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Trip from North Conway, 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

2h 47m

Distance

115.6 mi

186 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 37m ★
6 AM
2h 48m
8 AM
3h 9m
10 AM
2h 55m
12 PM
2h 53m
3 PM
2h 56m
5 PM
3h 8m
8 PM
2h 41m

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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location in Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway, NH

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Salem, NH, NH

Salem, NH

Banx Photography

Trip Overview

Planning a trip from North Conway, NH, to Salem, NH? This 115.6-mile drive will take you approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $19, it's an economical option for exploring the Northeast region of New Hampshire. The route utilizes a mix of main roads, including the White Mountain Highway, Spaulding Turnpike, and Blue Star Turnpike, offering a varied driving experience. You'll want to keep an eye on the longest stretch, which is about 45 miles on the White Mountain Highway, to plan your stops accordingly. This journey is generally a straightforward drive within the same state.

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

57.8 miles from North Conway, NH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
White Mountain Highway 45 mi 1h 11m
Spaulding Turnpike 34 mi 45m
Blue Star Turnpike 14.9 mi 17m
I 495 12.9 mi 14m
Main Street 2.5 mi 5m
State Route 97 1.8 mi 3m
Chocorua Mtn Highway 1.5 mi 2m
Broadway 1.2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: White Mountain Highway — 45 mi, about 1h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 302; NH 16

2.0 mi · 4 min · White Mountain Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
2

Continue on US 302; NH 16

0.6 mi · 1 min · White Mountain Road
3

Continue on NH 16

2.8 mi · 5 min · White Mountain Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
4

Turn right onto NH 16; NH 113

1.4 mi · 3 min · Main Street
5

Continue on NH 16; NH 113

8.9 mi · 13 min · White Mountain Highway
6

Continue on NH 16

1.5 mi · 2 min · Chocorua Mtn Highway
7

Continue on NH 16

31 mi · 48 min · White Mountain Highway
8

Continue on NH 16

34 mi · 45 min · Spaulding Turnpike
Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto I 95

7.3 mi · 8 min · Blue Star Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

7.7 mi · 8 min · Blue Star Turnpike
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495

13 mi · 14 min · I 495
Exit 89 Toward I 495 South: Worcester
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Exit 108-107 Toward MA 97, MA 110, MA 113: Haverhill, Salem New Hampshire Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 108 Toward MA 97: Haverhill, Salem New Hampshire Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Turn right onto MA 97

1.2 mi · 2 min · Broadway
15

Continue on MA 97

1.8 mi · 3 min · State Route 97
16

Continue on MA 97

0.7 mi · 1 min · Ayers Village Road
17

Continue on NH 97

1.0 mi · 2 min · Main Street
18

Turn left

113 ft · 8 sec
19

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 47-minute journey, consider an early morning departure to maximize your day, especially if you plan on any spontaneous stops. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $19, and it's always wise to top off before embarking on the 45-mile stretch on White Mountain Highway. Since this is a manageable drive, you can easily complete it in a single day. Pay attention to signage as you transition between the White Mountain Highway, Spaulding Turnpike, and Blue Star Turnpike.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 57.8 miles from North Conway, NH, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 45 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 25 miles or 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 57.8 miles or 1h 31m 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 18m

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 North Conway, 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 North Conway, NH

This is one driving day of about 115.6 miles and 2h 47m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from North Conway, 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 White Mountain Highway for about 45 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Strafford County, New Hampshire, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Milton, NH

58 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

Tamworth, NH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rochester, NH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 57.8 miles from North Conway, 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

Bangkok Street Thai Kitchen

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 82.5

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+16039695544

Visit website

Bangkok Street Thai Kitchen

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 82.5

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+16039695544

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 74.3

Dover, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 57.8

Rochester, New Hampshire

+18333994638

Visit website

Intervale Scenic Vista

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

North Conway, New Hampshire

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16033562769

Visit website

Conway Scenic Railroad

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

North Conway, New Hampshire

Hours: Closed

+16033565251

Visit website

Custom House Maritime Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 99.1

Newburyport, Massachusetts

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19784628681

Visit website

Launch Family Entertainment Park Methuen

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 115.6

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 115.6

Salem, New Hampshire

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+16038902000

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 82.6 and 110.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
82.6 mi into trip | ~2h 4m in | I 95 / Blue Star Turnpike

Merge onto I 95 / Blue Star Turnpike

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
89.9 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in | I 95 / Blue Star Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Blue Star Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes.
6
97.6 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in | I 495

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495 toward I 495 South: Worcester

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 89 Toward I 495 South: Worcester
8
110.5 mi into trip | ~2h 36m in

Take the exit toward MA 97, MA 110, MA 113: Haverhill, Salem New Hampshire

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. Exit 108-107 Toward MA 97, MA 110, MA 113: Haverhill, Salem...
10
110.6 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in

Keep slight right at fork toward MA 97: Haverhill, Salem New Hampshire

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 108 Toward MA 97: Haverhill, Salem New Hampshire

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.61 one way

$37.22 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 40 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.50 $20.48 $40.95
premium $4.86 $22.14 $44.27
diesel $5.61 $25.52 $51.05

Estimated Tolls: $3.43

Spaulding Turnpike (34 mi) $2.38
Blue Star Turnpike (14.9 mi) $1.05

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

$19

Tolls

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 34.7 0 $12.14 $5.55
Efficient EV 28.9 0 $10.11 $4.62
EV Truck/SUV 46.2 0 $16.18 $7.40

Gas CO2

40 kg

EV CO2

14 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

North Conway, NH

Night in North Conway on Saturday

Local time

9:20 PM

EDT

Current temp

35°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Salem, NH

Night in Salem on Saturday

Local time

9:20 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

36°F

Milton, NH

58 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

26 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

2h 47m 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?

The character of this 115.6-mile drive is a mixed bag, with 55% of it being highway driving. You'll experience stretches on the White Mountain Highway, Spaulding Turnpike, and Blue Star Turnpike. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is 45 miles on the White Mountain Highway, so be prepared for a solid block of driving there. The 'Mixed drive' profile suggests you'll transition between faster-paced highway sections and possibly more local road segments as you progress toward Salem. Expect a dynamic feel behind the wheel, rather than a monotonous interstate cruise.

55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 45 mi on White Mountain Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 7 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 82.6 miles in near I 95 / Blue Star Turnpike.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 115.6 miles you will encounter 7 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 82.6 miles (I 95 / Blue Star Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 89.9 miles (I 95 / Blue Star Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 97.6 miles (I 495): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

685 ft 29 ft

Total Climb

463 ft

Total Descent

860 ft

Highest Point

685 ft

~41.3 mi in

Elevation Range

656 ft

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 47m. Total distance: 115.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (55%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 45 miles on White Mountain Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $3.43 in tolls one way, starting with Spaulding 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 Salem, 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: at 82.6 miles (I 95 / Blue Star Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 89.9 miles (I 95 / Blue Star Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 97.6 miles (I 495): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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