Explore North Carolina United States

Explore North Carolina United States

What is the best time to travel to North Carolina

The best time to travel to North Carolina depends on what you want to do and see. In general, the spring and fall seasons (March to May and September to November) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The summer months (June to August) are popular for beach vacations, but can be hot and humid. The winter months (December to February) are generally mild, with occasional snowfall in the mountain regions, and can be a good time for skiing and winter sports. Keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November, and severe weather can impact travel plans, particularly in coastal areas.

How to get to North Carolina

North Carolina is accessible by air, train, and bus.

The major airports in North Carolina are:

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in Raleigh-Durham

Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro

Amtrak operates several train routes throughout North Carolina, including the Carolinian and Piedmont lines.

Greyhound and other bus companies provide bus service throughout the state.

If you are driving, North Carolina is easily accessible from major highways such as I-95 and I-85.

How to get around North Carolina

North Carolina has several transportation options for travelers to get around the state:

Car: Renting a car is a popular option for travelers who want to explore the state at their own pace. Major car rental companies have offices in the state, and several highways connect the state’s major cities.

Bus: North Carolina has an extensive bus network operated by Greyhound and other companies, making it easy to get around the state by bus.

Train: Amtrak offers train service to several North Carolina cities, including Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro. This is a convenient way to travel between major cities.

Light Rail: Charlotte has a light rail system known as the LYNX Blue Line, which runs from south Charlotte to Uptown Charlotte.

Taxis and ride-hailing services: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in North Carolina’s major cities.

Bicycle: Many cities in North Carolina, such as Asheville and Durham, have bike-friendly infrastructure and bike-sharing programs that make it easy to explore on two wheels.

Walking: Exploring cities on foot is a great way to see the sights, especially in downtown areas with pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks.

National Airports

North Carolina has several airports, including:

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)

Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY)

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN)

These are some of the major airports in North Carolina, and there are also smaller regional airports throughout the state.

Trains in North Carolina

There are several train services in North Carolina, including:

Amtrak: Amtrak offers several routes that pass through North Carolina, including the Crescent, Carolinian, and Piedmont. These routes connect the state to major cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and New Orleans.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) LYNX Blue Line: This light rail service connects Charlotte to several neighborhoods and suburbs, including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NoDa, and South End.

Charlotte Trolley: This heritage streetcar line runs through Charlotte’s historic South End neighborhood.

Triangle Transit Authority: This regional public transportation provider serves the Triangle area, which includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. TTA offers several bus routes, including express service to major employers like Duke University and Research Triangle Park.

Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART): This regional transportation provider serves several counties in central and western North Carolina. PART offers several bus routes, including express service to Winston-Salem and Greensboro.

Greater Cleveland Transit Authority: This public transportation provider serves the Greater Cleveland area, which includes Cleveland, Durham, and Wake County.

Asheville Transit System: This public transportation provider serves the city of Asheville, with several bus routes and a trolley service.

Watauga County Transit System: This public transportation provider serves Watauga County and the town of Boone, with several bus routes.

GoTriangle: This public transportation provider serves the Triangle area, with several bus routes and express service to Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Note that the availability and schedules of these services may vary, so it is best to check their websites for up-to-date information.

Buses in North Carolina

North Carolina has several bus companies that provide transportation services within the state and to other destinations. Some of the major bus companies operating in North Carolina are:

Greyhound: Greyhound provides bus services to several destinations within North Carolina and also to other cities in the United States and Canada.

Megabus: Megabus provides affordable bus services to several destinations within North Carolina, as well as to other cities in the eastern United States.

Carolina Trailways: Carolina Trailways provides bus services to several destinations within North Carolina, as well as to other cities in the southeastern United States.

Southeastern Stages: Southeastern Stages provides bus services to several destinations within North Carolina, as well as to other cities in the southeastern United States.

Tornado Bus Company: Tornado Bus Company provides bus services from North Carolina to several destinations in Texas, Mexico, and other parts of the United States.

There are also several regional bus companies that provide transportation services within specific areas of North Carolina.

Accommodations in North Carolina

North Carolina offers a variety of accommodations for travelers, ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxurious resorts. Some of the popular options include:

Hotels: North Carolina has plenty of hotels throughout the state, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end luxury. Some of the popular hotel chains include Marriott, Hilton, and Sheraton.

Bed and Breakfasts: For those who want a more unique and personal experience, North Carolina has numerous bed and breakfasts throughout the state. These often offer a more intimate setting, personalized service, and a home-cooked breakfast.

Cabins and Vacation Rentals: North Carolina is also known for its scenic beauty, and renting a cabin or vacation home can be a great way to experience it. There are many options available, from cozy cabins in the mountains to beachfront properties on the coast.

Campgrounds: For those who enjoy the great outdoors, North Carolina has many campgrounds throughout the state. These range from primitive campsites to RV parks with full hookups.

Resorts and Spas: North Carolina has several luxury resorts and spas, particularly in the Asheville area. These offer a wide range of amenities, including golf courses, spas, and fine dining.

When choosing accommodations in North Carolina, consider factors such as location, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking for. It’s also a good idea to book well in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons.