Which Airport is best to get to Emerald Isle? Help Please :) (Charlotte: rental, transfer to)

[Jeanene]

Any advice for the Chicago Traveler?

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Jeanene

Any advice for the Chicago Traveler?

New Bern..............

[SeattlitefromNC]

The closest airport would be Jacksonville, NC. The flight schedule indicates that most of the flights are US Airways or Delta, and routed from Charlotte or ATL (naturally). You would still need to get a car and drive the rest of the way, though.

http://www.co.onslow.nc.us/airport/schedule/flight_schedule.pdf (broken link)

For cost-efficiency? Fly into RDU, rent a car and drive the rest of the way. RDU will be the least expensive airport to fly into that is even remotely close. (Charlotte is the hub for US Airways, which dominates that airport and the pricing reflects the near-monopoly that US Airways has.)

[ME43]

I would suggest flying into RDU and driving. Last summer we had a small family reunion at an Emerald Island rental home. My brothers family (which includes 2year old twins) took a direct flight on American from O'Hare to RDU, rented a car and we all drove to Emerald Island from there, the ride was approximatley 2 and 1/2 hours, mostly easy highway driving...Ejoy your stay on E>I>!!

[YorkshireLass]

First of all if you're flying commercially I would suggest that you look at flying into Jacksonville or New Bern with Jacksonville being a little closer. However, this will mean a transfer to a turbo prop or regional jet at either DC, CLT, ATL. Wilmington offers mainline service but you'll have an hours drive after arrival.

If you're flying charter or private you're best option is Beaufort. Which btw, is a great little airport.

I hope this helps. My husband used to fly regionally for US Air and regularly did the Charlotte to New Bern route. It's been a while but he thinks all this info is still up to date.

Good Luck!