Closest Airport to Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are a beautiful set of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The Outer Banks is known for its pristine beaches, charming villages, and world-class fishing. If you're planning a family vacation to Cape Hatteras or a trip to the Outer Banks, these are the airports you can fly into.
Whether you are traveling to Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, or the Dare Mainland, these are the best airports to get you there!
There are four airports within a 3 to 4-hour drive of the Outer Banks:
- Norfolk International Airport (ORF) in Norfolk, Virginia
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern, North Carolina
- Richmond International Airport (RIC) in Richmond, North Carolina
There is also a small airport located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks:
- Billy Mitchell Airport in Frisco, North Carolina
Each airport has its own pros and cons, so it's important to choose the one that's right for you.
Travel times to the Outer Banks
The driving time from each airport to the Outer Banks varies depending on traffic conditions. Here are the approximate driving times:
- RDU to the Outer Banks: Less than 4 hours
- ORF to the Outer Banks: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- EWN to the Outer Banks: 3 hours
- RIC to the Outer Banks: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Billy Mitchel Airport to the Outer Banks: Billy Mitchell Airport is located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks
Outer Banks Airport Layovers
If you're flying into a major airport like ORF or RDU, you may have to connect to a smaller plane to get to the Outer Banks. This can add to your travel time, so be sure to factor in layovers when booking your flight.
OBX Airport Flight Availability
Flight availability varies depending on the time of year and the airline. During the peak summer season, it can be difficult to find flights to the Outer Banks, so it's important to book your tickets early.
Best Outer Banks Airport
If you're looking for the shortest travel time and the widest variety of flight options, then Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the best choice. However, if you're looking for a less congested airport with lower rental car prices, then Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) is a good option.
Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
| Open directions from Norfolk to OBX in Maps |
If you can find a flight from your city, Norfolk International Airport is perhaps the best airport due to proximity to the Outer Banks.
Pros:
- Closest major airport to the Outer Banks (120 miles)
- Wide variety of airlines and flight options
- Nonstop flights available from many major cities
- Relatively easy drive to the Outer Banks
Cons:
- Can be congested during the summer months
- Traffic can be heavy on weekends and holidays
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
| Open directions from RDU to OBX in Maps |
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is another good airport for travelers due to proximity to the Outer Banks. It has a variety of flight options.
Pros:
- Major airport with a wide variety of airlines and flight options
- Nonstop flights available from many major cities
- Relatively easy drive to Outer Banks (230 miles)
Cons:
- Further away from the Outer Banks than ORF
- Traffic can be heavy on weekends and holidays
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN)
| Open directions from EWN to OBX in Maps |
Pros:
- Closest airport to the Outer Banks (165 miles)
- Less congested than ORF or RDU
Cons:
- Smaller airport with fewer airlines and flight options
- Nonstop flights are only available from a limited number of cities
- Can be difficult to find rental cars during peak season
Richmond International Airport (RIC)
| Open directions from RIC to OBX in Maps |
Pros:
- Nonstop flights available from many major cities
- Relatively easy drive to the Outer Banks (224 miles)
- Wide variety of airlines and flight options
Cons:
- Further away from the Outer Banks than ORF or EWN
- Traffic can be heavy on weekends and holidays
Layovers
If you're flying into Richmond International Airport from a major airport, you may have to connect to a smaller plane to get to the Outer Banks. However, the flight time is typically short.
Flight availability
Flight availability varies depending on the time of year and the airline. During the peak summer season, it can be difficult to find flights to the Outer Banks, so it's important to book your tickets early.
Recommendations
Richmond International Airport is a good option for travelers who want to avoid connecting flights and who are willing to drive to the Outer Banks. However, it's important to note that the airport is further away from the Outer Banks than ORF or EWN, and that rental car prices can be high during peak season.
If you're deciding between Richmond International Airport and other airports in the area, consider the following factors:
- Travel time: Richmond International Airport is further away from the Outer Banks than ORF or EWN, but it has more nonstop flight options.
- Flight availability: Richmond International Airport has a wider variety of flight options than Billy Mitchell Airport, but it can be difficult to find flights during peak season.
Billy Mitchell Airport (HAT)
| Open directions from HAT to OBX in Maps |
Billy Mitchell Airport (HAT) is the closest airport since it's located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks! The only problem is limited flight availability to this small airport.
Pros:
- Located on Hatteras Island
- No need to rent a car
- Short flight times from nearby airports
Cons:
- Small airport with limited flight options
- Nonstop flights are only available from a limited number of cities
- Can be difficult to find flights during peak season
Flight Travel time
The flight time from Billy Mitchell Airport to nearby airports is typically 30-60 minutes.
Layovers
If you're flying into Billy Mitchell Airport from a major airport, you will need to connect to a smaller plane. However, the flight time is typically short.
OBX Flight availability
Flight availability varies depending on the time of year and the airline. During the peak summer season, it can be difficult to find flights to Billy Mitchell Airport, so it's important to book your tickets early.
Recommendations
Billy Mitchell Airport is a good option for travelers who are flying from a nearby airport. However, it's important to note that the airport has limited flight options and that flights can be difficult to find during peak season.
If you're deciding between Billy Mitchell Airport and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, consider the following factors:
- Travel time: Billy Mitchell Airport is located on Hatteras Island, so it has the shortest travel time. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is located in New Bern, NC, which is about an hour and 45-minute drive from Hatteras Island.
- Flight availability: Billy Mitchell Airport has limited flight options, while Coastal Carolina Regional Airport has a wider variety of flight options, including nonstop flights from a larger number of cities.