Looking for the shortest way to get from Charlotte to Asheville, United States, so you can make the most of your journey? These are two of the most popular cities in North Carolina since they have so much to offer and are so close together!
Caleb and I have spent long weekends in Charlotte and Asheville, making a few mistakes along the way, so we know how to make your vacation quick and painless!
If you want to eat all of the excellent food in Asheville, visit the Biltmore Estate and see the many waterfalls in Pisgah Forest, or simply spend time in each city among the thousands of craft breweries, you’ll need to know the best ways to travel from one to the next!
There are four possible methods for getting from Charlotte, NC to Asheville, NC, and vice versa. You can fly, shuttle, rent a vehicle, or take the bus.
This guide was intended to demonstrate the prices, timelines, and logistics for each of these alternatives. By the end, you’ll be able to travel from Charlotte to Asheville stress-free and fully enjoy your holiday!
There are 04 ways to get from Charlotte to Asheville.
Here’s an overview of each of the four options, along with a comparison chart:
- Flying is the most expensive option, but it is also the most efficient in terms of actual flight time. However, when you factor in the time it takes to be at the airport an hour before your flight, it approaches the same duration as driving. This is great for folks who dislike driving and would rather relax with an aeroplane movie.
- A shuttle is somewhat less expensive than flying, but it may easily mount up. It is the same length as driving, making it perfect for people who don’t want to fly but don’t want to deal with driving parking and other inconveniences.
- Driving or leasing a vehicle is the most convenient way to go from Charlotte to Asheville. It is not as cheap as riding the bus, but it allows you to see more and drive as slowly or quickly as you like, giving you more choices.
- Taking the bus is the longest but cheapest option, making it ideal for tourists visiting North Carolina looking to save money wherever possible.
Distance Between Charlotte and Asheville
The distance between Charlotte and Asheville is around 130 miles and will take you 2-3 hours to travel, depending on traffic. By bus, allow 3-4 hours.
Flights from Charlotte to Asheville, Option 1
While flying does not save time in the long run, it is the most convenient choice. Flights depart from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), with numerous direct routes to Asheville Regional Airport.
What Is the Cost of a Flight from Charlotte to Asheville?
The flight from Charlotte to Asheville, NC is quite expensive for such a short distance. As of September 2023, one-way tickets cost between $150 and $300 per person.
This does not include the cost of a checked bag, which typically ranges between $30 and $50.
How Long Does It Take To Fly From Charlotte To Asheville?
A direct flight from Charlotte to Asheville takes around 45 minutes to one hour. Remember that domestic flights require you to arrive an hour early, which adds time to your trip.
What Airlines Operate Flights From Charlotte To Asheville?
American Airlines is the largest airline that flies from Charlotte to Asheville, and it is the only one that offers direct flights. There are multiple flights departing each day, so you should have no problem finding one to meet your schedule. Some Delta and United flights are available, although they always need layovers.
Option 2: Shuttle from Charlotte to Asheville
Unlike travelling from Raleigh to Asheville, where a shuttle is not available, travelling from Charlotte to Asheville does not require one!
If you don’t want to fly or deal with the lunacy of North Carolina driving, you have two choices:
- Hire a private shuttle (more expensive).
- Use the public shuttle (it is less costly).
How Long Does A Shuttle From Charlotte To Asheville Take?
Depending on traffic, using a public or private shuttle from Charlotte to Asheville will take around 3-4 hours. A public shuttle usually takes a bit longer since there are regular loo stops and you have to wait for everyone to board the vehicle.
What Is the Price of a Shuttle from Charlotte to Asheville?
The cost of a shuttle from Charlotte to Asheville varies depending on whether you choose a public or private shuttle.
If you utilise the public shuttle, you should expect to pay around $100 per person for one journey. However, the second person often costs between $50 and $75.
If you utilise a private shuttle, you could expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a single journey for two people.
Option 3: Drive from Charlotte to Asheville
We recommend hiring a car and driving from Charlotte to Asheville. It allows you to make stops along the way or go outside of Asheville without relying on Uber or public transit.
It also saves you the hassle of looking out for bus schedules, dealing with late buses, or making small talk with the person next to you on the aircraft when all you want to do is watch your movie. I am not speaking from personal experience…
How long does it take to drive from Charlotte to Asheville?
Travelling from Charlotte to Asheville takes about 2 to 3 hours if you drive straight through, depending on traffic and whether you stop to use the restroom, purchase gas, etc.
Charlotte experiences the same rush hour as most large cities in the United States. To avoid peak-hour traffic, we often recommend leaving Charlotte between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., or after 7 p.m.
Is Driving in North Carolina Difficult?
We’ve travelled the world, including countries where we drive on the other side of the road, and we both think that driving in North Carolina is the most unusual. A LOT of individuals are speeding and going through “yellow” lights that have been red for several seconds. Perhaps the North Carolina heat drives people nuts.
Not to alarm you, but be sure you’re not so preoccupied with what questions to ask on a road trip that you lose sight of the actual road.
The Most Direct Route Between Charlotte and Asheville
North Carolinians are divided on this, but we feel that the best route from CLT to Asheville is to take I-85 to US 321 N in Gastonia, then onto I-40W.
While this is a major roadway, it travels through large mountains and offers views of Mt. Mitchell. There may be more traffic, but it is a wide highway with several lanes, so things should move swiftly.
You may alternatively take I-85 South to Highway 74 West to Interstate 26 West and then into Asheville. Some people favour this route since it travels through more small towns, has more stoplights, and occasionally sees more construction.
