Part of the allure of vacationing on the Outer Banks is its convenient location within driving distance of several states, including South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. However, sometimes you just want to avoid the traffic and cut your drive time short by booking a quick and easy flight. Or maybe you're coming from somewhere farther away and driving is just impractical. However you choose to make your way to the Outer Banks, it's going to be more than worth the trip! Here's some more information about getting to the Outer Banks via plane - and some alternatives!
Be sure to check out our guide to Getting Here and our Guide to Outer Banks Traffic for more tips and tricks to make your OBX journey the best it can be!
Closest Airports to the Outer Banks
Major Airports
1. Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
- Location: Norfolk, Virginia
- Distance to the Outer Banks: Approximately 82 miles to Kitty Hawk, about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
- Overview: As the closest major airport to the Outer Banks, Norfolk International is a popular visitor choice. It offers numerous daily flights from major cities across the U.S. and various ground transportation options, including rental cars, shuttles, and ride-sharing services, making it easy to begin your Outer Banks adventure.
- Why Choose ORF: Norfolk International Airport is the closest major airport to the Outer Banks. Flying into ORF can cut your drive time down to 2 hours, meaning that you can get your OBX vacation started faster with less hassle.
2. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
- Location: Morrisville, North Carolina
- Distance to the Outer Banks: Approximately 192 miles to Nags Head, about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive.
- Overview: Raleigh-Durham International Airport is another viable option for travelers, particularly those looking for a broader range of flight options. RDU connects to numerous domestic and international destinations with its extensive flight network. After landing, visitors can easily rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive eastward toward the Outer Banks.
- Why Choose RDU: The drive is quick and easy once you land, and you'll find a lot more options coming into RDU of origin points as well as airlines and flight times. There's also a LOT of beautiful scenery to check out driving from Morrisville to the OBX, so be sure to stop in and check out some of the smaller southern towns. Edenton is a great choice for a quick stop and a walk through their historic waterfront downtown before starting your vacation at the beach!
Smaller/Regional Airports
1. Dare County Regional Airport (MQI)
- Location: Manteo, North Carolina
- Distance to the Outer Banks: Located on Roanoke Island, just minutes from Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk.
- Overview: Dare County Regional Airport is the closest airport to the Outer Banks, serving general aviation and private planes. This small airport offers easy access to popular OBX destinations, making it an excellent choice for those arriving by private aircraft or charter. Despite its size, MQI provides essential services like fuel, maintenance, and ground transportation.
- Why Choose MQI: Its unbeatable proximity to the heart of the Outer Banks makes MQI the ideal choice for private pilots and charter flights looking for the most direct route to the area.
2. Currituck County Regional Airport (KONX)
- Location: Currituck, North Carolina
- Distance to the Outer Banks: Approximately 34 miles to Kitty Hawk, about a 40-minute drive.
- Overview: Currituck County Regional Airport is another small, public-use airport that caters primarily to general aviation. Located just a short drive from the northern Outer Banks, this airport is a convenient option for private and charter flights. It features a single runway, aircraft storage, and basic services like fuel and maintenance.
- Why Choose KONX: KONX is perfect for those flying into the northern Outer Banks, offering a quick and easy drive to the beach towns of Corolla, Duck, and Kitty Hawk.
3. Elizabeth City Regional Airport (ECG)
- Location: Elizabeth City, North Carolina
- Distance to the Outer Banks: Approximately 52 miles to Nags Head, about a 1-hour drive.
- Overview: Elizabeth City Regional Airport is a joint civil and military public and military use airport with facilities for private planes and smaller charter flights. It’s a convenient option for travelers heading to the central or southern Outer Banks. The airport features a well-maintained runway, aircraft services, and is close to the charming waterfront town of Elizabeth City with a beautiful downtown and plenty of chic shopping options and festivals throughout the year.
- Why Choose ECG: ECG is a great choice for those looking to explore both the Outer Banks and the scenic northeastern part of North Carolina. For people looking to explore Hertford and Edenton in addition to the Outer Banks, ECG is a good bet.
