Asheville Transportation Guide

A transit bus alongside a sidewalk.

Whether you’re flying into our regional airport, taking a scenic drive through the mountains, or arriving by bus, getting to Asheville is part of the adventure.

Nestled at the confluence of I-40 and I-26 in Western North Carolina, Asheville is more accessible than you might expect, sitting within a day’s drive of half the U.S. population.

Flying to Asheville

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

Asheville Regional Airport offers the convenience of a small airport with the connectivity of a major hub. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, AVL provides a stress-free alternative to larger regional airports.

Airlines and Direct Flights:

  • Allegiant Air: Direct flights to Florida destinations including St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando
  • American Airlines/American Eagle: Daily service to Charlotte (CLT) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
  • Delta Air Lines: Multiple daily flights to Atlanta (ATL) and seasonal direct service to Detroit (DTW) and New York LaGuardia (LGA)
  • United Express: Daily service to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Newark (EWR), and Washington Dulles (IAD)
  • JetBlue: Seasonal service to Boston (BOS) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
  • Southwest Airlines: Service to multiple destinations via connections

Airport Contact Information:

Main Terminal: (828) 684-2226
Lost and Found: (828) 209-3660
Parking Information: (828) 684-2226

New Terminal Update (2025):

AVL’s new terminal expansion is now open, featuring seven gates, expanded dining and retail options, and improved passenger amenities. The modernized facility maintains the airport’s efficient, easy-to-navigate layout while accommodating growing passenger numbers.

Ground TransportationFrom AVL

Rental Cars:
All major rental car companies operate at AVL with counters in the baggage claim area:

  • Enterprise: (828) 684-1822
  • Hertz: (828) 684-6455
  • Budget: (828) 684-5903
  • Avis: (828) 684-2874
  • National: (828) 684-1822

Rideshare Services:
Uber and Lyft operate at AVL. Pick-up location is outside baggage claim at the designated rideshare area. Typical fare to downtown Asheville: $25-35.

Taxi Service:
Several taxi companies serve the airport with fixed rates to major areas:

  • Downtown Asheville: $45-50
  • Biltmore Village: $40-45
  • Black Mountain: $55-60

Hotel Shuttles:
Many area hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles. Confirm with your accommodation when booking.

Driving to Asheville

Major Routes

Asheville sits at the intersection of two major interstates, making it easily accessible from multiple directions:
From the North (Virginia, Ohio, Northeast):

  • Take I-77 South to I-40 West at Statesville, NC
  • Alternative: I-81 South to I-26 South at Johnson City, TN

From the South (Atlanta, Florida):

  • I-85 North to I-26 North at Spartanburg, SC
  • Alternative: US 441 North through Great Smoky Mountains (scenic but slower)

From the East (Raleigh, Charlotte, Coast):

  • I-40 West direct to Asheville
  • From Charlotte: I-85 North to US 74 West to I-26 North

From the West (Nashville, Knoxville):

  • I-40 East direct to Asheville
  • Alternative: US 25/70 for a more scenic approach

Scenic Routes

Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Speed limit: 45 mph throughout
  • No commercial vehicles permitted
  • Seven Asheville-area access points
  • Most popular entry/exit: Milepost 382 at US 70
  • Note: Sections close during winter weather

Scenic Alternatives to Interstates:

  • US 19/23 from the North: Following the French Broad River valley
  • US 176 from the South: Through Saluda and Tryon
  • US 64 from the West: Through Hendersonville with mountain views

Driving Times from Major Cities

  • Atlanta, GA: 3.5 hours (245 miles)
  • Charlotte, NC: 2 hours (130 miles)
  • Raleigh, NC: 4 hours (250 miles)
  • Knoxville, TN: 2 hours (115 miles)
  • Nashville, TN: 4.5 hours (290 miles)
  • Charleston, SC: 4 hours (265 miles)
  • Washington, DC: 7 hours (450 miles)

Getting Around Asheville

Public Transportation

Asheville Rides Transit (ART)

Asheville’s public bus system operates fixed routes throughout the city and some surrounding areas.

Routes and Service:

  • More than a dozen fixed routes covering major corridors (Transit Schedule and Maps)
  • Cash fare: $1.00
  • Ticket booklet (11 passes): $9.00
  • Monthly Pass: $20.00

Popular Routes for Visitors:

  • Route S1/S2: Downtown connectors
  • Route W1: West Asheville (Haywood Road)
  • Route N: North to UNC Asheville
  • Route S3: Biltmore Village and Asheville Outlets

Alternative Transportation

Rideshare Services

  • Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Asheville area
  • Typical wait times: 5-10 minutes downtown, 10-20 minutes in outlying areas
  • Weekend nights and special events see surge pricing
  • Coverage extends to most tourist destinations within Buncombe County

Parking in Asheville

Downtown Parking

Downtown Asheville uses a combination of street meters, parking garages, and surface lots.

