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. Portsmouth deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

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Where to Eat in Portsmouth

If you’re looking for affordable options, Cure Restaurant (189 State St) and Toscana Chop House (3 Pleasant St.) are great picks.

When to visit Portsmouth

Portsmouth in January
Estimated hotel price
$129
1 night at 3-star hotel
Portsmouth in January
Estimated hotel price
$129
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 Miami and takes around 3h 16m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Portsmouth, followed by Acela. The train journey from Portsmouth to New York takes 4h 09m and costs around $22 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Rensselaer, expect to pay about $15 for a 4h 57m 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 Dollar and Turo, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Portsmouth, including OurBus, Bus and Greyhound. From Hartford, the bus ride to Portsmouth takes 177 km and will cost you around $50. From Portland, the ticket costs about $54 for a journey of 209 km. 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 Miami and takes around 3h 16m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Portsmouth, followed by Acela. The train journey from Portsmouth to New York takes 4h 09m and costs around $22 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Rensselaer, expect to pay about $15 for a 4h 57m 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 Dollar and Turo, among others, in Boston.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Portsmouth, including OurBus, Bus and Greyhound. From Hartford, the bus ride to Portsmouth takes 177 km and will cost you around $50. From Portland, the ticket costs about $54 for a journey of 209 km. 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

Airlines serving Portsmouth

KLM
Good (1,441 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,731 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,689 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,075 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,193 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,855 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,091 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,176 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,720 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,523 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,479 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (894 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,635 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,655 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,373 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,139 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,351 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,174 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,431 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (382 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Portsmouth

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth and Anchorage Inn and Suites.

Where to stay in popular areas of Portsmouth

Most booked hotels in Portsmouth

Great Island Inn - A Modern Boutique Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (9.6, 104 reviews)
$150+
The Water Street Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9, 175 reviews)
$109+
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth/Downtown
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 1182 reviews)
$126+
Homewood Suites by Hilton Portsmouth Downtown
3 stars
Excellent (9, 37 reviews)
$124+
Courtyard by Marriott Portsmouth
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 395 reviews)
$114+
Kittery Inn and Suites
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1046 reviews)
$69+

Renting a car in Portsmouth

Renting a car in Portsmouth costs $67 per day, on average, or $134 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 6% more expensive than at Boston Logan Intl.

Expect to pay $3.14 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 $37.70 and $50.27. Compact (Ford EcoSport or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Portsmouth, while also 57% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Portsmouth costs $67 per day, on average, or $134 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 6% more expensive than at Boston Logan Intl.

Expect to pay $3.14 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 $37.70 and $50.27. Compact (Ford EcoSport or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Portsmouth, while also 57% cheaper than other types, on average.