Dover, New Hampshire is easy to get to from surrounding towns, the Seacoast, and beyond. Whether you’re commuting to work, visiting friends, or planning a day trip, the city is well connected by highways, rail service, and regional transportation options. Below are the most common and convenient ways to get into Dover.

Driving to Dover

Driving is the most popular way to reach Dover, especially from nearby towns and cities. The Spaulding Turnpike (NH Route 16 / US Route 4) is the main highway serving Dover, running north–south and connecting the city directly to Portsmouth, Rochester, and other Seacoast communities. Multiple exits make it easy to get into downtown or surrounding neighborhoods.

Interstate 95 is another key route for travelers coming from Massachusetts or Maine. While I-95 does not pass directly through Dover, it connects smoothly to Route 16 near Portsmouth. State routes like NH Route 155 and NH Route 4 also link Dover with nearby towns such as Lee, Epping, and South Berwick, Maine.

Route 101 is an important route for travelers coming from the southern middle and western parts of NH, such as Manchester or Keene. From Route 101, travelers can enter 125 North in Epping to then meet up with Route 4 East to enter directly into the southern part of Dover, or follow 125 North to Route 9 east to enter the center of Dover.

Taking the Train

Dover is served by the Amtrak Downeaster, which runs between Boston, Massachusetts and Brunswick, Maine. The train stops at the Dover Transportation Center, located close to downtown, making it a convenient option if you don’t want to deal with traffic or parking.

The Downeaster also connects Dover with other New Hampshire stops like Exeter and Durham, as well as larger cities such as Boston and Portland. It’s a popular choice for commuters, students, and visitors looking for a comfortable and reliable ride.

Getting Here by Bus

Several bus services connect Dover with surrounding towns and regional hubs. COAST Bus operates routes throughout the Seacoast area, linking Dover with Portsmouth, Somersworth, Rochester, and nearby Maine communities. These buses are commonly used for daily commuting and short trips.

For longer-distance travel, intercity bus services like C&J provide connections to Boston, Logan Airport, and other major destinations. Stops are located just outside downtown Dover near Route 16, making it a practical option for travelers coming from farther away.

Flying In + Ground Transportation

Dover doesn’t have its own commercial airport, but it’s easy to reach from nearby airports. Portsmouth International Airport at Pease is the closest option and is just a short drive away. From there, travelers can continue to Dover by car, taxi, rideshare, or regional bus.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is another common choice, especially for travelers coming from farther distances. From Manchester, visitors can rent a car or use a combination of bus and train services to reach Dover.

Logan International Airport in Boston, MA is a popular airport as well. From Boston, visitors can rent a care or use the convenient C&J Bus that picks up passengers right at the airport and brings them to the Dover C&J Bus Station in the north end of the city.

With multiple ways to arrive, Dover is one of the most accessible cities on the New Hampshire Seacoast. No matter how you choose to travel, getting here is straightforward and convenient.