How to get to Wilmington

Located on the picturesque coast of North Carolina, charming Wilmington attracts travellers with its rich history, beautiful waterfront, and atmosphere of Southern hospitality. This city, located in the United States, perfectly combines the features of an ancient port and a modern resort, offering tourists plenty of leisure options. When planning a trip to Wilmington, you will find that getting here is quite simple: the city has a developed infrastructure, welcoming guests arriving by plane, car, and bus.

The fastest way to reach the city is by air. Travellers are welcomed by Wilmington International Airport (ILM), which is distinguished by its convenient location and modern terminal. The airport is well connected to the centre, so the journey to your hotel after landing will not take much time.

If there are no direct tickets, you can consider flying to neighbouring cities. The nearest alternative airports are located in the resort of Myrtle Beach (about 108 km away) or historic New Bern. Many tourists also choose the airport in the city of Fayetteville, from where it is easy to reach the coast by rental car.

There is no railway station in the city of Wilmington itself, so it is not possible to get here exclusively by train. Rail travel enthusiasts will have to combine their trip with a bus or car rental for the final stage of the journey.

The nearest stations served by passenger trains are located in neighbouring cities. It is most convenient to travel to the stations in Fayetteville or New Bern, and then cover the remaining 120–130 kilometres by highway. You can also consider a route via Myrtle Beach if you plan to visit this popular resort as well.

Bus travel is an affordable and scenic way to get to the coast. One of the most popular routes is the service from neighbouring Myrtle Beach: you can cover the distance of about 136 km in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, enjoying views of the coastal districts.

There are also regular services from further inland. The journey from Fayetteville (about 200 km) will take just over three hours. If you are travelling from New Bern, expect to spend about 4 hours on the road, which will allow you to rest quietly before arriving in the city.

A trip by car will give you freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the landscapes of the American South. The shortest and fastest route runs from Myrtle Beach: the distance of 124 km can be comfortably driven in about 1 hour 36 minutes.

The road from other nearby cities also does not take much time. The journey from Fayetteville or New Bern will require about 1 hour 45 minutes. The road network in the region is excellent, and using a taxi or rental car will allow you to easily reach the best beaches immediately upon arrival.

To ensure your trip to Wilmington is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth noting a few local features in advance. Here is a list of useful recommendations for preparing for your journey:

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is humid subtropical. In summer, take light, breathable clothing and headgear, as it can be very hot. In winter, a light jacket or sweater is sufficient, as freezing temperatures are rare here, but a windbreaker will be useful for walks by the ocean.
2. Transport. Public transport is moderately developed. For a full exploration of the city, trips to the beaches (such as Wrightsville Beach), and the surrounding areas, it is highly recommended to rent a car.
3. Finance and Gratuities. The currency is the US Dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having some cash for small expenses is useful. Remember that in restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 15–20%, as this forms the basis of the staff's earnings.
4. Health. Medical care in the USA is of high quality but expensive. Be sure to arrange travel insurance before your trip. Pharmacies are easy to find in large supermarkets.
5. Language. The main language is English. Locals speak with a characteristic Southern accent but are usually very friendly and ready to help if you ask them to repeat something.
6. Rules of Conduct. Politeness is valued in the South. It is customary to greet shop assistants and drivers, and to hold doors open for others. "Small talk" (brief, casual conversation) is a normal part of etiquette.
7. What to Avoid. During hurricane season (June to November), keep an eye on the weather forecast. Also, avoid swimming in the ocean when red flags are flying on the beach — this indicates dangerous rip currents.
8. Special Tip. Be sure to take a walk along the Riverwalk at sunset. This promenade along the Cape Fear River is considered one of the best in the country and is the heart of city life.

Following these simple rules will help you quickly adapt and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic coastal city.