Location & Getting Around

Prepare for takeoff at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), a thriving transportation hub that has soared to new heights in recent years. With the third-largest increase in passengers and flights in the nation, ILM serves as a vital gateway to and from the Wilmington region. Located just five miles  north of downtown Wilmington, the airport offers convenient access to destinations throughout the country  with 17 nonstop flights to bustling metropolises and tranquil coastal escapes. The airport’s economic impact is estimated at $2.5 billion, highlighting its importance to the regional economy and ability to serve the city’s aviation needs.

Catch a ride on the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority’s WAVE transportation system. With 12 fixed bus routes, WAVE provides convenient bus and shuttle transportation throughout the city and to the Wilmington International Airport. Additionally, WAVE’s free trolley service, the Port City Trolley, allows individuals to park and ride for easy exploration of the city’s downtown. Promoting sustainable and accessible transportation for all, many of these routes connect to pedestrian and bike-friendly communities (including the downtown historic district and riverwalk ) and the Cross City Trail, a 15-mile multi-use trail with bicycle and pedetrian access from Wade Park to the Heide-Trask Drawbridge. Since 1997, WAVE also has operated the Seahawk Shuttle, which transports UNCW students who live within one mile of the campus to the University at no cost to riders . And most recently, WAVE launched their RideMICRO program. As a point-to-point service for anyone traveling within portions of Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover county, RideMICRO lets passengers book on-demand rides from “virtual stops,” providing greater flexibility, decreased wait times and increased stops than a traditional bus route.

Being on the coast has its advantages, with the Atlantic Ocean at your back and a network of highways connecting to the northeast, south and West Coast. Wilmington’s strategic location also allows for easy access to Raleigh and the Research Triangle region in a two-hour  drive. Traveling is made even more convenient by North Carolina’s top-ranked highways, known for their exceptional performance and cost-effectiveness. Additionally Interstate 40 stretches westward all the way to Barstow, California, while Interstate 74 connects to Midwest cities like Indianapolis and Detroit.

Tap into Wilmington’s natural beautfy and maritime heritage by opting for a more coastal transporation service. Wilmington’s Ferry system and Water Taxi services offer residents an excellent way to explore the city’s scenic waterways and coastal charm. The Fort Fisher/Southport Ferry — just 35 minutes by car from the city’s Historic District — takes you from Fort Fisher on Pleasure Island across the Cape Fear River to the historic town of Southport. This 30-minute trip is a perfect way to soak up the coastal landscape, spot marine wildlife and revel in the sea breeze.

With three stops in historic downtown Wilmington, The Battleship North Carolina, Market Street and Chandlers Wharf, Wilmington’s Water Taxi service, Bizzy Bee Water Taxi, is another excellent way to see the city by water while getting from point A to point B in style.