New England Road Trips
Our USA Travel Experts answer some of your most frequently asked questions about planning a fly drive holiday to New England.
Where is the best place to start a New England fly drive?
Boston is the ideal starting point for a New England fly drive. Logan International Airport has daily flights from London, as well as connections from other cities such as Manchester and Glasgow, and Boston provides easy access to major routes heading north into Maine and New Hampshire, west into Vermont, or south to Cape Cod and Rhode Island.
When is the best time of year for a New England fly drive?
The best time to visit New England depends mostly on what you’d like to experience. Autumn (mid September to late October) is New England’s most famous season, when the hillsides transform into spectacular displays of red, orange and gold foliage, although this is peak season too, so expect busier roads. Summer (from June to August) offers warm weather perfect for coastal exploration, beach days, and hiking, with temperatures typically in the mid-20s Centigrade. Spring (April to May) brings blooming landscapes and fewer crowds, whilst Winter appeals to those interested in skiing and snow sports in Vermont and New Hampshire, though driving conditions can be challenging.
How long should a New England fly drive holiday be?
Whilst a week gives you time to see some of the highlights of New England, such as Boston, one or two coastal destinations in Maine, and perhaps the White Mountains or Vermont, 10 – 14 days is ideal for a more comprehensive exploration, allowing you to experience multiple states at a relaxed pace without spending all your time driving.
What are the highlights of a New England fly drive?
The region offers remarkable diversity within relatively short distances. In Boston, you can walk the Freedom Trail and explore revolutionary history. Maine’s rugged coastline features iconic lighthouses, charming harbour towns like Kennebunkport and Camden, and the spectacular landscapes of Acadia National Park.
New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer dramatic scenery along routes like the Kancamagus Highway. Vermont delights with covered bridges, quintessential villages such as Stowe and Woodstock, and opportunities to visit maple sugar farms.
Cape Cod and the islands provide beautiful beaches and seafood restaurants, whilst Rhode Island’s Newport showcases Gilded Age mansions overlooking the ocean.
Do I need to pre-book accommodation for a New England fly drive?
Yes, pre-booking is highly recommended, especially during autumn foliage season ( September and October) when accommodation fills up months in advance and prices will be at their highest. Summer months are also busy, particularly in coastal areas and popular towns. Even in quieter seasons, booking ahead ensures you secure your preferred properties and helps create a well-planned route. At Freedom Destinations, we include pre-booked accommodation as part of all our fly drive packages, taking the stress out of planning whilst ensuring you stay in well-located, quality hotels throughout your journey.
What are the driving conditions like in New England?
New England offers excellent driving conditions with scenic, well-maintained roads and clear signage. Distances between destinations are more manageable than some other American regions, with most drives just a couple of hours between major stops. The region’s scenic byways, such as the Kancamagus Highway and Route 100 through Vermont, are highlights in themselves. Traffic can be heavy around Boston (we recommend not driving in the city centre) and on Interstate 95 during peak times. Autumn weekends see increased traffic in popular foliage areas. Winter driving requires caution due to snow and ice, whilst summer and autumn generally provide ideal conditions. American cars are automatic, making driving straightforward, and GPS navigation is reliable throughout the region.
Planning Your New England Road Trip
At Freedom, we’ll plan you a carefully curated route, and we can book your flights, car hire and hotels along the way as part of one ATOL and ABTA protected package. We can also include day tours and experiences too! Just let our America Experts know what you’d like to do.
Plan your holiday
