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Trip from Hampton, NH to Keene, NH

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

Drive Time

2h 11m

Distance

98.1 mi

158 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 2m ★
6 AM
2h 11m
8 AM
2h 30m
10 AM
2h 18m
12 PM
2h 16m
3 PM
2h 19m
5 PM
2h 29m
8 PM
2h 6m

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

Hampton, NH

Wikimedia Commons

city in New Hampshire, United States

Keene, NH

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Crossing New Hampshire from the coast to the southwest, this 98.1-mile journey connects Hampton to Keene in about 2 hours and 11 minutes. It is a straightforward trip that serves perfectly as a one-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $16 on fuel for the trek, making it an affordable regional transit option. By prioritizing efficiency, the route moves you across the state using a combination of the Exeter-Hampton Expressway, US 202, and Route 9. Because both locations sit within the Northeast, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition from the shoreline toward the inland hills.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

49.1 miles from Hampton, NH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Exeter-Hampton Expressway 31.1 mi 36m
US 202 15.5 mi 21m
Route 9 11.9 mi 16m
I 89 8.1 mi 9m
Everett Turnpike 7 mi 8m
I 93 6.4 mi 7m
Keene Road 5.7 mi 8m
Franklin Pierce Highway 3.3 mi 4m
Longest stretch: Exeter-Hampton Expressway — 31.1 mi, about 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hampton, NH and Keene, NH.

1

Start on this road

159 ft · 17 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto US 1

0.3 mi · 47 sec · Lafayette Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
3

Turn left onto NH 27

1.3 mi · 3 min · Exeter Road
Use the left lane.
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward NH 101 West Use the right lane.
5

Merge onto NH 101

31 mi · 36 min · Exeter-Hampton Expressway
6

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 93 North: Concord Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Merge onto I 93

6.4 mi · 7 min · I 93
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 93

7.0 mi · 8 min · Everett Turnpike
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 89 North: Lebanon, White River Junction Vermont
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 89 North: Lebanon, White River Junction Vermont Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto I 89

8.1 mi · 9 min · I 89
12

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 5 Toward US 202 West, NH 9 West: Henniker, Keene
13

Continue on US 202; NH 9

15 mi · 21 min · US 202; NH 9
Use the straight lane.
14

Continue on NH 9

1.9 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
15

Continue on NH 9; NH 31

5.7 mi · 8 min · Keene Road
16

Continue on NH 9

6.7 mi · 9 min · Route 9
17

Continue on NH 9

3.3 mi · 4 min · Franklin Pierce Highway
18

Continue on NH 9

1.8 mi · 2 min · Route 9
19

Continue on NH 9

1.5 mi · 2 min · NH Route 9
20

Continue on NH 9

3.4 mi · 4 min · Route 9
Use the left lane.
21

Turn left onto Washington Street

1.7 mi · 4 min · Washington Street
Use the left lane.
22

Turn right onto Central Square

218 ft · 7 sec · Central Square
23

Continue on Central Square

248 ft · 8 sec · Central Square
24

Turn left onto Roxbury Street

126 ft · 2 sec · Roxbury Street
25

Arrive at destination

Roxbury Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. You should aim to fill your tank before heading out to keep your costs near the estimated $16 budget, as there are no mandated stops required on this 98.1-mile path. If you prefer a relaxed pace, consider timing your transit to avoid peak commute hours, especially when navigating the transition between the expressway and the regional highways. Because the route is direct, use the absence of planned stops to your advantage by taking a quick break whenever you feel the need to stretch your legs. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition from the Exeter-Hampton Expressway to the US 202 and Route 9 segments to ensure a smooth transition.

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 49.1 miles from Hampton, NH, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.1 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 22 miles or 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 49.1 miles or 1h 1m 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 44m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Hampton, 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 Hampton, NH

This is one driving day of about 98.1 miles and 2h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Hampton, NH.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Exeter-Hampton Expressway for about 31.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Deering, NH, NH

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Deering, NH

49 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Chester, NH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Concord, NH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 49.1 miles from Hampton, 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

Cotton Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Manchester, New Hampshire

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $30 to $50 mile 35

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+16036225488

Visit website

Cotton Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $30 to $50 mile 35

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+16036225488

Visit website

The Windmill Restaurant Inc.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.1

Concord, New Hampshire

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16032250600

Visit website

Flag Hill Distillery & Winery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 14

Lee, New Hampshire

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+16036592949

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 42

Hooksett, NH

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 42

Hooksett, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Ford Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 49.1

Bow, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18883571009

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 35

Hooksett, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 49.1

Concord, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 35

Hooksett, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18882642208

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 35

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 35

Manchester, New Hampshire

+18336322778

Visit website

Pats Peak Ski Area

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 63.1

Henniker, New Hampshire

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+16034283245

Visit website

Manchester Historic Association's Millyard Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 35

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+16036227531

Visit website

SEE Science Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 35

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+16036690400

Visit website

Fun City Trampoline Park Goffstown

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 35

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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 55.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 1 / Lafayette Road

Turn left onto US 1 / Lafayette Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
1.6 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward NH 101 West

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward NH 101 West
6
33.1 mi into trip | ~41m in

Take the exit toward I 93 North: Concord

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 93 North: Concord
8
47.4 mi into trip | ~58m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 89 North: Lebanon, White River Junction Vermont

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 89 North: Lebanon, White River Junctio...
6
55.7 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in

Take the exit toward US 202 West, NH 9 West: Henniker, Keene

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

Exit 5 Toward US 202 West, NH 9 West: Henniker, Keene

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.79 one way

$31.59 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 34 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $17.38 $34.75
premium $4.86 $18.79 $37.57
diesel $5.61 $21.66 $43.32

Estimated Tolls: $0.49

Everett Turnpike (7 mi) $0.49

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

$16

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 34.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 29.4 0 $10.30 $4.71
Efficient EV 24.5 0 $8.58 $3.92
EV Truck/SUV 39.2 0 $13.73 $6.28

Gas CO2

34 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (68% 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

Hampton, NH

Night in Hampton on Saturday

Local time

9:17 PM

EDT

Current temp

--

Unavailable

Destination

Keene, NH

Night in Keene on Saturday

Local time

9:17 PM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live 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.

Road read

2h 11m 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?

With 83% of the journey spent on highways, this drive is designed for consistent momentum rather than winding backroads. You will settle into a steady pace early on, tackling your longest uninterrupted stretch of 31.1 miles along the Exeter-Hampton Expressway. While the route is highway-focused, the character shifts as you move off the expressway and transition onto the US 202 and Route 9 corridors. Expect a transition from high-speed, controlled-access lanes to more varied roadway conditions as you head west. It is a practical, utilitarian drive that favors getting you to your destination reliably over technical or challenging terrain.

83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.1 mi on Exeter-Hampton Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Exeter-Hampton Expressway and US 202. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 1 / Lafayette Road.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 98.1 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 (US 1 / Lafayette Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 33.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,380 ft 40 ft

Total Climb

1,465 ft

Total Descent

1,022 ft

Highest Point

1,380 ft

~85.8 mi in

Elevation Range

1,340 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Hampton, NH to Keene, NH, road signs begin pointing toward White River Junction Vermont along the way.

White River Junction Vermont

46.9 mi in | ~57m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 11m. Total distance: 98.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 31.1 miles on Exeter-Hampton Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.49 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 Keene, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

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 (US 1 / Lafayette Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 33.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Keene, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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