Directions

Appalachian State University is located in Boone in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina, close to Virginia and Tennessee. Less than two hours from the region's major population centers, the campus is easily accessible via modern highways NC 421, 321, and 221 with convenient connections to interstate highways 81, 77, 40, 85 and 26. For traveling north/south at a relaxed pace, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a scenic route.

Appalachian is served by four major airports: Tri-Cities Regional Airport, Asheville Regional Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Piedmont Triad International Airport.

For more information on local accommodations, restaurants and attractions, contact High Country Host and/or visit Explore Boone Area.

Ground Travel

From the northeast via Interstate 81 and Interstate 77:Take I-81 south to I-77. Proceed south on I-77 into North Carolina. Exit onto Highway 421 North and travel approximately 60 miles to Boone. In Boone follow signs to campus.
From the south via Interstate 77:Proceed north on I-77 through Charlotte and Statesville. Continue on I-77 North until you reach the I-77/HWY 421 interchange. Exit onto Highway 421 North and travel approximately 60 miles to Boone. In Boone follow signs to campus.
From the west via Interstate 40 (Asheville and/or Hickory areas):In Asheville, take I-40 East to Highway 221 in Marion. Exit onto Highway 221 North and follow to Linville. In Linville, take Highway 105 North to Boone. -OR- When traveling on I-40 in the Hickory area, exit onto Highway 321 North and travel approximately 50 miles to Boone. In Boone follow signs to campus.    
From the east via Interstate 40 and Interstate 85:Proceed to Winston-Salem on I-40. Exit onto Highway 421 North in Winston-Salem and travel approximately 86 miles to Boone.  In Boone follow signs to campus.
From the west (Johnson City, TN):Take 321 South through Elizabethton, TN to 19E. Follow 19E through Newland, NC to Linville, NC. Take 105 North to Boone. In Boone follow signs to campus.

 

Air Travel

AirportDistance to Boone Physical Address
Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI)86 Miles2525 Tennessee 75, Blountville, TN 37617-6366
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)90 Miles61 Terminal Drive, Fletcher, NC 28732
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)96 miles5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)110 miles6415 Bryan Boulevard, Greensboro, NC

Please check program materials to see if airport shuttle service is available for your program.  If not, the best arrangement is to rent an automobile at the airport and drive.  This will afford you the opportunity to experience firsthand, and at your leisure, the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Drive from Charlotte is the more direct route.

Taxi & Airport Shuttle Service

CompanyPhone NumberTRIAVLCLTGSOPrice Range*
Ace Cab Company828-265-3373yesnoyesyes150-160
Air Haven Limousines828-265-2504yesyesyesyes150 & up
Blowing Rock Airport Service828-295-7032yesyesyesyes120-130
The Hickory Hop828-327-2340nonoyesno70-120

 *Prices subject to change

Coach America

Coach America offers two bus lines traveling to Boone from several local cities.  The Mountaineer East/West line serves Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Hamptonville, and N Wilkesboro. The Mountaineer North/ South line serves Charlotte, Gastonia, Lincolnton, Hickory and Lenoir.

For more information on Coach America and their schedule visit their website www.CoachAmericaNC.com or call (336) 767-1511 for the East/West line and (704) 596-2222 for the North/ South line.

 

Getting around town

AppalCART provides fare-free bus service to locations with the Town of Boone and Watauga County, North Carolina. Most stops are within the Town of Boone limits with other services providing transportation access to locations and individuals outside of Boone.   

Fixed bus routes provide access to numerous locations within Boone. The routes service Appalachian State University campus, numerous apartment complexes and local hotels within Boone, Downtown Boone, community outreach locations, and Boone business and shopping locations.

View Route Maps and Schedules for more information.