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Finding a rental car in Manchester, New Hampshire is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers around New Hampshire with no booking fees. Grab keys at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport or choose a cheaper downtown pickup, then cruise I-93 to the White Mountains, Portsmouth coast or Boston. We show everything from compact cars to AWD SUVs so you can lock in the right wheels for your New England road trip.
Manchester offers several options for renting a car, along with pros and cons for each location:
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) | • Convenient on-site pickup in terminal garage • All major agencies available • Short wait times due to smaller airport • Extended operating hours |
• Approximately 18% higher cost due to airport fees • Additional airport concession fee (about $10-15 per day) |
| Downtown Manchester Locations | • Lower base rates (no airport fees) • Convenient if staying downtown • Some agencies offer pickup service |
• Limited business hours (often 8am-5/6pm) • Additional transportation needed if arriving by plane • May require appointment for pickup |
| Concord Locations | • Lower rates than airport • Good option if staying in state capital |
• 25 miles (40 km) from MHT Airport • Transportation required from airport ($50+ by rideshare) • Limited operating hours |
Transportation to Off-Airport Locations:
On average, car rentals in Manchester cost around $80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Skip the airport fee hit: downtown Manchester pickups avoid the 18% airport surcharge. A $15 rideshare from MHT still leaves cash in your pocket.
Aim for off-peak months: January–March rates can be about 40% cheaper than summer or foliage season, yet ski hills and outlet malls are wide open.
Play with pickup/return days: a 7-day rental or Tue–Tue combo often beats a Thu–Mon booking. Shuffle dates in the search tool and watch the price swing.
Book cancelable, then re-check: reserve early, set a calendar reminder, and pounce if rates drop a week out. Manchester inventory often loosens outside October leaf-peeper madness.
| Location | Rates | Hours | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Street Parking | Metered | Mon–Fri: 8 am–8 pm Sat: 10 am–8 pm (core downtown only) Sun: Free |
• Most meters accept coins and the Passport Parking app • Free after posted meter hours and all day Sunday |
| City Garages | Hourly and daily rates | Various, most open 24/7 | • Victory Garage, Elm Street Garage, Center of NH Garage among options • Weekend and evening rates are often reduced |
During snow emergencies, street parking may be banned to allow for plowing. Check hotel parking options if visiting in winter, or follow city announcements about snow emergency parking locations.
Right on Red: Legal after a complete stop unless a sign says otherwise
Mobile Phones: Handheld use while driving is banned; hands-free only
Seatbelts: Required for all passengers under 18 (and recommended for all)
School Buses: Must stop for buses that have flashing red lights and extended stop sign
Speed Limits: Usually 30 mph in city areas, 65–70 mph on highways
Headlights: Required when windshield wipers are in use
Get a car to drive to:
White Mountains – hikes, Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch
Lake Winnipesaukee – Meredith, boat cruises, loop drive
Portsmouth & Seacoast – downtown, beaches, Prescott Park
Hampton Beach – boardwalk, summer concerts
Boston, MA – museums, sports arenas, shopping districts
Merrimack Premium Outlets – outlet stores, dining
What documents do I need to rent a car in Manchester?
You need to show a valid driver's license. If you're visiting from another country, you'll need a valid license from your home country. An International Driving Permit is helpful but not legally required if your license is in English.
Are there age restrictions for renting in New Hampshire?
You must be at least 21 to rent from most companies. Drivers under 25 also pay a young driver fee, which is around $20–$30 per day.
Can I drive to Canada in my rental car?
Most rental companies in New Hampshire let you drive to Canada. You must tell the rental company beforehand and they may give you a Canadian insurance card. Remember to bring your passport to cross the border.
Is it possible to rent a car with manual transmission?
Rental companies in the US almost always give you a car with an automatic transmission. It's very rare for them to have manual (stick shift) cars.
How does toll payment work with rental cars?
You can pay tolls in cash at all toll plazas in New Hampshire. Some rental companies also offer a toll transponder for an extra daily fee, around $3.95–$5.95 for each day you use it.
What is the typical deposit amount for a rental car?
The rental company will put a hold on your credit card. This hold covers the estimated rental cost plus a security deposit of about $200. They release the hold a few days after you return the car.
Are electric or hybrid vehicles available for rent?
Some rental companies may have hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius. Fully electric cars are harder to find, but more are becoming available to rent.
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