Closest Airports to the Outer Banks
Short answer: fly into Norfolk (ORF)
Norfolk International is the closest airport with regular airline service, about 80 miles north of Kitty Hawk. Heading to Hatteras Island, add another 1.5 hours or more of driving. Heading to Ocracoke from the south, New Bern and the Cedar Island ferry can be the better route.
Airline airports
Where to fly in
Closest · about 1.5 to 2 hours to Kitty Hawk
Norfolk International (ORF)
Norfolk, Virginia, about 80 miles north of Kitty Hawk. The most flights and airlines of any airport near the Outer Banks, with rental cars on site.
About 2.5 to 3 hours
Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF)
A smaller Virginia airport on the Peninsula. Worth checking if fares or schedules beat Norfolk.
About 3.5 to 4 hours
Raleigh-Durham (RDU)
North Carolina's biggest nearby airport, about 190 miles west of Nags Head. More nonstop routes and sometimes lower fares, but a much longer drive.
Best for Ocracoke from the south
Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN)
New Bern, North Carolina. The closest airline airport to the Cedar Island ferry, which runs to Ocracoke Village.
Private and charter flights
Local airfields
Flying your own plane or a charter? The Outer Banks has several public airfields. None has airline service.
Manteo · MQI
Dare County Regional
The largest Outer Banks airfield, with two runways, fuel and a small aviation museum. Home base for charter and air tour companies. 252.475.5570
Kill Devil Hills · FFA
First Flight Airport
A National Park Service strip next to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. 3,000-foot runway, no fuel and no overnight parking.
Frisco and Ocracoke · HSE, W95
Billy Mitchell and Ocracoke Island
Two National Park Service airfields on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, each with a 3,000-foot paved runway.
Maple · ONX
Currituck County Regional
A public airport on the Currituck mainland with fuel, handy for Corolla, Duck and the northern beaches.
Looking for a charter flight or an air tour? Search the Chamber member directory →
Once you land
Getting around
You will want a car
The Outer Banks stretches more than 100 miles and public transit is limited. Most visitors rent a car at the airport.
Local car rentals →Rentals once you are here
Bikes, golf carts, 4x4s for the Corolla beaches, beach gear and more from local businesses.
Search the member directory →Beat the Saturday traffic
Summer Saturdays bring heavy check-in traffic on the bridges. If you can, fly in midweek or plan a later arrival.
When to visit →Common questions
Flying to the Outer Banks FAQ
What is the closest airport to the Outer Banks?
Norfolk International (ORF) in Virginia, about 80 miles north of Kitty Hawk and a 1.5 to 2 hour drive. It is the closest airport with regular airline flights.
Is there an airport on the Outer Banks?
Yes, but only for private planes and charters. Dare County Regional in Manteo, First Flight in Kill Devil Hills, Billy Mitchell in Frisco and Ocracoke Island all welcome small aircraft. No airlines fly into them.
Which airport is best for Hatteras or Ocracoke?
For Hatteras Island, Norfolk is still usually best; allow 3 to 4 hours or more of driving. For Ocracoke, compare Norfolk plus the Hatteras ferry with New Bern plus the Cedar Island ferry.
Should I fly into Norfolk or Raleigh?
Norfolk saves about two hours of driving. Raleigh-Durham sometimes has more nonstop flights or lower fares, so compare the total trip time and cost.
Plan the rest of your trip
Find places to stay, eat and explore from local Chamber members. Questions? Call the Chamber at 252.441.8144.
