It’s easier than ever to get from Richmond, VA, to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where more than 100 miles of sweeping shoreline and charming seaside villages offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Just hop in your car and head southeast for a relaxing three to four-hour drive with a variety of optional stops and attractions along the way.
If you’re traveling to Outer Banks from Richmond by car, here’s a handy Outer Banks travel guide for travel times, EV-friendly routes and fun places to stop along the way.
How to Get Here
The Outer Banks is about 200-250 miles from Richmond, depending on the route. The drive typically takes around three to four hours, though traveling on weekends and during rush hour can increase travel time. The main routes to get here are I-64 E, US-460 E and I-95 S.
I-64 E is the most direct option and will cut about 50 miles off the trip, while US-460 E will likely have less traffic, but comes with a slower speed limit. The latter is also a great option to avoid road construction near Norfolk in the summer and is more scenic than I-64 E and I-95 S.
Keep in mind that most Outer Banks hotel check-in times are 3-4 p.m., so to avoid hitting traffic as you near OBX, aim to travel early in the morning or later in the evening.
EV-Friendly Routes
Electric vehicle owners should brush up on the best EV routes for Outer Banks travel, since charging stations may be limited along the way. Use apps for planning EV travel, like A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) for the most efficient route for you. For instance, depending on where you start your trip, it’s best to steer clear of parts of I-95 S or start in Richmond with a 100% charge.
The area east of I-95 in northeastern North Carolina is known as a “charging desert,” or an area with a severe lack of public EV charging stations. Tarboro, Emporia and Elizabeth City are all excellent places to stop for a charge. Once you’re on the Outer Banks, chargers can be found in the towns of Duck, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, as well as Avon Pier.
Stops Along the Way
You may want to plan your route around stops and attractions along the way, especially if you’re traveling with kids who may get antsy on the drive. Pit stops are also a great way to see a variety of scenic and historic sites, allowing you to soak up the rich history of Virginia and North Carolina.
Popular Virginia stops include the historic cities of Williamsburg and Yorktown, which house colonial-era attractions and historic Revolutionary and Civil War sites. In Norfolk, explore the naval base, vibrant art scene and numerous museums, or grab a bite to eat along the way.
North Carolina stops are also plentiful. Edenton is a historic town with a charming waterfront, museums and the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse. Roanoke Island features the Elizabeth Gardens, Wright Brothers National Memorial (a must for aviation enthusiasts) and a museum dedicated to the original “Lost Colony.” At Jockey’s Ridge State Park, climb the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern U.S., enjoy panoramic views and even go hang-gliding.
Of course, don’t forget to snap a photo of the “Welcome to North Carolina” sign at the Virginia/North Carolina border. Whether you’re taking the quickest route down I-64, the scenic drive along US-460 or planning EV-friendly travel, the journey is just part of the adventure. Seaside towns, miles of pristine coastline and endless opportunities await on the Outer Banks!