Street Parking:

  • Meters operate Monday-Saturday, 8 AM – 6 PM (free Sundays)
  • Rates: $2.50 per hour
  • Payment: Flowbird app or meter (credit cards accepted)
  • Time limits vary by location (typically 2 hours)

Parking Garages:

Free Parking Options:

  • Some residential streets (check signs carefully)
  • Park and ride lots with ART bus service
  • After 6 PM and Sundays at meters

Parking Outside Downtown

  • Most shopping centers and attractions offer free parking
  • Biltmore Estate: Free parking with admission
  • Blue Ridge Parkway: Free at all overlooks and trailheads
  • River Arts District: Free street and lot parking
  • West Asheville: Generally free street parking

Biking in Asheville

Bike Infrastructure:

  • Growing network of bike lanes and greenways
  • French Broad River Greenway connects multiple neighborhoods
  • Downtown bike lanes on several major streets
  • Bike racks available throughout downtown

Bike Rentals:

  • Liberty Bicycles: (828) 274-2453
  • Adventure Center of Asheville: (828) 225-2921
  • Asheville Bicycle Company: (828) 774-5215

E-Bike Rentals:

  • Asheville E-Bikes: (828) 761-6464
  • Flying Bike: (828) 338-8484

Mountain Driving Tips

Driving in the mountains requires extra caution and preparation, especially for those unfamiliar with mountain roads.

General Mountain Driving Safety:

  • Use lower gears on steep descents to avoid brake overheating
  • Never ride your brakes continuously downhill
  • Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk
  • Be prepared for sudden weather changes
  • Keep gas tank at least half full
  • Cell service is limited in many mountain areas

Seasonal Considerations:

Winter (December-March):

  • Snow and ice possible, especially above 3,000 feet
  • Black ice common on shaded roads and bridges
  • Carry emergency supplies: blanket, water, snacks, flashlight
  • Check road conditions before traveling: DriveNC.gov
  • Consider snow tires or chains for higher elevations

Spring/Summer (April-August):

  • Afternoon thunderstorms can reduce visibility
  • Increased tourist traffic on weekends
  • Road construction season
  • Fog common in early morning

Fall (September-November):

  • Heavy leaf-peeper traffic, especially October weekends
  • Sun glare during sunrise/sunset
  • Wet leaves on roads can be slippery

Regional Transportation Options

Bus Service

Greyhound Bus Lines

  • Asheville Station: 49 Coxe Ave
  • Phone: (800) 231-2222
  • Daily service to major cities

Train Service

While Asheville doesn’t have direct train service, Amtrak serves nearby cities:

Closest Amtrak Stations:

  • Greenville, SC: 65 miles (Crescent Line)
  • Spartanburg, SC: 70 miles (Crescent Line)
  • Charlotte, NC: 130 miles (Multiple lines)

Rental cars and shuttle services available from these stations to Asheville.

Accessibility Transportation

ART Paratransit Service:

  • All ART buses are ADA-accessible, and have lifts, wheelchair securement areas, and priority seating for passengers with disabilities
  • Contact I Ride at 828-232-4522 for additional details

ADA Paratransit Provided by Mountain Mobility:

Planning Your Transportation

Do You Need a Car?

You can manage without a car if:

  • Staying downtown with most activities walkable
  • Focusing on downtown restaurants, shops, and breweries
  • Comfortable using rideshare services
  • Not planning extensive mountain exploration

A car is recommended if:

  • Planning to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Visiting multiple breweries or outlying attractions
  • Staying outside downtown
  • Hiking or visiting waterfalls
  • Traveling with family or large groups

Day Trip Transportation

Planning to explore beyond Asheville? Here’s how to get to popular destinations:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

  • 90 minutes west via I-40
  • No public transportation available
  • Rental car or tour required

Chimney Rock State Park:

  • 45 minutes southeast via US 74A
  • Scenic route through Hickory Nut Gorge

Grandfather Mountain:

  • 90 minutes northeast via Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Alternative route via US 221

Biltmore Estate:

  • 10 minutes from downtown
  • ART Route S3 serves area
  • Many hotels offer shuttles

Electric Vehicle Charging

Asheville is increasingly EV-friendly with growing charging infrastructure:

Public Charging Stations:

