Getting Here, Getting Around

Read on for more information about getting to New Bern, NC, via land, sea or air and for getting around via ferry, car rental or taxi once you’re here.

Reaching New Bern from north or south via U.S. Highway 17 brings visitors through or around coastal cities and national historic areas. Interstate 95 brings eastbound travelers to U.S. Highway 70 with an exit leading into the historic district and one onto U.S. 17 N. and the hospital or to Glenburnie Road and Craven Community College. From Morehead City, driving west along U.S. 70 directs the visitor into New Bern.

The spectacular Neuse River Bridge amazes first-time visitors from east and south. Curving to intersect with the span over the Trent River into New Bern, the main highway rises to 65 feet over the Neuse. Replacing the single drawbridge, the 10-year-old structure cut commuter time into New Bern by half when river traffic right-of-way no longer stopped land traffic for ten or more unscheduled minutes.

The Alfred Cunningham Bridge, once spanning  the Trent River to connect downtown with the Neuse River Bridge and U.S. 70, was sold and now bears traffic in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. A replacement drawbridge immediately under construction was scheduled for completion in late 2009. Broad Street in old New Bern, from the circle on E. Front Street to the fire department on First Street is being repaved and beautified with additional parking area and a bike path to be completed before the end of the 2010 tricentennial year. To reach downtown most easily, drivers may take Pollock Street from First Street after coming off the U.S. 70 Trent Woods/Pembroke exit.

City maps are available at the visitors center and in area telephone books.

An Avis car rental desk is within the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport terminal. The company offers online or toll-free telephone reservations and all regular services available at larger airports.

The Hertz auto rental desk in New Bern's Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is open Sunday to Friday 10 AM to 8 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM. Extra services available at this facility include child seats, hand controls for handicapped people, the Never Lost system and pick-up service with a phone call to the local number.

The National / Alamo car rental desk in the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport terminal is open from 8 AM to 11:30 PM seven days a week. Automobiles may be rented and dropped off during these hours. Special arrangements may be made by telephone or online.