How to Get Around North Carolina

A car is effectively necessary outside the centres of Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte. Distances are longer than the map suggests: Charlotte to the Outer Banks is a full day's drive.

Charlotte Douglas is the major hub, with Raleigh-Durham the other main airport. Both connect widely; the coast and mountains do not have useful commercial air service of their own.

The Outer Banks are reached by bridge in the north and by ferry further south — the Hatteras to Ocracoke crossing is free, the mainland routes are tolled and need reservations in season.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road, not a through route: no commercial traffic, a 45 mph limit, and seasonal closures at elevation. Budget roughly double the time the distance suggests.