Traveling from Keene to North Conway covers 134.7 miles of New Hampshire’s interior, typically taking about 3 hours and 23 minutes to complete. Because this journey fits comfortably into a single day, you can easily manage the trip in one go without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $22 on fuel as you traverse the Northeast, moving through a variety of local landscapes. You will navigate via the Styles Bridges Highway, Franklin Pierce Highway, and Whittier Highway. While the duration is manageable, the route is turn-heavy, so plan for an active driving experience rather than a passive cruise.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
67.3 miles from Keene, NH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Styles Bridges Highway
30 mi
33m
Franklin Pierce Highway
19.5 mi
26m
Whittier Highway
12.2 mi
22m
White Mountain Highway
11.9 mi
20m
Route 9
11.8 mi
16m
I 89
8.3 mi
10m
NH 104
8.3 mi
12m
Keene Road
5.7 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
Styles Bridges Highway
— 30 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Keene, NH and North Conway, NH.
1
Start on Roxbury Street
33 ft·3 sec·Roxbury Street
2
Turn right onto Central Square
147 ft·3 sec·Central Square
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Keep slight right at fork onto Washington Street
1.6 mi·4 min·Washington Street
4
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·12 sec
5
Merge onto NH 9; NH 10
3.3 mi·4 min·Route 9
6
Continue on NH 9
1.5 mi·2 min·NH Route 9
7
Continue on NH 9
1.8 mi·2 min·Route 9
8
Continue on NH 9
3.3 mi·4 min·Franklin Pierce Highway
9
Continue on NH 9
6.7 mi·9 min·Route 9
10
Continue on NH 9
5.7 mi·8 min·Keene Road
11
Continue on NH 9; NH 31
1.9 mi·2 min·West Main Street
12
Turn straight onto NH 9
16 mi·22 min·Franklin Pierce Highway
Use the straight lane.
13
Merge onto I 89
8.3 mi·10 min·I 89
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn left onto NH 3A
0.3 mi·41 sec·Route 3-A
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Continue on NH 3A
420 ft·10 sec·South Main Street
16
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·53 sec
Toward I 93 North
17
Merge onto I 93
1.7 mi·2 min·Everett Turnpike
18
Continue on I 93
17 mi·19 min·Styles Bridges Highway
19
Continue on I 93
0.7 mi·46 sec·Sen Styles Bridges Highway
20
Continue on I 93
13 mi·14 min·Styles Bridges Highway
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 23Toward NH 104, NH 132: Meredith, New HamptonUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn right onto NH 104
4.7 mi·7 min·NH 104
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Continue on NH 104
3.6 mi·5 min·NH 104
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn left onto US 3
0.9 mi·2 min·Daniel Webster Highway
Use the left lane.
25
Turn slight right
138 ft·7 sec
Toward NH 25 East
26
Turn right onto NH 25
0.1 mi·12 sec·Winnipesaukee Street
Use the right lane.
27
Continue on NH 25
3.1 mi·6 min·Whittier Street
28
Continue on NH 25
12 mi·22 min·Whittier Highway
29
Continue on NH 25
0.7 mi·1 min·State Route 25
30
Continue on NH 25
0.4 mi·29 sec·Whittier Road
31
Continue on NH 25; NH 113
2.3 mi·3 min·Bear Camp Highway
32
Continue on NH 25; NH 113
0.2 mi·22 sec·Ossipee Mountain Highway
33
Turn left onto NH 113
0.4 mi·54 sec·Whittier Road
34
Turn left onto NH 113
2.0 mi·4 min·Tamworth Road
35
Turn right onto NH 113
0.4 mi·1 min·Chocorua Road
36
Turn slight right onto Page Hill Road
2.2 mi·4 min·Page Hill Road
37
Turn left onto NH 16
3.3 mi·5 min·Chocorua Mtn Highway
38
Continue on NH 16
7.1 mi·10 min·White Mountain Highway
39
Continue on NH 16; NH 113
1.4 mi·3 min·Main Street
40
Turn left onto NH 16
2.8 mi·5 min·White Mountain Highway
41
Continue on US 302; NH 16
0.6 mi·1 min·White Mountain Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
42
Continue on US 302; NH 16
2.0 mi·4 min·White Mountain Highway
43
Arrive at destination
US 302; NH 16
Trip Plan
Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience, though starting early helps you navigate the winding local roads during daylight hours. Plan for at least one stop to break up the 3.5-hour drive and keep your focus sharp. With a fuel budget of $22, it is wise to check your levels before heading out, as local roads may offer fewer refueling options than major interstates. Given the technical nature of the turn-heavy route, prioritize steady pacing over speed to ensure a comfortable journey for everyone in the vehicle. Keep an eye on your navigation as you switch between the Styles Bridges, Franklin Pierce, and Whittier highways to stay on track.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.3 miles from Keene, NH, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30 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 30 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.3 miles or 1h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North Conway, NH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Keene, 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 Keene, NH
This is one driving day of about 134.7 miles and 3h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Keene, NH.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Styles Bridges Highway for about 30 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 93.4 — 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|Central Square
Turn right onto Central Square
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
42.2 mi into trip|~1h 1m in|I 89
Merge onto I 89
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
50.5 mi into trip|~1h 12m in|NH 3A / Route 3-A
Turn left onto NH 3A / Route 3-A
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
8
83.7 mi into trip|~1h 50m in
Take the exit toward NH 104, NH 132: Meredith, New Hampton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 23
Toward NH 104, NH 132: Meredith, New Hampton
6
93.4 mi into trip|~2h 6m in|NH 25 / Winnipesaukee Street
Turn right onto NH 25 / Winnipesaukee Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.68 one way
$43.37 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg47 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.50
$23.86
$47.72
premium
$4.86
$25.79
$51.59
diesel
$5.61
$29.74
$59.48
Estimated Tolls: $0.12
Everett Turnpike
(1.7 mi)$0.12
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
$22
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
40.4
0
$14.14
$6.47
Efficient EV
33.7
0
$11.79
$5.39
EV Truck/SUV
53.9
0
$18.86
$8.62
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (66% 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 13, 2026
Origin
Keene, NH
Night
in Keene on Saturday
Local time
9:20 PM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Chance Light Rain
S 5 mph44% chanceLive forecast
Destination
North Conway, NH
Night
in North Conway on Saturday
Local time
9:20 PM
EDT
Current temp
38°F
Light Rain
S 5 mph95% 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
4 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
3h 23m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. Only 24% of the journey is spent on highways, meaning you will spend the majority of your time on smaller, winding roads that demand your full attention. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 30-mile segment on the Styles Bridges Highway. This route offers a distinct departure from monotonous interstate travel, favoring a more technical, hands-on driving style. As you transition between the various highways, you will find that the road's personality changes frequently, requiring you to stay alert through the curves.
Only 24% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30 mi on Styles Bridges Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 early in the drive near Central Square.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 134.7 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 (Central Square): Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles (I 89): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.5 miles (NH 3A / Route 3-A): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,266 ft331 ft
Total Climb
1,176 ft
Total Descent
1,132 ft
Highest Point
1,266 ft
~9.6 mi in
Elevation Range
935 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 Keene, NH to North Conway, NH, road signs begin pointing toward New Hampton along the way.
New Hampton
83.7 mi in|~1h 50m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 23m. Total distance: 134.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30 miles on Styles Bridges Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.12 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.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 North Conway, 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 1 rest area 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 (Central Square): Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles (I 89): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.5 miles (NH 3A / Route 3-A): Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at North Conway, NH, but most travelers stay overnight.
