Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Portsmouth travel guide

Portsmouth Tourism | Portsmouth Guide

You're Going to Love Portsmouth

With a population of 20,779, Portsmouth is a must-see destination in New Hampshire, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Portsmouth to see all of its attractions.

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Where to Eat in Portsmouth

If you’re looking for affordable options, Jumpin Jays Fish Cafe (150 Congress Street) and Black Trumpet (29 Ceres St Portsmouth NH) are great picks.

When to visit Portsmouth

Portsmouth in December
Estimated hotel price
$146
1 night at 3-star hotel
Portsmouth in December
Estimated hotel price
$146
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Portsmouth in July, when the average temperature is 69.8 °F, and the highest can go up to 78.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 15.8 °F, with an average temperature of 24.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in November, when precipitation is around 5.1″. In contrast, August is usually the driest month of the year in Portsmouth, with an average rainfall of 2.2″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Portsmouth

Plane

When flying to Portsmouth, you’ll arrive at Portsmouth Pease Intl (PSM), which is located 3 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Portsmouth departs from Washington, D.C. and takes around 1h 26m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Portsmouth, followed by Acela. The train journey from Portsmouth to Providence takes 0h 41m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Portland, expect to pay about $34 for a 2h 32m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Portsmouth is to pick up a car rental from Boston, which is about 51 miles from Portsmouth. You’ll find branches of Turo and Hertz, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Portsmouth, including OurBus, CoachRun and Greyhound. From Manchester, the bus ride to Portsmouth takes 80 miles and will cost you around $35. From Hartford, the ticket costs about $26 for a journey of 105 miles. The most popular bus station is Portsmouth Bus Station, located 2 miles from downtown Portsmouth. Portsmouth Hanover Station is also a commonly used station, and is 0.5 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Portsmouth, you’ll arrive at Portsmouth Pease Intl (PSM), which is located 3 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Portsmouth departs from Washington, D.C. and takes around 1h 26m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Portsmouth, followed by Acela. The train journey from Portsmouth to Providence takes 0h 41m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Portland, expect to pay about $34 for a 2h 32m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Portsmouth is to pick up a car rental from Boston, which is about 51 miles from Portsmouth. You’ll find branches of Turo and Hertz, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Portsmouth, including OurBus, CoachRun and Greyhound. From Manchester, the bus ride to Portsmouth takes 80 miles and will cost you around $35. From Hartford, the ticket costs about $26 for a journey of 105 miles. The most popular bus station is Portsmouth Bus Station, located 2 miles from downtown Portsmouth. Portsmouth Hanover Station is also a commonly used station, and is 0.5 miles from the city center.

Airports near Portsmouth

BOSBoston Logan Intl
PWMPortland
MHTManchester

Airlines serving Portsmouth

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,837 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,934 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,790 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (780 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,244 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,968 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,851 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
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Find flights to Portsmouth

Where to stay in popular areas of Portsmouth

Most booked hotels in Portsmouth

See all
AC Hotel by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 297 reviews)
$228+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth/Downtown
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1112 reviews)
$193+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Kittery
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 415 reviews)
$168+
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Kittery Inn and Suites
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 925 reviews)
$101+
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Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1302 reviews)
$99+
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Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
3 stars
Excellent (8, 549 reviews)
$133+
View

Renting a car in Portsmouth

Renting a car in Portsmouth costs $61 per day, on average.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 18% cheaper than airport locations in Portsmouth.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Portsmouth (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Portsmouth is Compact (Chevrolet Equinox or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Honda Fit or similar) are, on average, 60% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Portsmouth costs $61 per day, on average.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 18% cheaper than airport locations in Portsmouth.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Portsmouth (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Portsmouth is Compact (Chevrolet Equinox or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Honda Fit or similar) are, on average, 60% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Portsmouth

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$35/day

Compact

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$35/day

Intermediate
Find car rentals in Portsmouth

Portsmouth Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Portsmouth city guide for the best Portsmouth travel tips. To help you organize your Portsmouth trip ideas, this Portsmouth visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.