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.
- Norfolk International Airport (ORF) ~ 80 miles away. It’s the nearest major airport to Outer Banks, North Carolina.
- Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) ~ 130 miles away.
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) ~ 200 miles away. It’s the nearest international airport to Outer Banks, North Carolina.
- 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:
- Address: 2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA 23518
- Phone: +1 757-857-3351
- Website: https://www.norfolkairport.com
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:
- Address: 200 Terminal Dr, New Bern, NC 28562
- Phone: +1 252-638-8591
- Website: https://www.flyewn.com
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:
- Address: 410 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC 27954
- Phone: +1 252-475-5570
- Website: https://www.darenc.gov/departments/airport
Summary Table
Airport | Distance | Commercial Flights | Car Rental | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
ORF (Norfolk) | ~80 miles | Yes | Yes | Closest major airport |
EWN (New Bern) | ~130 miles | Limited | Yes | Quiet alternative |
RDU (Raleigh) | ~200 miles | Extensive | Yes | More flight options |
MQI (Manteo) | ~10 miles | No | Limited | Private 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,