Are you trying to find out how to go from Raleigh to Asheville, North Carolina, without wasting time or getting lost? These are two of North Carolina’s most popular cities, with many people visiting regularly!
Caleb and I have lived in North Carolina for a long time and have toured both areas, so we know just how to go to two of our favourite cities!
Whether you want to tour Western North Carolina, visit the Biltmore Estate, eat all the amazing food in Asheville, hike the waterfalls in Pisgah Forest, or simply spend time in each city, you’ll need to know the best ways to get from one to the next!
Hello, there! At your disposal! We can provide a more human view than the miniature car driving about on Google Maps!
There are three possibilities for travelling from Raleigh to Asheville and vice versa. You can fly, drive/rent a car, 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 Raleigh to Asheville with ease and on a budget that fits your needs!
Three Options for Getting From Raleigh to Asheville
To save you time, here’s a quick overview of each of the three options, along with a comparison chart:
- Flying is the most expensive option and typically takes longer than driving. However, this is the best alternative for people who dislike driving and would rather spend their time watching an aeroplane movie while eating peanuts. If they even give you these anymore.
- Driving or leasing a vehicle is the most convenient way to go from Raleigh to Asheville. It is not the cheapest choice, but it allows you to see more while driving as slowly or quickly as you choose.
- Taking the bus – this is the longest but cheapest option and is great for anyone on a tight budget visiting North Carolina.
Distance Between Raleigh and Asheville
The distance between Raleigh and Asheville, NC is around 245 miles and will take you 4-5 hours to travel, depending on traffic. By bus, the journey will take around 7 hours.
Option 1: Fly from Raleigh to Asheville.
While flying is usually the most convenient way to get from one destination to another while vacationing, this is not the case when travelling from Raleigh to Asheville.
There are no direct flights; all depart from Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU).
What Is the Cost of a Flight from Raleigh to Asheville?
The flight from Raleigh to Asheville is quite expensive for such a short distance. As of September 2023, one-way prices were between $150 and $250. If you book a week or less in advance, you might wind up paying over $500 one-way!
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 Raleigh To Asheville?
Depending on where you stop, the actual flight time from Raleigh to Asheville is roughly 2 hours.
However, there is one drawback with flying: layovers. There are no direct flights, so you’ll most likely need to stop in Charlotte or Atlanta. These layovers are usually between 1-3 hours long, extending your total travel time to 3-6 hours.
When you contemplate having to go to the airport an hour before your flight, it’s simple to see why flying isn’t the best option for this trip.
What Airlines Operate Flights From Raleigh To Asheville?
American Airlines is the primary airline that operates Raleigh-Asheville services, with numerous flights departing daily. You could find some Delta or United flights, but they depart far less often and have dreadful layovers.
Option 2: Drive from Raleigh to Asheville
It allows you to stop along the route, similar to driving from Charlotte to Asheville, and makes getting about the city simpler once you arrive. It saves you the headache of figuring out bus schedules, dealing with late buses, and paying $10 at the airport for a cup of coffee.
You know I am not making this up. Given the rate at which coffee costs are rising, I might try my hand at coffee cultivation. (I won’t elaborate, but you get the point.)
How Long Does It Take To Get From Raleigh To Asheville?
The trip from Raleigh to Asheville will take around 4 to 5 hours if you drive straight through, depending on traffic and whether you need to stop to use the restroom, purchase gas and so on.
Pro tip: Leave Raleigh in the late morning or early afternoon to avoid traffic. This added more than an hour to our travel, and it was the dreaded stop-go-stop-go traffic.
Is Driving in North Carolina Difficult?
We’ve travelled all over the world, including Rome, Turkey, and Ireland, where we drive on the other side of the road, and I can honestly say that driving in North Carolina was the most unnerving.
Not to be dramatic, but it looks like no one here respects the rules. People drive at high speeds, run red lights after at least 2 seconds, and appear to be anti-turn signals.
It’s a strange thing, but just have your wits about you while driving (like, always?).
The Most Direct Route Between Raleigh and Asheville
The best route to drive from Raleigh to Asheville is to take I-40 west. This will take you to Asheville.
It is the shortest and most direct route, thus we recommend taking it throughout your road trip. Make sure you prepare some questions for your partner to help pass the time!
Best Places to Visit Between Raleigh and Asheville
Of course, if you want to get to Asheville as quickly as possible, you could drive straight through. However, you would miss out on some of North Carolina’s greatest cities, which is a bummer.
Stop 1: Chapel Hill, 33 miles/35 minutes from Raleigh (depending on traffic).
Activities in Chapel Hill include:
- Explore Franklin thoroughfare, the downtown main thoroughfare with many of the best bars, restaurants, and stores. If you intend to stay the night, we recommend visiting the Crunkleton for some excellent beverages. It’s located on Franklin Street.
- Enjoy a romantic stroll through the North Carolina Botanical Garden together.
