In the not-so-distant past, travel to the Outer Banks was an ordeal. Before the bridges were built, many visitors reached these barrier islands by ferry from Elizabeth City, and some people with four-wheel-drive vehicles drove down the beach from Virginia. Thankfully, we now have two bridge access points, one in Kitty Hawk, used most by travelers from the north, and one from Roanoke Island to Nags Head, used most by visitors from the south and west. North Carolina's Department of Transportation has spent considerable time and money improving state routes, making it increasingly easier to get to the bridges.

Another way to get to the Outer Banks is via long ferry rides from the North Carolina mainland to Ocracoke Island. In fact, ferry travel is still the only way to reach Ocracoke Island-outside of private motorboat or private plane-and no change is foreseeable.

But other than the state-run ferries to Ocracoke, there is no public transportation to the Outer Banks. The nearest Amtrak station is in Newport News, Virginia, and the nearest bus stations are in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and Norfolk, Virginia. The nearest commercial airport is in Norfolk. Once you arrive by bus, train, or plane, however, you must either rent a car and drive to the Outer Banks or hire a private plane or shuttle service.

This chapter outlines the best routes for getting here by land, sea, and sky. Once you arrive, however, know that you will need some form of transportation-a motorcycle, a car, a bicycle, a scooter, or at least enough money for a cab-if you plan to venture around a bit. Don't even think of complaining about the lack of public bus transportation. Instead, while you're still unwinding from your trip, venture on down to the beach. Remove your shoes, take off your socks, and walk in the tideline. Now, are you really concerned about bus transportation? If so, you haven't walked far enough.