Nags Head is one of the most highly-regarded towns along the Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. With award-winning beaches, multiple piers, amazing restaurants, a lighthouse, and the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States, its no wonder tens of thousands of people visit Nags Head each year.
While a majority of people travel by motor vehicle from their driveway to the coastal town, others choose to take a flight to one of the two major airports near Nags Head. What airports are the nearest to the town of Nags Head you ask? Great question.
Norfolk International Airport
Distance from Nags Head, NC: About 90 Miles
Drive Time to Outer Banks: About 1.75 Hours (Depending on Traffic Conditions)
Most people who take a flight to visit the Outer Banks fly into Norfolk International. This is a mistake. Well, its a mistake during certain times of the year. In order to reach Nags Head, you have to travel along US 158…. which is basically parking lot on Saturday mornings and afternoons during the months of June, July, and August.
Consider flying into Raleigh–Durham International instead if you are planning on arriving on a Saturday during the summer. You’ll be able to skip all of the traffic on US 158 and avoid driving from Kitty Hawk to Nags Head.
Norfolk International Airport
2200 Norview Ave
Norfolk, VA 23518
Raleigh–Durham International Airport
Distance from Nags Head, NC: About 210 Miles
Drive Time to Outer Banks: About 3.25 Hours
With three runways, passenger service to 41 different destinations, and 126 average daily departures, Raleigh–Durham International is a much bigger and busier airport than the one in Norfolk. When leaving the airport and driving towards Nags Head, you’ll spend most of your time driving on US 64. This highway isn’t very busy (even during the summer), and your trip to the OBX will likely involve little to no traffic delays.
If you have some time and want to explore the area before heading to the Outer Banks, there is plenty to do and see in central North Carolina. We highly recommend visiting the Duke Gardens or the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
2400 John Brantley Blvd
Morrisville, NC 27560
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