North Carolina Transportation: How to Get Around

Not only is getting around in North Carolina a breeze, but it can also be a whole lot of fun. Even if you plan on flying into North Carolina, a set of wheels will be a necessity at some point. You'll find many options are available in regards to airport shuttles, taxis and rental cars. And if you choose to arrive in your own car, or to take the wheel of a rental, the state of North Carolina is easy to navigate. Consider a few methods of transportation that will help you get from point A to point B with the greatest of ease.

Getting to and From the Airport in North Carolina

If you take your flights to North Carolina into any of the public airports, there is the issue of how you'll get to your hotel destination. If you've got it in your budget, then it is probably worthwhile to rent a car. All the North Carolina cities are incredibly easy to navigate, and parking isn't quite the headache in Charlotte as it is in some of America's larger cities. If heading towards the mountains or the beaches, a car will help get you to your reserved lodging, and from there, things start to get even more enjoyable.

Getting Around in Charlotte, North Carolina

If you score one of the uptown or downtown hotels in Charlotte, North Carolina, you can enjoy the area best by simply taking a walk. Leave the car in the hotel parking lot or garage and remember to bring some comfortable shoes. Once you reach your “foot-travel” threshold, or prefer to get places a bit faster, the Charlotte taxis are affordable and are easily hailed in the up and downtown areas.

Getting Around the North Carolina Beach Cities

Whether you're south in Wilmington, or north in the Outer Banks, some sort of automotive transportation will be necessary in getting you to your beach accommodations. Once you're there, consider hitting a beach rental shop for a bicycle. If you're willing to wheel and deal, you can get a great daily rate, and there's nothing like rolling on two wheels with the Atlantic Ocean at a stone's throw. If you're driving your own car, and own a bicycle, then by all means, take it with you!

Getting Around in the Mountains

If you drive a Jeep, it's definitely worth driving it into the Appalachian Range! If you plan to explore North Carolina's mountainous region, you'll want to get off the beaten path -- or at least off of the asphalt. Hiking and mountain biking are the most enjoyable modes of “getting around” the most beautiful mountain trails, as well as the small mountain towns. Any vehicle will easily navigate the marked roadways in this region, but if you are just aching to go where a car can't, and don't have the endurance to hike or bike for days, consider the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Whether you rent a car, drive your own or hop a cab to your accommodations, you'll find that the entire state of North Carolina is easy to navigate. If you've got the time, take it -- get out and walk, or take a ride on a bike so you may enjoy the true beauty of this southern Atlantic state.