Getting to Compass Hotel Beaufort, NC
Driving to Beaufort on the Crystal Coast
Most visitors to Beaufort arrive by car, making the journey part of the adventure. The town is located along U.S. Highway 70, which intersects with I-40 near Raleigh. Travelers from Virginia, South Carolina, and other Mid-Atlantic states can easily connect via I-95 and U.S. 70.
From Raleigh/Durham (3 hours): Follow I-40 East to U.S. 70 East, continuing through Morehead City and across the Radio Island Bridge into Beaufort.
From Wilmington (2.5 hours): Take U.S. 17 North to Jacksonville, then connect to U.S. 70 East.
From Richmond, VA (4.5 hours): Travel south on I-95, connect to U.S. 70 East near Goldsboro, and continue to Beaufort.
Nearby Coastal Towns
Beaufort sits at the heart of the Crystal Coast, making Compass Hotel a convenient lodging option for visitors exploring the region:
Morehead City (3 miles west): A hub for sportfishing tournaments, shopping, and dining, just a 10-minute drive across the Newport River.
Atlantic Beach (7 miles south): Known for family-friendly beaches and Fort Macon State Park, only 15 minutes from Beaufort.
Pine Knoll Shores (12 miles east): Home to the Crystal Coast Country Club and the North Carolina Aquarium, this quiet stretch of coast sits just beyond Atlantic Beach, only a 25-minute drive from Beaufort.
Emerald Isle (25 miles southwest): A favorite summer vacation spot, within a 40-minute drive of the hotel.
By choosing Compass Hotel Beaufort, guests enjoy easy access to nearby communities while staying in the only branded hotel located directly in Beaufort’s historic downtown.
Airports Near Beaufort, NC
For those flying in, two regional airports provide convenient access to the Crystal Coast:
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) – New Bern, NC (39 miles, ~45 minutes)
Offers daily flights to major hubs including Charlotte (CLT) and Atlanta (ATL).
Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) – Jacksonville, NC (65 miles, ~1 hour 20 minutes)
Provides commercial service with connections through Charlotte and Atlanta.
Both airports offer rental car services, making it easy to reach Beaufort and explore surrounding communities like Morehead City and Atlantic Beach.
Plan Your Stay
Whether you’re arriving by boat, car, or plane, Beaufort is closer than you think. Once here, everything downtown is walkable — from waterfront shopping and dining to marinas, museums, and the laid-back comfort of Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Beaufort.