Why drive when you can fly? Though the drive into the Outer Banks is quite scenic, sometimes efficiency is best, especially for short trips.
Don’t cut time at your vacation rental short when you can get to the beach as fast as possible.
Contrary to popular belief, the OBX area is home to several regional airports and is less than 100 miles away from two larger International airports—so rest assured that you’ll have several options for sourcing flights for your upcoming getaway.
Most out-of-town guests fly into the Norfolk International airport and then rent a car for a scenic drive down the coastline. However, the ride from Norfolk to the entrance of the Outer Banks is about an hour and a half, plus any additional time to get to your final beach destination. The good news is that you can fly from Norfolk to a smaller, regional airport via a connecting flight to skip the drive if you’d rather have more beach time.
If you’re wondering where to get started, check out this quick guide to airports near the Outer Banks, and reach out to one of our vacation planning specialists for more information on traveling to OBX.
Outer Banks Airports
These small, regional airports are located directly on the Outer Bank stretch. You can fly direct into many of these airports or charter a private flight. The airports are listed in order of their location along OBX from north to south.
Pine Island Airport (Private)
Address: Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC 27927
Phone: (252) 256-2322
Situated directly between Duck and Corolla, the Pine Island Airport is the place to be if you are visiting the north-end of the Outer Banks. This private airport services individuals that own their own plane or that book a private charter through a booking agency. For more information on booking a charter, visit Outer Banks Airlines for rates and schedules. Or, if you own a plan and wish to fly direct into Corolla, visit this page to register your trip.
Dare County Regional Airport (MQI)
Address: 410 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: (252) 475-5570
The largest airport on the Outer Banks, the Dare County Regional Airport is located in the heart of Manteo. Sometimes called the “Manteo Airport”, this air service center offers two runways, rental car services, and taxi/ride share services. The airport also features a small museum, which showcases model aircrafts and pays homage to North Carolina’s rich aviation history; museum admission is free to all guests. If you have extra time, be sure to visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island and other Manteo attractions, which are just steps from the airport.
First Flight Airstrip at Wright Brothers Memorial (FFA)
Address: Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Phone: N/A
Owned and operated by the U.S. National Park Service, the First Flight Airport doubles as a historical site that pays tribute to the area’s rich flight history. The airstrip is actually located on the site where the Wright Brothers created and executed glide and flight experiments and where the first successful flight took place. This public airstrip caters to personal and charter aircraft. While you’re there, be sure to visit the famous Wright Brother National Memorial and Museum!
Billy Mitchell Airport
Address: 53252 Billy Mitchell Rd, Frisco, NC 27936
Phone: (252) 473-2111
A small, remote destination, the Billy Mitchell Airport is located along the scenic Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Named after a notable local World War I pilot, this intimate airport is managed by the National Park Service and offers limited aviation facilities for private and charter planes. The airport is only open 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, so plan accordingly if you plan to fly to this south OBX airstrip.
Currituck County Regional Airport (ONX)
Address: 264 Airport Rd, Maple, NC 27956
Phone: (252) 453-8032
Though the Currituck County Regional Airport is technically not located on the Outer Banks, it is close enough that we felt it was worth mentioning. Located less than 45 minutes from Kitty Hawk, this small but mighty airport is open to the public and caters to both public and private flights. Rental car and rideshare services are also readily available.
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Major Airports Near The Outer Banks
There are two major airports within a four-hour drive to the Outer Banks, both of which offer flights from major airlines with direct and connecting flights across the entire United States.
Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
Address: 2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA 23518
Phone: (757) 857-3351
Distance From Nags Head: 90 Miles, ~1 Hour 45 Minutes (Varies by Season)
Located less than 100 miles north of the Outer Banks, the Norfolk International Airport is the most popular major airport for OBX visitors. Featuring major carriers like Delta, United, American, Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant, and more, Norfolk International flies direct to destinations across the nation. The expansive airport also offers several on-site rental car companies, dedicated airport shuttle services, taxi cabs, and ride share services, in addition to several on-site shops and restaurants.
Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU)
Address: 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: (919) 840-2123
Distance From Nags Head: 210 Miles, ~ 3 Hours 30 Minutes (Varies by Season)
Located three and a half hours east of the Outer Banks, the Raleigh Durham International Airport is a great major airport option for guests looking to take advantage of the famous ‘Research Triangle’ area of central North Carolina. The Raleigh Durham airport services ten airlines, including Delta, American, and United, and offers direct flights to over 60 destinations across the country. Visitors can also take advantage of a wide variety of rental car, taxi, ride share, and shuttle services, and can enjoy an array of on-site restaurants and retail shops.
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Air Charter Services
Whether you’re seeking the most convenient and efficient way to reach the Outer Banks or you’re simply looking for a unique and personalized travel experience, there’s nothing quite like a private charter into OBX! Check out these local air charter services to meet your private flight needs.
Outer Banks Air Charters
www.facebook.com/littlehawklogistics/
Address: 410 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: (252) 256-2322
Website: https://outerbanksaircharters.com/
Outer Banks Air Charters is OBX’s premier private charter solution. The premium flight service flies direct to all five Outer Banks regional airports for convenient and speedy delivery to your final destination. Flights are available on-demand with personalized, professional service.
Barrier Island Aviation
Address: 407 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: (252) 473-4247
Website: https://barrierislandaviation.com/
Turn a three-hour drive into a quick 30-minute ride with Barrier Island Aviation. This private air charter company services Norfolk, Raleigh, and Richmond with direct charters to Hatteras, Manteo, and Ocracoke. Barrier Island Aviation charters can accommodate up to three guests.
Traveling to the Outer Banks will require a drive in – but if you are coming in from far away, you’ll be pleased to see several airports to choose from. Search our Outer Banks condo rentals today to find the ideal lodging.