The Outer Banks is filled with incredible destinations that are waiting to be explored. Stretching 70 miles, Cape Hatteras National Seashore encompasses the charming villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. Most travelers experience this slice of paradise driving to Hatteras Island, as it offers flexibility and allows you to bring all the gear and supplies you need for a comfortable stay. Making your journey by car is also a great way to take in the beauty of this region.

Let Surf or Sound Realty be your guide to getting around Hatteras Island. To help you navigate, we compiled a list of helpful information, such as where our offices are located, how to avoid traffic, and much more. Before hitting the road, load your car up with all your favorite road trip snacks and a playlist of all the best car ride songs queued up!

Our Offices

Surf or Sound Realty operates three offices on Hatteras Island. Whether you need to stop in for the key to your vacation rental home or have some questions, we are here for you. The addresses and maps with driving directions to all three of our offices are below.

Click for map and driving directions

Preferred Summer Travel Route from the North

From I-64 in Chesapeake, take exit 291B for US-17 South, VA 168 South
Take exit 15B for US-17 South, keep right on US-17 South
Follow US-17 South into North Carolina
Take US-17 South bypass around Elizabeth City
Continue on US-17 South to NC-37 South
Turn left on NC-37 South (NC-37 South becomes NC-32 South)
Follow NC-32 South
Make a left onto 94 South
Make a right onto Benson Road
Turn left on US-64 East
Keep going east to Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks
Once across the Causeway, turn right onto NC-12 South onto Hatteras Island

Alternative Summer Travel Route from the North

If using I-95 is more convenient for you

Follow I-95 South to North Carolina and take Exit 138 for US-64 East toward Rocky Mount
Follow US-64 East through Williamston and Plymouth, NC
From Plymouth, NC, keep going East to Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks
Once across the Causeway, turn right onto NC-12 South onto Hatteras Island

Non-Summer Travel Route from the North

Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA
Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA
Take 64 or 664 to Chesapeake, VA
Go south on 168, Chesapeake Expressway (Chesapeake Expressway is a toll road. To bypass tolls, take 168 South Business in Virginia)
Once in North Carolina, 168 turns into US-158 East
Follow this road onto the Outer Banks until you reach NC-12 South at the south end of Nags Head
Take NC-12 South to Hatteras Island

Driving Directions from the West

Coming from Raleigh, take US-64 East toward Rocky Mount
Follow US-64 East through Williamston and Plymouth, NC
From Plymouth, NC, keep going east to Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks
Once across the causeway, turn right onto NC-12 South onto Hatteras Island

Driving Directions from the South

Coming from South Carolina, take I-95 to Wilson, NC
Take US-264 East through Greenville and Washington, NC
From Washington, take State Route 30 to Plymouth, NC, and follow the directions above via US-64 East to Hatteras Island

Approximate Outer Banks Mileage from Hatteras Island

Hatteras Island is close to many other destinations in the Outer Banks. Here’s a look at how many miles it takes to drive to Hatteras Island from other Outer Banks locations.

To access Hatteras Island by ferry, you have the choice of two ferries from mainland North Carolina to Ocracoke Island. These two ferries via Swan Quarter and Cedar Island both require reservations. The Ocracoke to Hatteras ferry is free and requires no reservation.

The Ocracoke Express, the only dedicated passenger ferry between Hatteras and Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village, is another option. The Ocracoke Express takes passengers on a 70-minute trip; a one-way ticket costs $5, or you can secure a round-trip ticket for $10. Please get in touch with NC Ferry Division (800.BY.FERRY) to check schedules and reserve a space for your arrival and departure.

Norfolk International Airport (ORF): Located in Norfolk, Virginia, approximately 140 miles north of Avon.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU): Located between Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, approximately 250 miles northwest of Avon.
Dare County Airport (MQI): Located on the north end of Roanoke Island (252.475.5570).
Billy Mitchell Airstrip: Located in Frisco. The airstrip is for personal aircrafts (252.995.3646).

Hatteras Island ground transportation to and from airports is available through these two local companies:

Airport Connection (252.305.1111)
Island Limousine (252.441.5466)

Driving Directions: Traversing Hatteras Island