  • Multiple downtown parking garages
  • Biltmore Village
  • Shopping centers (Asheville Mall, Biltmore Park)
  • Many hotels offer charging
  • Apps: PlugShare, ChargePoint for locations

Tesla Superchargers:

  • Asheville Mall and Biltmore Park Town Square locations

Contact Information and Resources

Emergency Services: 911

Non-Emergency Numbers:

  • Asheville Police: (828) 252-1110
  • Highway Patrol (Troop G Headquarters): (828) 298-4253
  • AAA Carolinas: (800) 222-4357

Transportation Resources:

  • City of Asheville Transportation: (828) 259-5943
  • NCDOT Travel Information: 511
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Information: (828) 348-3400

Final Transportation Tips

  • Book rental cars early, especially during peak season (June-October)
  • Downtown fills up quickly on weekends—arrive early or have backup parking plans
  • Mountain weather can change quickly—always check conditions
  • GPS can be unreliable in mountains—download offline maps
  • Gas stations are limited on the Blue Ridge Parkway—fill up beforehand
  • Friday afternoon traffic can be heavy, especially on I-26 and I-40
  • Allow extra time for mountain drives—they always take longer than expected

Whether you’re navigating downtown’s vibrant streets or exploring winding mountain roads, getting around Asheville is part of the adventure. With a little planning and these resources, you’ll be exploring like a local in no time.

Last Updated: September 2025
Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (828) 253-2880 for transportation assistance.

 

 

 

The following routes are best if traveling to Asheville by car: I-40 East from Knoxville, TN; I-40 West from Statesville and Raleigh, NC; I-85 to I-26 from Charlotte and South Carolina; and 19/23 South from Johnson City/Bristol, TN. For more complete directions and maps, click here.

For a more scenic and leisurely drive, try the Blue Ridge Parkway. More motorists exit and enter the Parkway in Asheville than at any other point along the road’s 470 miles. There are seven Asheville area Parkway exits.

Asheville Regional Airport

Asheville Regional Airport – 828-684-2226
Paging Airport Lobby – 828-687-7243
Ground Transportation – 828-209-3660

The Asheville Regional Airport offers a total of 20-25 flights a day served by four airlines, U.S. Airways, Delta, Continental and Northwest Airlines.

The airport is located at 61 Terminal Drive off I-26 Exit 40 (Old Exit 9).

Airlines:

  • Delta
    Delta uses the connector ASA and Comair for its flights from Asheville to Atlanta, New York, and Detroit.
  • US Airways
    US Airways flies from Asheville to Charlotte.
  • American Airlines/ American Eagle
    American Eagle flies from Asheville to Dallas.
  • United Express
    United Express flies from Asheville to Chicago.

Buses:

  • ART (Asheville Rides Transit)
    City bus transportation. The central station is located at 49 Coxe Ave, next to a U.S. Post Office. Call 828-259-5943.
  • Greyhound Buslines
    Greyhound has over 20,000 daily departures to more than 3,700 locations in the 48 contiguous United States, Canada, and cooperative service to Mexico with major bus lines in those countries. You can travel safely and conveniently with the everyday low fares on Greyhound.

Car Rentals:

  • Enterprise
    Enterprise has several locations throughout Asheville. Call 800-736-8222 for more information.
  • Turo
    Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing platform. Renting from a private owner adds a great deal of local flavor; it’s a personal touch that can leave a great impact on anybody visiting Asheville.
  • Avis Rent-A-Car
    Avis is located at the airport. Call 800-831-2847 for more information.
  • Budget
    Budget has locations at the Asheville Mall and the Asheville Airport. Call 828-684-2272 for local information.
  • Hertz
    Hertz is located at the Asheville Airport. Call 828-684-6455 for locate information.

Rideshare Services:

Taxis:

  • A Red Cab call 828-232-1112.
  • Beaver Lake Cab Company call 828-252-1913.
  • New Bluebird Taxi call 828-258-8331.
  • Yellow Cab Company call 828-253-3311.

RV Rentals:

    Coleman Folding Trailers by Fleetwood 1-800-225-7802

Tour Services:

Asheville Historic Trolley Tours
Sightsee Asheville in style aboard our vintage touring trolleys.Visit Asheville’s major attractions on this live, narrated tour including the Grove Park Inn,Montford Historic District, Grove Arcade, Biltmore Village and much,much more.The ticket price includes admission to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial and Grove Arcade Building. 888-667-3600

Young Transportation
For tours and special events call 258-0084.

Trains:

Amtrak
Amtrak has wonderful deals all over the United States. The closest train station to Asheville is Greenville, SC or Spartanburg, SC.