The Road Less Traveled: The Best and Worst Times to Drive from Bridgton, Maine to Keene, New Hampshire

Tired of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic? Want to shave valuable time off your daily commute? In this post, we’ll explore the fastest and slowest routes from Bridgton, Maine to Keene, New Hampshire and the best times to drive them.

Route Options

There are two main routes to drive from Bridgton, Maine to Keene, New Hampshire: the route that takes you on Highway 302 through Fryeburg and then 113A, 113 and NH 10 through Ossipee and Eaton, or the route that takes you on Highway 117 through Norway, Paris, and West Paris connecting to NH 12.

Route Distance

If you choose to take Highway 302 through Fryeburg and then 113A, 113 and NH 10 through Ossipee and Eaton, the total distance of this route is 98 miles. If you take the route that takes you on Highway 117 through Norway, Paris, and West Paris connecting to NH 12, the total distance is longer at 111 miles.

Time Based on Traffic Patterns

Peak traffic times can double the driving time from Bridgton, Maine to Keene, New Hampshire, especially if you choose to drive through 117. During peak traffic times, expect the drive to take up to 3 hours. Typically, the best time to drive either route is early in the morning or later in the evening when traffic is light. In these low-traffic times, the drive from Bridgton, Maine to Keene, New Hampshire should only take 1 and a half to 2 hours, depending on which route you take.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route from Bridgton, Maine to Keene, New Hampshire is the route that takes you on Highway 302 through Fryeburg and then 113A, 113 and NH 10 through Ossipee and Eaton. During peak traffic, the drive should take around 2 hours. During off-peak hours, the drive could be as short as 1 and a half hours, making it well worth the few extra miles.

If you choose to take Highway 117 through Norway, Paris, and West Paris connecting to NH 12, you may find yourself stuck in traffic at times, especially during peak travel times. This route is the slower of the two, taking up to 3 hours or more during high traffic. If you choose the highway 117 route and want to avoid heavy traffic, try to travel outside of rush hour times to save time and frustration.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the fastest drive from Bridgton, Maine to Keene, New Hampshire, your best bet is to take Highway 302 through Fryeburg and then 113A, 113 and NH 10 through Ossipee and Eaton. During off-peak hours, the drive should only take 1 and a half to 2 hours. On the other hand, if you’re traveling during peak traffic times, add an extra hour to your commute, as heavy traffic is common.

Whether you decide to take the faster or slower route, plan ahead and avoid heavy traffic times to save yourself valuable time and keep your sanity intact. Happy driving!