Getting to the Seacoast & Getting Around
Easy to get to. Hard to leave.
The city of the open door
Less than an hour from Boston, an hour from Portland, ME, and under five hours from New York City, Portsmouth is easy to reach from just about anywhere. Choose one of our local airports, public transit, or take the scenic route – we’ll see you when you get here.
Directions to Portsmouth & the Seacoast
Interstate 95 and US Route 1 provide straightforward access from the north and south. From the west, NH Route 101 and Route 4 and 16 connect easily to the Seacoast.
Three airports serve the Portsmouth area:
- Portsmouth International Airport (PSM) – the closest option, with Allegiant Air service to Florida, Myrtle Beach, Savannah, and Hilton Head
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) – about 50 miles west, with convenient service from major US cities
- Boston Logan International (BOS) – roughly an hour south, with extensive domestic and international connections
Private charter service is also available through Air New England/Symphony, operating out of Pease Tradeport.
C&J Bus Lines runs regular motorcoach service from Boston’s Logan Airport and South Station to Portsmouth, plus three daily departures from New York City’s Port Authority. Upon arrival at the C&J terminal at Pease Tradeport, COAST trolley service connects riders to downtown Portsmouth. Limousine and taxi services are also available.
Amtrak’s Downeaster connects Boston and Portland, ME with stops in nearby Exeter, Dover, and Durham, NH.
Marina docking is available in Portsmouth, New Castle, Newington, and Hampton, NH, as well as Kittery, ME.
Once You’re Here
Stop by the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth Visitor Center at 500 Market Street, just off I-95 Exit 7. Visitor Assistants are on hand Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM,, with extended seasonal hours from Memorial Day through Columbus Day (Saturdays, 10 AM- 3 PM). The foyer is open 24 hours for information outside of regular hours. Rest rooms are available during open hours.
The Market Square Information Kiosk at 210 Market Street is also open daily, 10 AM – 5 PM, from mid-May through mid-October.
Parking in Portsmouth
Downtown Portsmouth is extremely walkable, so
the best way to enjoy your visit is to park at one of the locations below and enjoy roaming around. Prefer a bike or scooter? There are many places around town to lock your bike while you’re dining or shopping. And if you’re staying in town, check with your concierge; some hotels offer bikes to rent. We advise all travelers to check signage and instructions to ensure compliance with parking regulations.
Accessibility
Portsmouth is known for its walkability and easy-to-navigate downtown areas. Located along the Piscataqua River at sea level, Portsmouth has minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for visitors exploring on foot or by wheelchair.
Downtown sidewalks are wide and generally easy to navigate. Those with mobility considerations should note that parts of Market Square feature historic brick sidewalks, which can be uneven underfoot. Curbside ramps are available throughout downtown and accessible to wheelchair users.
Many of our hotels, restaurants, attractions, and shops are ADA-accessible, and al fresco dining spots make even more restaurants accessible during the warmer months. While some historic buildings have limitations due to their age and structure, resources like Access Navigators can help visitors identify the best accessible experiences across Portsmouth and the Seacoast.
ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION
The COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation) bus and trolley system throughout the Seacoast is committed to providing transportation to everyone. All buses on their fixed route service are fully accessible and ADA-compliant. They also offer reservation-based services within three-quarters of a mile of the fixed route system for curb-to-curb para-transit services.
All C&J Commuter Scheduled Service is accessible to persons with disabilities. C&J operates regularly scheduled service between Seacoast gateways and Boston, also with daily service to New York City.
