Dover, NH to Hanover, NH is 102.6 miles and takes about 2h 24m via I 89 and Dover Road, with a fuel budget near $18 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New Hampshire, connecting the Northeast region. Given its relatively short distance and mostly highway profile, it’s a straightforward drive. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, making for efficient travel. This route is ideal for a single-day excursion, especially if you're looking for a direct way to get from point A to point B without extensive planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
51.3 miles from Dover, NH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 89
55.9 mi
1h 4m
Dover Road
9.2 mi
15m
First New Hampshire Turnpike
7.8 mi
12m
Old Turnpike Road
5.1 mi
7m
I 393
4.9 mi
7m
Knox Marsh Road
3.2 mi
5m
Hanover Street
2.9 mi
5m
Everett Turnpike
2.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 89
— 55.9 mi, about 1h 4m
Traffic on I-89
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 6 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,693 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,154
Quietest
1 AM
~64 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
26.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dover, NH and Hanover, NH.
1
Start on this road
21 ft·8 sec·this road
2
Turn sharp left onto NH 9; NH 108
320 ft·18 sec·Main Street
3
Turn sharp left onto NH 4; NH 9; NH 108
0.4 mi·57 sec·Central Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
4
Turn right onto Hale Street
344 ft·18 sec·Hale Street
5
Turn left onto Locust Street
0.2 mi·33 sec·Locust Street
6
Turn right onto NH 9
0.6 mi·1 min·Silver Street
7
Enter roundabout onto NH 9
215 ft·4 sec·Knox Marsh Road
8
Continue on NH 9
3.2 mi·5 min·Knox Marsh Road
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on NH 155
347 ft·7 sec·Manchester Road
10
Continue on NH 155
1.3 mi·2 min·Lee Road
11
Continue on NH 155
1.1 mi·2 min·Turtle Pond Road
12
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·19 sec
13
Merge onto US 4
1.3 mi·1 min·Concord Road
14
Enter roundabout onto US 4
158 ft·4 sec·Concord Road
15
Continue on US 4
0.5 mi·55 sec·Concord Road
16
Continue on US 4
1.8 mi·2 min·Old Concord Turnpike
17
Continue on US 4
5.1 mi·7 min·Old Turnpike Road
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 4
7.8 mi·12 min·First New Hampshire Turnpike
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on US 4; US 202; NH 9; NH 107
4.3 mi·7 min·Dover Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Enter roundabout onto US 4; US 202; NH 9
265 ft·6 sec·Dover Road
21
Continue on US 4; US 202; NH 9
4.9 mi·7 min·Dover Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 393; US 4; US 202
4.6 mi·6 min·I 393; US 4; US 202
23
Continue on I 393; US 202
0.2 mi·24 sec·I 393; US 202
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Toward I 93 South: Manchester, Lebanon
25
Merge onto I 93
0.8 mi·1 min·Styles Bridges Highway
26
Continue on I 93
2.5 mi·3 min·Everett Turnpike
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 89 North: Lebanon, White River Junction VermontUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Merge onto I 89
56 mi·1 hr 4 min·I 89
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Exit 18Toward NH 120: Lebanon, Hanover
30
Turn right onto NH 120
2.9 mi·5 min·Hanover Street
31
Continue on NH 120
1.3 mi·3 min·Lebanon Street
32
Continue on Lebanon Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Lebanon Street
33
At end of road, turn right onto NH 10
0.1 mi·25 sec·South Main Street
Use the right lane.
34
Turn left onto NH 10A
54 ft·1 sec·West Wheelock Street
Use the left lane.
35
Arrive at destination
NH 10A
Trip Plan
Given this is a 2h 24m drive, leaving anytime in the morning should get you to Hanover with plenty of daylight. With only 102.6 miles, you don't necessarily need to plan for extensive stops, but there are opportunities along I 89 if you need a break. The estimated fuel cost is $18, so ensure your tank is sufficiently full before departing Dover. Keep an eye on the exit signs as you get closer to Hanover, as the highway will eventually give way to local roads for the final approach.
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 51.3 miles from Dover, NH, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.9 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 23 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.3 miles or 1h 19m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hanover, NH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dover, NH so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Dover, NH
This is one driving day of about 102.6 miles and 2h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Dover, NH.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 89 for about 55.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 102.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|NH 9; NH 108 / Main Street
Turn sharp left onto NH 9; NH 108 / Main Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
7
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|NH 4; NH 9; NH 108 / Central Avenue
Turn sharp left onto NH 4; NH 9; NH 108 / Central Avenue
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
41.3 mi into trip|~1h 7m in
Take the exit toward I 89 North: Lebanon, White River Junction Vermont
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 89 North: Lebanon, White River Junctio...
7
102.5 mi into trip|~2h 23m in|NH 10 / South Main Street
At end of road, turn right onto NH 10 / South Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
102.6 mi into trip|~2h 24m in|NH 10A / West Wheelock Street
Turn left onto NH 10A / West Wheelock Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.14 one way
$36.27 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg36 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$19.87
$39.73
premium
$5.29
$21.36
$42.73
diesel
$5.35
$21.61
$43.22
Estimated Tolls: $1.20
First New Hampshire Turnpike
(7.8 mi)$0.54
Old Turnpike Road
(5.1 mi)$0.35
Everett Turnpike
(2.5 mi)$0.18
Old Concord Turnpike
(1.8 mi)$0.13
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
$18
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
30.8
0
$10.77
$4.92
Efficient EV
25.7
0
$8.98
$4.10
EV Truck/SUV
41
0
$14.36
$6.57
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (67% 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Dover, NH
Afternoon
in Dover on Wednesday
Local time
3:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Scattered Rain Showers
NE 5 mph32% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Hanover, NH
Afternoon
in Hanover on Wednesday
Local time
3:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Isolated Rain Showers
N 2 mph15% chanceLive forecast
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
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 24m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Your National Park for the Arts preserves the home and studio of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907). Here stories flow through a landscape of inspiration. Discover the history behind the capt...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
$10
near mile 84.9
Park Closure: Upcoming Closure of Trails, RV/Overflow Parking, and Other Areas
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is 76% highway, so expect a good amount of time on I 89. The longest continuous stretch on the interstate is 55.9 miles, offering a solid period of cruising. You'll transition from Dover Road and First New Hampshire Turnpike onto the highway, and eventually off again as you approach Hanover. Watch for a significant number of exits on I 89, indicating a more developed corridor for much of the route.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.9 mi on I 89.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 89 and Dover Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near NH 9; NH 108 / Main Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 102.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (NH 9; NH 108 / Main Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.1 miles (NH 4; NH 9; NH 108 / Central Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,370 ft66 ft
Total Climb
1,676 ft
Total Descent
1,201 ft
Highest Point
1,370 ft
~80.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,305 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dover, NH and Hanover, NH, road signs point toward Lebanon and White River Junction Vermont.
Hanover is a college town in west central New Hampshire across the Connecticut River from Norwich, Vermont. It is home to Dartmouth College, founded in 1769, whose historic campus dominates the center of the town. Hanover is also a stop on the Appalachian Trail, with through-hikers are a common sight during the summer and fall.
Top landmarks
•Hood Museum of Art — art museum in Hanover, New Hampshire
•The Epic of American Civilization — mural by José Clemente Orozco
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 24m. Total distance: 102.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55.9 miles on I 89. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.20 in tolls one way, starting with First New Hampshire 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.
Yes — we found about 3 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Hanover, NH before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. There are 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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: near the start (NH 9; NH 108 / Main Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.1 miles (NH 4; NH 9; NH 108 / Central Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Hanover, NH before heading back.