4. Ocracoke Island Airport (W95)
- Location: Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
- Distance to the Outer Banks: Situated on Ocracoke Island, part of the southern Outer Banks.
- Overview: Ocracoke Island Airport is a small public airport located directly on Ocracoke Island. This airport is unique in that it primarily serves private and charter flights, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the more remote and serene parts of the Outer Banks. The island’s secluded beaches and charming village are just a short ride from the airstrip.
- Why Choose W95: If you’re seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination within the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island Airport offers direct access to one of the area’s most tranquil spots.
5. Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE)
- Location: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, near Frisco, North Carolina.
- Distance to the Outer Banks: Directly on Hatteras Island, providing immediate access to the island's attractions.
- Overview: Billy Mitchell Airport is a small, public airport owned by the U.S. National Park Service. There is a single runway and limited amenities, but this is a great choice for small or charter planes that plan to vacation primarily on Hatteras Island.
- Why Choose HSE: If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the major city airports or you'd rather not worry about driving a long distance to get your vacation rental, the Billy Mitchell Airport is a great opportunity to embrace the peace and relaxation of staying on Hatteras Island.
Alternative Ways to Travel
Driving to the Outer Banks
Driving to the Outer Banks is definitely one of the more popular ways to get to the Outer Banks, especially considering its convenient location in the middle of the eastern United States. There are several major highways that converge in Eastern North Carolina and make the drive through farm country scenic and pleasant for the last several hours of your trip.
Routes:
- From the North (Virginia, Washington, D.C., and beyond): Take I-95 South to Route 64 East or Route 158 East. Both routes will bring you through charming small towns and across the Wright Memorial Bridge, which connects the mainland to the northern Outer Banks.
- From the West (Raleigh, Greensboro, and beyond): Take I-40 East to Route 64 East. This route takes you through North Carolina's countryside before bringing you to the Roanoke Sound and into the central Outer Banks.
- From the South (Wilmington, Charleston, and beyond): Take US-17 North to Route 64 East or Route 158 East. This scenic drive will take you along the Intracoastal Waterway and through coastal forests.
Taking the Ferry
For a more adventurous and scenic approach, consider taking one of the ferry routes that connect the mainland to the Outer Banks or travel between the islands themselves. The ferry system is a vital part of the transportation network, especially for reaching the more remote areas. The ferry ride is an experience in itself, offering breathtaking views of the water, the chance to see wildlife, and a relaxed start to your Outer Banks adventure. It’s also the only way to reach Ocracoke Island by vehicle.
Ferry Routes:
- Cedar Island to Ocracoke Island: This ferry connects the mainland to Ocracoke Island, offering stunning views of Pamlico Sound. The ferry ride takes about 2.25 hours.
- Swan Quarter to Ocracoke Island: Another route to Ocracoke, this ferry also crosses Pamlico Sound and takes about 2.5 hours.
- Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island: This free ferry connects the southern tip of Hatteras Island to Ocracoke. The ride takes about 60 minutes and offers beautiful views of the sound and the surrounding islands.
Cycling
If you're looking to travel across the state while being a little more adventurous and fitness-minded, consider cycling to and around the Outer Banks! There are lots of beautiful bike paths in the area, making especially the northern Outer Banks like Duck and Corolla, a great destination for cyclists. This will give you a unique perspective on both the state and the Outer Banks.
Routes:
- Outer Banks Scenic Byway: This 138-mile route stretches from the northern Outer Banks down to Ocracoke Island. It’s a designated National Scenic Byway and offers cyclists the chance to ride through quaint towns, along sandy shores, and past historic landmarks.
Whether You're Flying or Driving, Get to the OBX Now!
When you're flying to start off your Outer Banks vacation, it's essential to choose the right airport for your trip. Whether you're looking to fly into Norfolk, Raleigh, or a smaller local airport, you'll easily be able to find what you need to have an incredible vacation. Once you arrive, the Outer Banks awaits with its stunning beaches, rich history, and charming towns. No matter which route you take, your journey to this coastal gem is sure to be the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. Safe travels, and welcome to the Outer Banks!
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About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
