cotton Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Manchester, New Hampshire

2.1 mi

The Windmill Restaurant Inc.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.3

Concord, New Hampshire

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16032250600

Visit website

Cotton Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $30 to $50 mile 53.3

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+16036225488

Visit website

The Bagg Lunch

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.3

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16039357053

Visit website

Copper Door

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour Expensive mile 53.3

Bedford, New Hampshire

Hours: 11:30 am–12 pm

+16034882677

Visit website

The Country Loon Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 53.3

Bedford, New Hampshire

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+16034881874

EV Connect Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 64

Londonderry, New Hampshire

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 37.3

Concord, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 48

Hooksett, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 16

Tilton, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Ford Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 37.3

Bow, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18883571009

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 42.6

Hooksett, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 42.6

Hooksett, NH

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 48

Hooksett, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18882642208

Visit website

Manchester Historic Association's Millyard Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 53.3

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+16036227531

Visit website

SEE Science Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 53.3

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+16036690400

Visit website

Launch Family Entertainment Park Methuen

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 74.6

Methuen, Massachusetts

Hours: 3:30–7:30 pm

+19786553379

Visit website

Hedgehog Park

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 74.6

Salem, New Hampshire

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+16038902000

Visit website

Tarbin Gardens

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 21.3

Franklin, New Hampshire

+16039343518

Visit website

Fun City Trampoline Park Goffstown

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 53.3

Goffstown, New Hampshire

Hours: 3–8 pm

+16036068807

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 5.6 and 71.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
5.6 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the ramp toward I 93 South: Tilton, Concord

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward I 93 South: Tilton, Concord
6
45.8 mi into trip | ~56m in | I 93 / Everett Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto I 93 / Everett Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
47.8 mi into trip | ~58m in | I 93

Keep slight right at fork onto I 93 toward I 93 South: Salem, Boston

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 93 South: Salem, Boston
8
55.5 mi into trip | ~1h 7m in | I 93 / Alan B Shepard Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 93 / Alan B Shepard Highway toward I 93 South: Derry, Boston

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 93 South: Derry, Boston
6
71.7 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Take the exit toward Pelham, Salem

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 2 Toward Pelham, Salem

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.01 one way

$24.02 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 26 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $13.21 $26.43
premium $4.86 $14.29 $28.57
diesel $5.61 $16.47 $32.94

Estimated Tolls: $0.76

Everett Turnpike (10.9 mi) $0.76

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 26.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 22.4 0 $7.83 $3.58
Efficient EV 18.7 0 $6.53 $2.98
EV Truck/SUV 29.8 0 $10.44 $4.77

Gas CO2

26 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (65% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Bristol, NH

Late night in Bristol on Sunday

Local time

4:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Salem, NH

Late night in Salem on Sunday

Local time

4:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

51°F

Concord, NH

37 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

11 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 34m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive as you depart Bristol and navigate your way toward the interstate. The initial sections rely on winding local roads before you transition onto the more structured flow of I-93 South. While the route involves a mix of surface streets and highways, the lack of a dominant highway percentage keeps the experience feeling grounded and manual. Because there are no scheduled stops, you will find yourself behind the wheel for the duration of the 76.8-mile stretch. The road’s personality shifts from the tighter, more technical local turns of Highway 104 to the predictable, high-speed rhythm of the interstate as you head south.

Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 15.7 mi on Styles Bridges Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 74.6 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 5.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.8 miles (I 93 / Everett Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.8 miles (I 93): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Bristol, NH and Salem, NH, road signs point toward Concord and Boston.

Concord

5.6 mi in | ~10m

Boston

47.8 mi in | ~58m | via I 93

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 34m. Total distance: 74.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 15.7 miles on Styles Bridges Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.76 in tolls one way, starting with Everett Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Salem, NH before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through NH can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.

The main spots that need attention: at 5.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.8 miles (I 93 / Everett Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.8 miles (I 93): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Salem, NH before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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