Trip from Salem, NH to Franconia, NH

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 18m

Distance

116.1 mi

187 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min

4 AM

2h 9m ★

6 AM

2h 18m

8 AM

2h 37m

10 AM

2h 25m

12 PM

2h 23m

3 PM

2h 26m

5 PM

2h 37m

8 PM

2h 13m

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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Salem, NH

Banx Photography

Franconia, NH

Mohan Nannapaneni

Trip Overview

The drive from Salem, NH to Franconia, NH covers 116.1 miles and takes about 2h 18m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Styles Bridges Highway, I 93, Everett Turnpike for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed highway & surface. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 69.9 miles on Styles Bridges Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $18.69 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

58 miles from Salem, NH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Styles Bridges Highway	69.9 mi	1h 16m
I 93	24.4 mi	29m
Everett Turnpike	10.2 mi	12m
Franconia Notch Parkway	7.7 mi	12m
Main Street	2.1 mi	5m
Sen Styles Bridges Highway	0.7 mi	<1m
Pelham Road	0.2 mi	<1m
Wallace Hill Road	0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Styles Bridges Highway — 69.9 mi, about 1h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on this road

113 ft · 13 sec · this road

Turn left onto NH 97

2.1 mi · 5 min · Main Street

Continue on Pelham Road

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Pelham Road

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 93 North Use the right lane.

Merge onto I 93

17 mi · 20 min · I 93

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 93

7.1 mi · 8 min · I 93

Toward I 93 North: Concord, Plymouth

Keep slight left at fork onto I 93

10 mi · 12 min · Everett Turnpike

Continue on I 93

17 mi · 19 min · Styles Bridges Highway

Continue on I 93

0.7 mi · 46 sec · Sen Styles Bridges Highway

Continue on I 93

49 mi · 52 min · Styles Bridges Highway

Continue on I 93

7.7 mi · 12 min · Franconia Notch Parkway

Continue on I 93

4.2 mi · 4 min · Styles Bridges Highway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec

Toward NH 18, NH 116, NH 117, NH 142: Franconia, Sugar Hill

Turn left onto NH 116

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Wallace Hill Road

Arrive at destination

NH 116

Trip Plan

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 58 miles from Salem, NH, or about 1h 11m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.9 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 26 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58 miles or 1h 11m 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 51m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Salem, 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 Salem, NH

This is one driving day of about 116.1 miles and 2h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Salem, NH.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on Styles Bridges Highway for about 69.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Laconia, 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

South Hooksett, NH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Laconia, NH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58 miles from Salem, NH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Styles Bridges Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.9 miles.

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

The Common Man Lincoln

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 99.5

Hours: 4–9 pm

+16037453463

Visit website

The Grateful Skier Restaurant & Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lincoln, New Hampshire

1.6 mi

The Common Man Lincoln

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 99.5

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Hours: 4–9 pm

+16037453463

Visit website

The Grateful Skier Restaurant & Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 99.5

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Hours: Closed

+16037454899

Visit website

Cotton Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $30 to $50 mile 24.9

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+16036225488

Visit website

The Windmill Restaurant Inc.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.5

Concord, New Hampshire

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16032250600

Visit website

The Bagg Lunch

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.9

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16039357053

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 24.9

Hooksett, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 116.1

Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

+16038235621

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 58

Tilton, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 24.9

Hooksett, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18882642208

Visit website

Ford Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 33.2

Bow, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18883571009

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 16.6

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 8.3

Londonderry, New Hampshire

+18668167584

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 16.6

Manchester, New Hampshire

+18336322778

Visit website

Clark's Bears

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 99.5

Lincoln, New Hampshire

+16037458913

Visit website

Artist's Bluff Loop Trailhead

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 107.8

Franconia, New Hampshire

Hours: Open 24 hours

Flume Gorge

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 107.8

Lincoln, New Hampshire

+16037458391

Visit website

Flume Gorge Visitor Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 107.8

Lincoln, New Hampshire

+16037458391

Visit website

Manchester Historic Association's Millyard Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 24.9

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+16036227531

Visit website

Launch Family Entertainment Park Methuen

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Methuen, Massachusetts

Hours: 3:30–7:30 pm

+19786553379

Visit website

SEE Science Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 24.9

Manchester, New Hampshire

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+16036690400

Visit website

Hedgehog Park

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

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 0 and 115.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | NH 97 / Main Street

Turn left onto NH 97 / Main Street

Navigation decision point

2.3 mi into trip | ~6m in

Take the ramp toward I 93 North

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 93 North

2.9 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 93

Merge onto I 93

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

20.2 mi into trip | ~27m 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

115.8 mi into trip | ~2h 17m in

Take the exit toward NH 18, NH 116, NH 117, NH 142: Franconia, Sugar Hill

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

Toward NH 18, NH 116, NH 117, NH 142: Franconia...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.69 one way

$37.38 round trip

$4.09/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.50	$20.56	$41.13
premium	$4.86	$22.23	$44.47
diesel	$5.61	$25.63	$51.27

Estimated Tolls: $0.71

Everett Turnpike (10.2 mi) $0.71

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

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	34.8	$12.19	$5.57
Efficient EV	29	$10.16	$4.64
EV Truck/SUV	46.4	$16.25	$7.43

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 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 16, 2026

Origin

Salem, NH

Afternoon in Salem on Saturday

Local time

3:13 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Franconia, NH

Afternoon in Franconia on Saturday

Local time

3:13 PM

EDT

Current temp

46°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

15 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 18m 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?

116.1 mi in 2h 18m — 36% highway, the rest on surface roads. Biggest road: Styles Bridges Highway.

36% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 69.9 mi on Styles Bridges Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near NH 97 / Main Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 18m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (NH 97 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.9 miles (I 93): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Salem, NH to Franconia, NH, road signs begin pointing toward Plymouth along the way.

Plymouth

20.2 mi in | ~27m | via I 93

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 18m. Total distance: 116.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (36%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 69.9 miles on Styles Bridges Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.71 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, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

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.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Franconia, NH before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Salem, NH or browse trips ending in Franconia, NH.

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Trip from Salem, NH to Franconia, NH

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

The Common Man Lincoln

The Common Man Lincoln

The Grateful Skier Restaurant & Bar

Cotton Restaurant

The Windmill Restaurant Inc.

The Bagg Lunch

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Destination Charger

Tesla Supercharger

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Ford Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

Electrify America Charging Station

Clark's Bears

Artist's Bluff Loop Trailhead

Flume Gorge

Flume Gorge Visitor Center

Manchester Historic Association's Millyard Museum

Launch Family Entertainment Park Methuen

SEE Science Center

Hedgehog Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Salem, NH

Franconia, NH

Same local time

15 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 18m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Will I have cell service along this route?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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