Anyone who’s driven to the Outer Banks on a Saturday knows how severe the traffic can be, particularly at the intersection in Kitty Hawk that leads north to Highway 12 into Southern Shores, causing significant bottlenecks. This can add 2 to 5 hours to your travel time. For those staying south of this intersection, there’s a better route.
We recommend avoiding the Wright Memorial Bridge during peak season, as it can add around 3 extra hours to your trip. While Google Maps might estimate a drive from Richmond to Kill Devil Hills at around 3 hours, the reality is it could take 5 to 7 hours due to heavy traffic.
If you're typically driving through Richmond and taking Highway 64 to Chesapeake, consider an alternative route through Richmond, VA through Suffolk, VA.
While the drive from Richmond to Kill Devil Hills via the Wright Memorial Bridge can take around 6 hours due to traffic, the Suffolk route may cut up to 2 hours off your travel time, although you may still encounter some traffic once you reach the Outer Banks, it's generally much lighter south of the Kitty Hawk-Southern Shores traffic light.
The route through Suffolk, VA not only saves time but also offers a scenic drive through smaller countryside roads, providing a nice break from the typical interstate drive. Another alternative is to take I-95 South to US-64 East by Rocky Mount, NC.
Even if you must travel through Chesapeake due to your location, you can still benefit from this tip when heading to the Outer Banks on a Saturday during peak season. Traffic typically starts building between the Virginia-North Carolina state line and the Highway 158-Highway 168 intersection. While the Suffolk route adds an extra hour and 14 minutes, it still saves time overall by avoiding the heavy traffic in that area.
You can use Google Maps to map out your route by adjusting the start location to your home and the end location to your Outer Banks Blue vacation rental address.
A key tip to avoid traffic is changing your check-in day—opt for Friday or Sunday instead of the typical Saturday, as traffic is lighter on those days. If you cross the Wright Memorial Bridge before 9am, you’ll generally avoid heavy congestion, as traffic usually builds up after 10am.
While 9am may seem early, it’s better to arrive early and explore the Outer Banks than sit in traffic. If your rental isn’t ready, consider visiting a local restaurant or packing beach gear to enjoy a beach day until check-in.
