Traveling from Pelham to Claremont, New Hampshire, covers 93.2 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 7 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $15 for fuel to complete the journey. The route primarily utilizes I-89, NH-11, and the Alan Bartlett Shepard Junior Highway to navigate through the Northeast region. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that connects the southern part of the state to the western interior. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick change of scenery, the efficiency of this route makes it a simple commute for most drivers.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
46.6 miles from Pelham, NH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 2m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 89
34.7 mi
40m
NH 11
10.8 mi
20m
Alan Bartlett Shepard Junior Highway
7.7 mi
8m
I 93
7.1 mi
8m
Everett Turnpike
7 mi
8m
Alan B Shepard Highway
5.7 mi
7m
John Stark Highway
4.6 mi
5m
Range Road
3.1 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 89
— 34.7 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pelham, NH and Claremont, NH.
1
Start on Nashua Road
355 ft·10 sec·Nashua Road
2
Enter roundabout onto NH 111A
195 ft·10 sec·Windham Road
3
Continue on NH 111A
2.4 mi·4 min·Windham Road
4
Continue on NH 111A
0.7 mi·1 min·Lowell Road
5
Turn right onto NH 111A
3.1 mi·6 min·Range Road
6
Continue on NH 111A
0.4 mi·50 sec·Gateway Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Turn left onto NH 111
0.2 mi·28 sec·Indian Rock Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 93 NorthUse the right lane.
9
Merge onto I 93
7.7 mi·8 min·Alan Bartlett Shepard Junior Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 93
1.0 mi·1 min·Alan B Shepard Jr Highway
11
Continue on I 93
5.7 mi·7 min·Alan B Shepard Highway
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 93
7.1 mi·8 min·I 93
Toward I 93 North: Concord, Plymouth
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 93
7.0 mi·8 min·Everett Turnpike
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 89 North: Lebanon, White River Junction Vermont
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·42 sec
Toward I 89 North: Lebanon, White River Junction VermontUse the slight right lane.
16
Merge onto I 89
35 mi·40 min·I 89
17
Take the exit onto NH 11
0.2 mi·31 sec·NH 11
Exit 12Toward NH 11 West: New London, Sunapee, Newport, Claremont
18
Keep slight left at fork onto NH 11
154 ft·11 sec·NH 11
Exit 12Toward NH 11 West: New London, Sunapee, Newport, Claremont
19
Continue on NH 11
10 mi·20 min·NH 11
20
Turn left onto Cross Street
0.2 mi·43 sec·Cross Street
21
At end of road, turn right onto Maple Street
0.3 mi·39 sec·Maple Street
22
Continue on NH 11; NH 103
0.2 mi·12 sec·Elm Street
23
Continue on NH 11; NH 103
4.6 mi·5 min·John Stark Highway
24
Continue on NH 11; NH 103
2.3 mi·2 min·State Route 11
25
Continue on NH 11; NH 103
2.3 mi·2 min·Washington Street
26
Continue on NH 11; NH 103
0.1 mi·9 sec·Broad Street
27
Turn right onto NH 11; NH 103
463 ft·6 sec·Tremont Street
28
Keep slight right at fork onto NH 12; NH 103
0.7 mi·53 sec·Main Street
29
Turn right onto West Terrace Street
402 ft·18 sec·West Terrace Street
30
Turn right onto Front Street
0.2 mi·38 sec·Front Street
31
Arrive at destination
Front Street
Trip Plan
Since the total drive time is just over two hours, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Aim to hit the road outside of peak traffic hours to ensure you maintain that estimated 2h 7m travel time without unnecessary delays. Because there are no scheduled stops required for this 93.2-mile distance, you can easily complete the trip in one go, though pulling over to stretch during the transition between I-89 and NH-11 is a good way to stay alert. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Pelham, as budgeting the $15 for gas is easier when you fill up at the start. If you prefer a relaxed pace, consider leaving mid-morning to avoid the morning rush while still arriving in Claremont with time to spare.
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 46.6 miles from Pelham, NH, or about 1h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 34.7 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 21 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 46.6 miles or 1h 2m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Claremont, NH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pelham, 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 Pelham, NH
This is one driving day of about 93.2 miles and 2h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Pelham, NH.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 89 for about 34.7 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 71.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|NH 111A / Windham Road
Enter roundabout onto NH 111A / Windham Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
6
22 mi into trip|~32m in|I 93
Keep slight left at fork onto I 93 toward I 93 North: Concord, Plymouth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 93 North: Concord, Plymouth
8
36.5 mi into trip|~50m 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
71.5 mi into trip|~1h 31m in|NH 11
Take the exit onto NH 11 toward NH 11 West: New London, Sunapee, Newport, Claremont
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 12
Toward NH 11 West: New London, Sunapee, Newport...
8
71.7 mi into trip|~1h 32m in|NH 11
Keep slight left at fork onto NH 11 toward NH 11 West: New London, Sunapee, Newport, Claremont
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 12
Toward NH 11 West: New London, Sunapee, Newport...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.00 one way
$30.01 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg33 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.50
$16.51
$33.02
premium
$4.86
$17.85
$35.69
diesel
$5.61
$20.58
$41.15
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
$15
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
28
0
$9.79
$4.47
Efficient EV
23.3
0
$8.16
$3.73
EV Truck/SUV
37.3
0
$13.05
$5.96
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Pelham, NH
Night
in Pelham on Saturday
Local time
9:20 PM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Claremont, NH
Night
in Claremont on Saturday
Local time
9:20 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.
Temperature spread
12 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 7m 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.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip that is heavily weighted toward high-speed transit, with roughly 66% of your time spent on major highways. You will experience a mix of fast-paced interstate driving followed by transitions onto state routes as you approach your destination. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 34.7-mile segment on I-89, which allows for consistent cruising. As you move away from the starting point, the road character shifts from the busy corridors near Pelham to the more direct paths leading toward Claremont. Behind the wheel, you will find this to be a functional, no-nonsense drive that prioritizes speed and direct connectivity over winding backroads.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 34.7 mi on I 89.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 89 and NH 11. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near NH 111A / Windham Road.
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 18 significant decision points across 93.2 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: at 0.1 miles (NH 111A / Windham Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 22 miles (I 93): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,208 ft150 ft
Total Climb
1,487 ft
Total Descent
1,130 ft
Highest Point
1,208 ft
~63.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,057 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Pelham, NH and Claremont, NH, road signs point toward Plymouth, White River Junction Vermont, Sunapee and Newport.
Plymouth
22 mi in|~32m|via I 93
White River Junction Vermont
36 mi in|~49m
Sunapee
71.5 mi in|~1h 31m|via NH 11
Newport
71.5 mi in|~1h 31m|via NH 11
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 7m. Total distance: 93.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (66%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 34.7 miles on I 89. 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 Claremont, 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: at 0.1 miles (NH 111A / Windham Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 22 miles (I 93): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Claremont, NH before heading back.
