Wheels and Wings: Getting to Black Mountain
If you’re planning a visit to Black Mountain, there are several ways you can travel to Western North Carolina, and one of those ways just got a major upgrade.
After nearly two years of construction, the Asheville Regional Airport’s new North Concourse opened earlier this week. The 136,000-square foot space boasts an art gallery, concessions, retail, a grand piano, and floor-to-ceiling windows designed to help keep the concourse cool on sunny days.
“We’re very proud,” airport spokesperson Tina Kinsey said during a media preview on June 24. “And we can’t wait for, particularly, our region’s travelers to come in and join us in the pride. … They now have an airport that is world-class, reflecting the natural beauty of our region. And we’re just so excited.”
The new concourse is the latest phase in the airport’s ongoing expansion, which is expected to be completed in two-and-a-half years.
Getting to Black Mountain
Traveling by air
Asheville Regional Airport North Concourse, June 2025. Photo source: BPR
Asheville Regional Airport: Only a 30-minute drive (17 miles) from Black Mountain, the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) serves all of Western North Carolina.
Charlotte International Airport: It’s about a 2 hour drive (122 miles) from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Black Mountain.
Other airports within 125 miles of Black Mountain:
Greenville, SC: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (78 miles)
Blountville, TN: Tri-Cities Regional Airport (84 miles)
Rutherford, NC: Rutherford County Airport (61 miles)
Greenville, SC: Greenville Downtown Airport (65 miles)
Greeneville, TN: Greeneville-Greene County Municipal Airport (67 miles)
Driving to Black Mountain
Driving directions from Asheville: Head east on I-40 for about 15 miles to the Black Mountain/E. State Street exit. Our downtown is just a few blocks off I-40.
Driving directions from Charlotte: Take I-85 S to US-321 N, then take I-40 west to the Black Mountain/E. State Street exit. Our downtown is just a few blocks off I-40.
Highways and the Blue Ridge Parkway
While I-40 into Black Mountain has open for months following Hurricane Helene, we always recommend you consult real time maps to plan the best driving route for you. You can view the statewide Helene reopening map at DriveNC.gov. The National Parks Service also has a site dedicated to road closures along the Blue Ridge Parkway. View a listing of them here and an interactive map here.
Regional bus service
Bus service for Asheville to Black Mountain: To view all current maps & schedules, visit the Buncombe County transportation site.