You can watch basketball games at the Dean E. Smith Centre. - Bin 54 Steak & Cellar serves a romantic steak meal with a bottle of wine.
If you plan to stay overnight, the Carolina Inn is a wonderful option because it is close to Franklin Street.
Stop 2: Greensboro, which is around 50 miles/50 minutes from Chapel Hill and approximately 77 miles/1 hour from Raleigh, depending on traffic.
Greensboro Attractions:
- Explore the 17-acre Greensboro Arboretum and the 11-acre Gateway Gardens. For more romance, roses, and such.
- At Pig Pounder Brewery, you may have a beer while admiring the artwork.
- GIA is a wonderful date spot for Italian-style tapas and handcrafted beverages.
If you need to stay overnight, we recommend Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown. It’s a reasonably priced option that is near to everything downtown without breaking the bank!
Stop 3: Winston Salem, which is around 29 miles/30 minutes from Greensboro and approximately 100 miles/2 hours from Raleigh, depending on traffic.
Things to do in Winston Salem include:
- Foothills Brewing is a must-see for the beer enthusiast couple. It is a 48,000-square-foot brewery!
- For the wine-loving couple, we recommend going winery hopping (our favourite), as there are numerous wonderful wineries within 20 minutes of Winston-Salem. RayLen Vineyards and Old Homeplace Vineyard are among our favourites. Just make sure to check the hours before you go, and don’t drink and drive.
- Take a food tour – Taste of Carolina provides excellent food tours in Winston-Salem (we did one during our three-day stay in Charlotte). We strongly advise you to spend the afternoon there if you get the opportunity.
If you need to stay overnight, choose the Hampton Inn & Suites Winston-Salem Downtown. Greensboro, for example, is a reasonably priced suburb that is close to everything downtown without breaking the bank! Breakfast is also provided.
From Raleigh to Asheville, there are rest stops.
While gasoline stations are always accessible, there are three main “official” rest stops on I-40 Westbound. The McDowell, Catawba, and Davie County rest areas are all close.
Depending on traffic, the Davie County Rest Area is approximately two hours from Raleigh.
The Catawba Rest Area is approximately two and a half hours from Raleigh, depending on traffic.
Depending on traffic, the McDowell Rest Area is roughly 3-12 hours from there.
How Much Does a Car Rental From Raleigh To Asheville Cost?
Depending on the season, you may rent a car there for $40-60 per day to get to Asheville. The lower the price, the longer you may rent the vehicle.
We constantly recommend booking rental vehicles with Discover Vehicles because of their excellent customer service and pricing.
Option 3: Bus from Raleigh to Asheville
Taking the Greyhound bus from Raleigh to Asheville is the most costly, but it is also the shortest route. If you want to save money, this is the greatest option.
Greyhound buses from Raleigh depart at the Bus Station, and numerous direct buses run every day. Because timetables sometimes change, be careful to check the Greyhound website.
How Much Does A Bus Ride From Raleigh To Asheville Cost?
Depending on the season and time of day, bus tickets from Raleigh to Asheville cost between $30 and $50.
Bus Schedule From Raleigh To Asheville
Buses depart from the Raleigh Bus Station year-round, twice daily at 10:50 a.m. and 3:35 p.m. However, the schedule is susceptible to change; thus, double-check!
How Long Does the Bus Ride From Raleigh To Asheville Take?
The bus itinerary shows that the journey from Raleigh to Asheville takes 6 to 7 hours, depending on whether you take the morning or afternoon bus. This is an approximate estimate, and it may take longer if you are caught during rush hour.
Asheville vs. Raleigh
Raleigh and Asheville are two of North Carolina’s main cities, yet they could not be more different! We love both cities and think they should be on your “must-see” list.
While both have a “city” feel, It has a more modern, business-like atmosphere with taller buildings and less historic old charm. It offers several great restaurants and bars, and the downtown area is quite walkable. It also has a multitude of amazing coffee shops!
Asheville, on the other hand, is a laid-back, hipster mountain town with historic charm and craft beer. It is a beautiful old town with wonderful cuisine and beverages. Take Raleigh, for example.
How Long Do You Need in Raleigh?
There is a significant metropolis with a lot to see, do, and eat, as well as adjacent towns like Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill. We recommend staying there for 3-4 days to make the most of your vacation. This gives you two days to explore the city and a few days to tour the surrounding area.
How Long Do You Need in Asheville?
Asheville may look smaller, but there is still much to do, especially if you prefer being outside. The Pisgah National Forest, with its beautiful lakes and hiking paths, is only next door. We recommend staying for a minimum of two days. Two days in Asheville, followed by one day in the North Carolina outdoors.
Conclusion
Both Raleigh and Asheville are wonderful places with romantic attractions, delicious cuisine and beverages, and a diverse range of cultures, and getting from Raleigh to Asheville is straightforward! We strongly advocate renting a car or taking the bus instead of flying to maximise your time spent seeing the region rather than waiting at an airport!
We hope this answers any questions you have about your travel across North Carolina!
