Dennis Everton

I am planning a trip to outer banks. Possibly corrolla, duck,... maybe topsail. It appears to be quite a long drive from NJ to these places, but how long from I-95 in NC. It seems to be hard to estimate. Also, any other "things to think about" before planning a trip here would be helpful. Thanks.

Me

About four years ago, we flew into Norfolk, then drove to the outer banks from there - I seem to remember it took about 2 1/2 hours or more to drive. And it was NOT a scenic drive.

NC

Check a map, Dennis -- a lot depends on which end of the Outer Banks you are talking about -- Topsail is a LONG way from Corolla. And from what point on I-95 are you talking about? Where is your starting point? If you are coming from anywhere Richmond and north, you are better off going 64 to Norfolk and then down on one of the smaller state roads from there -- it will be 2.5-3 hrs. from there to, say, Duck.

If you are coming from further south, you are better off going straight through NC, perhaps on 70 (through Goldsboro toward New Bern) to get to ferry to Ocracoke or go further south down I-40 to Wilmington for lower part of islands, eg. Topsail. From Raleigh to Wilmington is a short 2 hrs. From Raleigh to Manteo via 70 is more like 5 hrs.

It's a much bigger state that many people realize.

NC

Sorry, I meant to take 17 to Manteo.

John

Don't go I95 all the way. After crossing the Delaware Mem Bridge, head S on Rt 13 thru the Eastern shore of MD, DEl, Va and go over the Cheseapeke Bay bridge Tunnel. We have done this many times. It is a pleasant trip. I would guess About 5 hrs from Del Bridge to Corolla.
If you are going to the NC beaches South of Ocracoke you would take I 95 down.

Dennis

Thanks. I did check a map, and it is difficult to estimate how long it would really take to get there (traffic, old people in RV's on a one lane hiway....).
I'll check out that RT. 13 thing 5 hours from Del Bridge=7 hours from me, hard to believe but worth a look.

GOL

If you get stuck in traffic, it can be as bad as getting to LBI on a Saturday; or it can be done in less than 12 hrs (9hrs by a family member who has a lead foot)

I'd take Cape May - Lewes, Del ferry for the fun of it; then the Cheseapeake Bridge Tunnel (stopping at the pier and gift shop). I read within the last year there is a new highway opened up to/from the OBX. Sorry, but I can't remember anything else, but do try to get a new map (maybe someone else knows...).

You may actually make better time via NJ Turnpike, then heading down the penninsula to the Bridge-Tunnel. But the Ferry is fun.

Stops: Chincoteague (wild ponies) and Asseteague are along the way; Most of the chicken industry has their birds in huge plants along the route. Note the soybean grown and the large, round rotating chicken coups. Just for the fun of it, count the number of Tyson and Perdue trucks you see...

Roger

Dennis, I live on Md's eastern shore. Queen Anne's County. If it was the wife and me, it's about 7 1/2 hours or so to Topsail. With 3 kids, 9 1/2. I think Duck would be 5 1/2, Corolla about 7 or more. Add your travel time to mid-Shore to mine and you have your answer.

Dennis

thanks roger thats what I was looking for.

OBX

Dennis - Roger is almost right, Corolla is a mere 20 minutes (10 miles) from Duck. Personal opinion is Corolla is a better place to stay (less crowded beaches) but is further from Nags Head etc. for taking the kids on a rainy day. Regardless of your final decision, you'll enjoy anywhere on the Outer Banks. One more reference point it takes my in-laws about 8 hours from Philly to Corolla.

Dennis

Hey OBX, 8 hours from philly sounds great which way do they go?

Roger

Let me affirm OBX's correction. I was thinking of Buxton, which is farther down the Cape.

Tawhill

Whatever you do, stay away from I-95 between DC and Richmond. Go any other way!

Roger

In agreement with last post. Take Rt. 301 to Rt. 13, taking 13 south down Delmarva, cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge(we have a family contest to hold our breath when under the two tunnel sections). Rt. 13/17 takes you into North Carolina.

dennis

thanks, all good stuff to know, which was the intent of my post. (not to be told to look at a map--you know who you are).

Sussex County, NJ

I live in northern NJ (up by the PA/NY border). We have been going to Topsail Island (not part of the outbanks) for over 20 yrs. It use to take @ 12 hrs. but now we take 95 to 40 & it takes @ 10 hrs.