barbara27

We are from the UK and will be leaving Charlotte Douglas airport and driving to Pinehurt. We arrive at approx 6 pm on a Thursday.
What is the simplist way to get from the airport to exit 41 on I.485 and how long would it take. If I were to take the 24/27 highway on to the I.73/74 would this be the best route or could you suggest an alternative. Thank you.

DancingBearMD

If you're not passing through Charlotte at rush hour, I'd take the main road out of the airport, north on Billy Graham Parkway and east on Wilkinson Blvd. Continue straight onto I-277 around the downtown area and then continue eastbound on US Route 74 (Independence Blvd), then left onto 27 Albemarle Road.

There is no good direct route between Charlotte and Pinehurst. 24/27 (with a short jog south on I-73/74 then east on 211) is the more scenic way to head to Pinehurst. You pass through the Uwharrie National Forest. Also if you have time you can have a nice diversion along the way by driving north on I-73/74 to Seagrove (then wander back on 705 to pick up 211 into Pinehurst).

Another option is to head south on the Billy Graham Pkwy to I-77 South to I-485 East, get off at US 74 toward Monroe, then at Rockingham head north on US 1 to Pinehurst.

DancingBearMD

Sorry, I didn't see your arrival time in your posting. Charlotte's rush hour is not long, so if you land at 6, by the time you get through the airport and pick up your bags and rental car, then drive against traffic toward downtown, you shouldn't really have to worry about rush hour traffic.

On the other hand, leaving at that time means you won't really be able to enjoy any scenery on the drive, so you might consider the southerly route on Route 74, which is probably faster for someone who doesn't know their way around.

GoTravel

Take 485 until you get to the exit for US Highway 74. Take US Highway 74 East (not East Independence Boulevard) unitl you get to US 1 and take US 1 North.

I don't know what the exit number is that is off 485 for US 74 but you do not want to drive through the city of Charlotte on a workday evening at rush hour.

DancingBearMD

The exit from 485 to 74 is exit 51, according to MapQuest.

WannabeinaMontserrat

We live in Matthews & use 485 to & from the Airport during busier times. In addition, it may be simpler if the OP is not familiar w/town (to use 485). The whole 277 nonsense can get the best of us at times. From 485 just take the Albemarle Rd. exit.

bankbabe

I agree with Dancing Bear and Go Travel. You can actually go a few more exits on 485 past 74 and take Hwy 218 East (which hits US74 in Polkton). It would save you a lot of traffic lights before catching US 1 to Pinehurst.

Have a lovely time!

Brian_in_Charlotte

Not sure the 218 route is a secret we want to get out, is it?

Subway_Scoundrel

Probably too late but it is a 3 to 4 hour drive to Pinehurst from Charlotte. You could fly into Raleigh on the direct flight from Heathrow on American Airlines and your trip from Raleigh to Pinehurst is under an hour. Again, probably too late to make changes.....