4khansen

We will be able to depart by SUV from the Charlotte airport around 6 p.m. and have reservations at a hotel near Biltmore in Asheville that evening, how long will it take us to drive?

Thanks for your info!

GoTravel

I always ride and don't drive but I don't think it is more than two hours from CLT to Asheville.

CDJD

It will take ~2 hours from Charlotte to Asheville and then about 15-20 minutes from the entrance to the Estate property to the actual Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Inn, Estate, and grounds are beyond gorgeous. I got married on the lawn of the Inn overlooking the winery in 2004. Our families loved the property and views. Have a good time

ncgrrl

I think it was about 125 miles from my brother's house (Mint Hill) to Asheville. So I would guess 2 1/2 hours. But Mint Hill is on the other side of town from the airport.

Is 6 p.m. the time you think you'll get on the road or the time the plane arrives? There could still have some rush hour traffic at 6.

If you go the 85-74-26 route you could have some traffic in Shelby. Might be a good place to stop for bathroom break. I think the mall is right along the road. Trying to remember this from a couple of years ago.

xrae

CDJD is right, it's right at two hours from the airport area of Charlotte to Asheville, depending on traffic in several places, of course.

I agree with ncgrrl's recommended route of I-85 south / US 74 west / I-26 east to Asheville.

Pat2003

Hi xrae, I think it is I-26 West to Asheville, isn't it?
4khansen, on I-26 near Asheville keep in an extreme right lane to connect to I-40 East and take exit 50 (keep in a left lane) to get on route 25 North to hotels located near Biltmore Estate. Many are located within maybe 300-500 yards from the exit. Can you tell us what hotel are you staying in?
I never driven from Charlotte to Asheville but several times from Saluda and Hendersonville and this is a simple drive, although I-26 between Henedersonville and the airport exit is in a poor condition.

By the way, I don't know what are your plans for this visit but you really won't need SUV in the area, IMHO

xrae

Yes, of course, it's I-26 W. I always get confused. It's a north/south highway that is designated east/west. The stupid thing is a half mile from my house and I can never keep the directions straight LOL. GO TOWARD ASHEVILLE. Don't listen to me.

GoTravel

I thought we decided on an earlier thread that the Highway 74 route was much more pleasant than the I-26 route?

wvgirl

You will be driving through Shelby on your way to Asheville...from here it will take about 1:45 hrs ...If you want some FAMOUS and yummy NC BBQ for dinner, stop at Bridges BBQ at the first traffic light in Shelby(mall & Hampton Inn on your right)They are open Wed-Sun 11am-8pm, 704-482-8567..Shelby is about 45 minutes from CLT

xrae

GoTravel, you take US 74 all the way to I-26 and then go toward Asheville. Are you perhaps thinking of the highway that goes by Lake Lure as a more scenic option? Not sure of the number. Is it US 220?

HonestAbe

Whatever you do, don't get on "74A", but make sure you take plain old 74. 74A takes you through Chimney Rock and Bat Cave. A very pretty and interesting drive by day, but it adds a good 30 minutes and would be more dangerous at night with all of the wildlife and winding roads.

Another way is to take 85 to 321 north to 40 east. It is mindless, 4-lane highway the whole way. Going that way, it is just at 2 hours for the trip.