Road Trip! Driving from Alton, NH to Milton, MA

Ready for a scenic road trip through New England? If you're driving from Alton, New Hampshire to Milton, Massachusetts, there are a few different routes you can take. The time it takes will depend on which route you choose, as well as the traffic patterns you encounter. Here's a breakdown of the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the driving time at peak and low traffic times.

Fastest Route: I-95 S

The fastest route to take from Alton to Milton is I-95 S. This route takes you through southern New Hampshire, past Manchester and Nashua, and into Massachusetts. It's a fairly straight shot and should take you about an hour and a half to drive, depending on traffic.

At peak traffic times, such as during rush hour on weekday mornings or evenings, this route can take significantly longer. You should plan for an extra hour of driving time in these conditions. On the other hand, if you're taking this route on a weekend or during off-peak hours, you may be able to make it to Milton in just over an hour.

Scenic Route: NH-28 S

If you're looking for a scenic route with a bit more variety, you can take NH-28 S instead. This route takes you through smaller New Hampshire towns, such as Barnstead and Pittsfield, before crossing over into Massachusetts and eventually ending up in Milton. While this route is a bit longer - about 60 miles - it can take you past some beautiful views of the New England countryside.

Since this route goes through more residential areas, you may encounter slower traffic at times. Planning your drive during off-peak hours or on a clear weekend day could shave off some time from your estimate. At peak traffic times, however, you may experience backups and slower moving traffic, so plan for an extra half hour of driving time.

Alternative Route: NH-16 S

A third option for driving from Alton to Milton is to take NH-16 S. This route will take you through Dover and Portsmouth, two popular New Hampshire towns near the coast, before hitting I-95 and traveling through Newburyport and other Massachusetts towns.

While this route is slightly longer than I-95 S - about 70 miles - it takes you through more scenic coastal areas. Depending on when you drive, you may also encounter less traffic on this route than on the interstate. However, during peak traffic times on weekdays, you may experience delays getting through Portsmouth and Dover, so plan for an extra 45 minutes of driving time.

No matter which route you choose to take, make sure to plan ahead for your drive. While the actual driving time will ultimately depend on traffic conditions and your own driving speed, the estimates above should give you a good idea of what to expect. Pack some snacks, put together a fun playlist, and enjoy your New England road trip!

Safe travels!