Aside from traffic, the two routes take about the same length of time.
Best Places to Visit Between Charlotte and Asheville
Of course, if you want to get to Asheville as quickly as possible, you could drive straight through. However, considering the short distance, we recommend making a few additional stops. Our favourite sites along the recommended route from I-85 to US 321 N in Gastonia to I-40W are listed below:
Hickory is 60 miles/1 hour from Charlotte, depending on traffic.
Things to do in Hickory include:
- Explore Union Plaza, the downtown main plaza where all the activity happens. Explore the area’s pubs, restaurants, and stores.
- If you are staying in an Airbnb and want to dine locally, visit the Downtown Hickory Farmers Market.
- “Under The Sails” is a bi-weekly downtown event that includes live music and plenty of seating. Before you go, double-check the schedule!
We recommend the Holiday Inn Express Hickory for an overnight stay. It’s not as expensive as most of the places we recommend, but it’s in a great location, clean, and includes a free breakfast!
Local tip: If you’re in Hickory and want to do the walk listed below, stop by Hatch Sandwich Bar for sandwiches to eat on the path! Delish!
Stop 2: Catawba Falls, which is approximately 56 miles/55 minutes from Hickory and 110 miles/2 hours from Charlotte, depending on traffic.
If you need to stretch your legs and burn off some of the delicious North Carolina ribs you’ve been eating, take a walk near Catawba Falls.
This simple 3-mile round-trip walk will take you around 3 hours.
NOTE: This path will be closed for maintenance until Spring 2024!
To be honest, this isn’t much of a location to stay, so we recommend stopping, hiking, and continuing.
Stop 3: Black Mountain is around 12 miles/20 minutes from Catawba Falls and approximately 114 miles/2 hours from Charlotte, depending on traffic.
Activities at Black Mountain include:
- Explore the slower-paced Downtown, which is full of interesting stores and restaurants. There are also rocking chairs sprinkled throughout the village for leisure.
- Many breweries, cideries, and distilleries, like Pisgah Brewing and Black Mountain Ciderworks + Meadery, provide beverages.
- For a more natural experience, take a stroll around Lake Tomahawk.
If you want to stay overnight, we propose the Hampton Inn Black Mountain. Like Hickory, it’s a mid-priced alternative that’s close to everything downtown, clean and provides free breakfast.
From Charlotte to Asheville, there are rest stops.
While gasoline stations are constantly accessible, there are just two “official” rest stops on the I-40 Westbound. There are two rest stations, Catawba and McDowell.
Depending on traffic, the Catawba Rest Area is approximately an hour’s drive from Charlotte.
Depending on traffic, the McDowell Rest Area is about an hour and 45 minutes from Charlotte.
How Much Does a Car Rental From Charlotte To Asheville Cost?
Depending on the season, you may hire a car from Charlotte for $40-$60 per day to get to Asheville. The lower the price, the longer you may rent the vehicle. You may also save money by planning a round trip rather than picking up in Charlotte and dropping off in Asheville.
We normally recommend Discover Cars when hiring a car.
Option 4: Bus from Charlotte to Asheville
Taking the Greyhound bus from Charlotte to Asheville is the most costly, but it is also the shortest!
Greyhound buses depart from the Charlotte trip Station, and there is often just one direct trip every day. Because timetables sometimes change, be careful to check the Greyhound website.
How Much Does A Bus Ride From Charlotte To Asheville Cost?
Depending on the season and time of day, bus tickets from Charlotte to Asheville cost between $20 and $25.
Bus Schedule From Charlotte To Asheville
Buses leave the Charlotte Bus Station every day at 3:10 p.m. However, the schedule is susceptible to change; thus, double-check!
How Long Does the Bus Ride From Charlotte To Asheville Take?
According to the bus schedule, the trip from Charlotte to Asheville takes three hours. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate, and traffic might add an hour or more.
Asheville vs. Charlotte
Charlotte and Asheville are both popular North Carolina cities, yet they have quite different mindsets.
Charlotte is a thriving urban city with several amenities, shopping, restaurants, and pubs. It is a financial and banking centre, thus it has a more cosmopolitan and metropolitan feel. It lacks cultural richness, although it is perfect for individuals seeking an urban setting.
In contrast, Asheville is a laid-back, hipster mountain town similar to Portland, Oregon. It is pretty liberal, has a lot of great nightlife and music, and has fantastic cuisine options despite its small size. It also has a great old town part that is simple to walk around and is one of our favourite places in North Carolina!
How Long Do You Need in Charlotte?
Charlotte is a large city, so there is plenty to see, eat, and drink! We recommend staying in there for 2-3 days to make the most of your vacation. This gives you time to explore the city and its many neighbourhoods, such as Uptown, the South End, and NoDa.
How Long Do You Need in Asheville?
Although Asheville is significantly smaller than Charlotte, it remains a popular city with plenty of things to do! This is especially true if you prefer being outside. The Pisgah National Forest and the famous Blue Ridge Parkway are also close. We recommend staying for a minimum of two days. Two days in the city, followed by a day in nature or driving along the parkway – especially if it’s October and the leaves are in beautiful colours!
Conclusion
Both Charlotte and Asheville are wonderful vacation locations, with plenty of activities, delicious cuisine, and fantastic cocktail bars. The journey from there to Asheville is also quite short and uncomplicated, making it a no-brainer.
We strongly recommend renting a car to make the most of your time in the area while also having the option to explore the fantastic things to do just outside of Asheville that need you to drive.
We hope this answers all of your questions about your short road trip between these two wonderful cities!
