The 4 Closest Airports to Outer Banks NC

The closest airport to Outer Banks, NC, is Norfolk International Airport (ORF), located approximately 90 miles away.

The 4 Closest Airports to Outer Banks NC

You can click the name of these airports to find flights to these airports.

  1. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) ~ 80 miles away. It’s the nearest major airport to Outer Banks, North Carolina.
  2. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) ~ 130 miles away.
  3. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) ~ 200 miles away. It’s the nearest international airport to Outer Banks, North Carolina.
  4. Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) ~ 10 miles away. It’s the nearest airport to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, but the airport doesn’t have commercial airline service.

1. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) – Norfolk, VA

It’s the closest major airport to Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Distance to Outer Banks (Nags Head): ~80 miles (approx. 1.75–2 hours)

Pros:

  • Closest major airport
  • Multiple daily flights from major U.S. cities
  • Full-service amenities and rental car options

Cons:

  • Heavier traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons
  • Toll roads on some routes to the Outer Banks

Car Rental: Available on-site (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, etc.)

Contact Details:

2. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) – New Bern, NC

Distance to Outer Banks (Nags Head): ~130 miles (approx. 2.5–3 hours)

Pros:

  • Smaller, less crowded airport
  • Offers direct flights via American Airlines

Cons:

  • Limited number of flights and destinations
  • Longer drive to the Outer Banks

Car Rental: Available on-site (Enterprise, Hertz, National)

Contact Details:

3. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) – Raleigh, NC

It’s the closest international airport to Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Distance to Outer Banks (Nags Head): ~200 miles (approx. 3.5–4 hours)

Pros:

  • Major international airport with extensive flight options
  • Ideal if you’re combining OBX with a trip to Raleigh/Durham area

Cons:

  • Farther from the Outer Banks
  • Heavier traffic in the Triangle area

Car Rental: Available on-site (All major providers)

Contact Details:

  • Address: 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560
  • Phone: +1 919-840-2123
  • Website: https://www.rdu.com

4. Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) – Manteo, NC

Distance to Outer Banks (Nags Head): ~10 miles (approx. 15 minutes)

Pros:

  • Closest airport to OBX – very convenient
  • Great for private or charter flights

Cons:

  • No commercial airline service
  • No on-site car rental (may require pre-arranged service)

Car Rental: Must arrange through local agencies or delivery services

Contact Details:

Summary Table

AirportDistanceCommercial FlightsCar RentalBest For
ORF (Norfolk)~80 milesYesYesClosest major airport
EWN (New Bern)~130 milesLimitedYesQuiet alternative
RDU (Raleigh)~200 milesExtensiveYesMore flight options
MQI (Manteo)~10 milesNoLimitedPrivate flyers

Now you can answer the question:”what is the closest airport to Outer Banks, North Carolina?” The closest major airport to Outer Banks, NC, is Norfolk International Airport (ORF).

Map of 4 airports near Outer Banks, NC

Tag: closest airport to Outer Banks, North Carolina,

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