If you’re planning a trip from Raleigh to Asheville, you’re in for a treat. The drive is a beautiful one, filled with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, picturesque small towns, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. In this ultimate road trip guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about driving from Raleigh to Asheville, including the best driving route, how long it takes to drive, stops to make along the way, and much more.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
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Raleigh to Asheville Drive
Driving from Raleigh to Asheville takes approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes. The best way to get from Raleigh to Asheville is to take I-40 W, which will take you past cities like Durham, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem, among others.
The reason to take I-40 W is that it’s the most direct route and will get you to your destination in the shortest amount of time. However, if you’re looking to take in some of the sights along the way, consider taking one of the scenic routes listed below.
How far is Raleigh to Asheville?
The distance from Raleigh to Asheville is approximately 247.4 miles (398.1 kilometers). If you’re looking to save some time on your road trip, consider taking a flight instead.
There are several flights that depart from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and arrive at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), so be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early.
How far is Raleigh to Asheville by plane?
The flight distance from Raleigh to Asheville is approximately 212 miles (341.1 km). The flight time from Raleigh to Asheville is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.
What is the time difference between Raleigh and Asheville?
Raleigh and Asheville are in the same time zone (Eastern Daylight Time). Therefore, there is no time difference between the two cities.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Raleigh to Asheville
If you’re on a tight budget and want to save some money on your trip, the cheapest way to get from Raleigh to Asheville is to take a bus. Greyhound operates buses from Raleigh to Asheville, with prices starting at around $36 per person.
The downside to taking a bus is that it can be a bit time-consuming, as the trip takes around 6 hours or more, depending on traffic and the number of stops. If you’re looking for a quicker and more comfortable option, consider renting a car or taking a flight instead.
Raleigh to Asheville Drive – Rent A Car In Raleigh
If you’re planning to drive from Raleigh to Asheville, renting a car is a great option. Here are some rental car companies to rent a car from in Raleigh:
- Alamo: starts at $47 per day
- Avis: starts at $60 per day
- Budget: starts at $45 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $55 per day
- Hertz: starts at $63 per day
- Thrifty: starts at $43 per day
- Dollar: starts at $49 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $47 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.119 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
You can expect to pay anywhere between $100 to $200 for a one-way trip (including car rental and gas). If you’re accounting for a full family of 4 with luggage, it’s cheaper to rent a car and drive than it is to fly.
Raleigh to Asheville – Driving Stops Along The Way The
drive from Raleigh to Asheville is filled with scenic beauty and charming towns, making it a great opportunity for a road trip. Here are some driving stops along the way that are worth considering:
Durham
Durham is a city known for its history, culture, and culinary scene. Some popular attractions include the American Tobacco Historic District, Duke University, and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Greensboro
Greensboro is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions, including the Greensboro Science Center, the Greensboro History Museum, and the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.
Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem is a city known for its art and culture scene, with attractions such as the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, and the Wake Forest University Museum of Anthropology.
Pilot Mountain
Pilot Mountain is a beautiful state park that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy is a charming town known for its connection to the TV show “The Andy Griffith Show”. Visitors can take a tour of the town, visit the Andy Griffith Museum, and even stay in the same hotel where the cast and crew of the show stayed.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. There are plenty of pull-off points and hiking trails along the way, making it a great opportunity to stretch your legs and take in the beauty of the area.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, driving from Raleigh to Asheville is a beautiful experience that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. Whether you’re looking to take in some of the sights along the way or simply want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, there are plenty of options available. Consider renting a car, taking a flight, or even taking a bus to get to your destination, and be sure to make some stops along the way to truly appreciate the beauty of this road trip.
