Getting Around Manchester NH: A Local’s Guide to Transit and Traffic

Welcome to the Queen City. If you are looking at living in Manchester, you are looking at a true transportation hub for Northern New England. Because of where we sit on the map, getting here is easy – but getting around town requires a little local know-how.

Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire, and it acts as a crossroads for the major highways connecting Boston to the White Mountains and Vermont to the Seacoast. The reality on the ground is that most residents own a car. It is the most convenient way to handle groceries and errands in the winter. However, the downtown area has become increasingly walkable, and we have a transit system that punches above its weight for a city of this size.

Here is the lowdown on driving, parking, and navigating the city like a local.

Driving in Manchester: Major Roads and Traffic

If you are commuting, you are likely going to get familiar with the “ring” of highways that encircle the city. Manchester is framed by three major arteries: I-93, I-293, and Route 101.

Think of I-93 as your main north-south spine running along the east side of the city. I-293 loops around the west side and hugs the downtown riverfront, while Route 101 cuts east-west. This network means you can get from one side of town to the other relatively quickly, usually in about 15 to 20 minutes.

While we don’t have “big city” gridlock, we do have bottlenecks. The bridges crossing the Merrimack River – specifically at Granite Street and the Amoskeag Rotary – can get backed up during the standard 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM rush hours. If you are crossing the river, give yourself an extra ten minutes.

One quick note on the seasons: New Hampshire winters are the real deal. While the city crews are excellent at clearing the main roads, living here requires vehicle prep. You don’t necessarily need a massive 4WD truck, but a solid set of snow tires or high-quality all-seasons is non-negotiable for safe driving from December through March.

Parking Rules: Meters, Garages, and the Winter Ban

Parking in Manchester is generally less stressful than in Boston, but there are rules you need to know to avoid tickets.

In the downtown area, parking is mostly metered along Elm Street and the immediate side streets. You can feed the meters with coins, but most locals just use the mobile apps (like Passport) to pay from their phones. If you are planning a longer visit for dinner or an event at the SNHU Arena, your best bet is often one of the public garages like the Victory Garage. They are affordable and save you from circling the block.

The Winter Parking Ban

If you remember nothing else from this guide, remember this: the Winter Parking Ban.

From December 1 to April 15, the city enforces strict overnight parking rules to allow plows to clear snow. This is enforced every single night during that window, regardless of whether it is snowing or not.

The rule typically kicks in between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Here is how the “Odd/Even” system works:

• Odd Months (Jan, Mar): Park on the side of the street with odd house numbers.
• Even Months (Dec, Feb, Apr): Park on the side of the street with even house numbers.

If a “Snow Emergency” is declared during a major storm, these rules go out the window, and parking is banned on all streets. During those times, you must move your car to a designated off-street lot or garage, or you will be towed.

Public Transportation: The MTA Network

While Manchester is car-centric, the Manchester Transit Authority (MTA) provides solid coverage for those who prefer not to drive or want to save on gas.

The bus network covers most major neighborhoods, shopping districts, and medical centers. The base cash fare is affordable – generally around $2.00 per ride – and you can buy day passes or monthly passes if you are a frequent rider. To keep track of the buses, locals use the ‘RouteShout 2.0’ app, which lets you see where your bus is in real-time.

The Green DASH

For anyone living or working downtown, the Green DASH is a fantastic perk. This is a free shuttle service that loops through the Millyard, Elm Street, and the downtown business district. It runs frequently on weekdays and is perfect for grabbing lunch or getting from a millyard office to a meeting without moving your car.

Commuting to Boston: The ‘Exit 5’ Connection

A lot of people choose living in Manchester while keeping a job in the Boston area. Since the commute is roughly 50 miles, you want to do it efficiently.

First, let’s clear up a common misconception: There is no Amtrak train station in Manchester. If you want the train, you have to drive east to Exeter or south to Lowell/Boston.

For most commuters, the best option is the Boston Express bus. It offers comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped coaches that run to South Station and Logan Airport.

Important Update: As of late 2023, the Boston Express service directly from downtown Manchester and the airport was cut back. Most residents now drive about 10–15 minutes south to the North Londonderry terminal (Exit 5 on I-93). This is now the primary hub. It has a massive parking lot and frequent departures. Depending on traffic, the ride into Boston takes about an hour.

Walking and Biking: Trails and City Core

If you enjoy getting around on two wheels or two feet, Manchester has some gems, though the walkability varies by neighborhood.

The downtown and Millyard areas are highly walkable. You can easily live in a converted mill apartment and walk to grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. Outside of the city center, neighborhoods become more suburban and car-dependent.

For recreation and safe commuting, the rail trail network is excellent:

• Piscataquog Rail Trail: This is a paved, 10-foot-wide trail that connects the West Side of the city into downtown.
• Hands Across the Merrimack: This pedestrian and bike bridge is a landmark in itself. It connects the trails on the west and east banks of the river, giving you a safe, scenic way to cross the water away from cars.
• South Manchester Rail Trail: Another growing section that offers residents in the southern part of the city a safe corridor for exercise.

Air Travel: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)

One of the biggest lifestyle perks of living here is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT). It is located right within the city limits, just a few miles from downtown off Brown Avenue.

Locals love MHT because it is the opposite of the chaos at Logan. Security lines are usually short, parking is right next to the terminal, and walking distances are minimal. Major carriers like Southwest and American fly out of here, making it easy to connect to domestic hubs. Ground transport is simple too, with plenty of taxis, rideshares, and rental cars available curbside.

Accessibility and Special Services

For residents with mobility challenges, the city offers services to ensure transportation remains accessible.

The MTA operates a StepSaver service, which is a paratransit van service for individuals who cannot use the fixed-route buses due to a disability. Additionally, the entire fleet, including the free Green DASH buses, is wheelchair accessible. If you are driving, the public parking garages downtown have designated handicap spaces near elevators and exits to make access to Elm Street easier.

Frequently Asked Questions