Getting Around High Point
High Point is a small Southern city best explored by car, but visitors can also rely on local and regional buses, Amtrak, taxis, and ride-hailing. The sections below explain what exists and how the pieces connect, so you can plan your movements before you arrive.
Arriving by Air
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is the closest major airport to High Point, with daily flights to most major hubs on the east coast. Taxis, rental cars, and Lyft/Uber are all available at the airport.
If you prefer public transport, the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART) runs a bus from the airport toward High Point. Take Shuttle 27 to the transportation center, then transfer for free to Route 3 to reach High Point. Fares are paid in cash on board.
Two larger airports, Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) in the Research Triangle and Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) in Charlotte, are also relatively close and can serve as alternative gateways. During the High Point Market, shuttles are provided from all three airports, which is worth knowing if your trip coincides with the trade show.
Arriving by Train
High Point station, at 100 West High Avenue, is served by three Amtrak services: the Carolinian, the Piedmont, and the Crescent. This makes the train a practical option for reaching the city from elsewhere in the region, and it puts you within reach of the downtown core on arrival.
Arriving by Bus
High Point is served by the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART), with buses connecting the city to Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and other cities and towns in the area. PART is the regional operator, so it is the mode to look for if you are coming in from a neighboring community rather than from the airport.
Arriving by Car
Driving is straightforward, and the city sits at the junction of several interstate and highway routes. From the south, travel north on I-85, take Business 85 North near Lexington, remain on Business 85 when it splits from Highway 52, and exit at Highway 311 North (Main Street). From the west, take I-40 east past Winston-Salem to Highway 311 South (Exit 196). From the north, travel south on I-85, take Business 85 at Greensboro, and exit at Highway 311 BR north (Main Street). From the east, take I-40 west to Greensboro, take I-85 South, then Business 85, and exit at Highway 311 BR north (Main Street).
Getting Around by Bus
High Point Transit provides local bus service within the city. This is the main public transport option for moving between neighborhoods and the downtown area once you are in town.
During the High Point Market, various free shuttles operate: two downtown shuttles move visitors between the various Market buildings and events, and additional shuttles connect hotels, park-and-rides, and other locations in and around High Point. If you are visiting during the Market, these shuttles can replace the need for a car for much of your stay.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Lyft and Uber are available, including at Piedmont Triad International Airport. For a visitor without a car, these are the most flexible way to reach specific addresses, particularly outside bus hours or when your destination is not on a bus route.
Walkability
Walking is most practical in the downtown area, where Market buildings, events, and the Amtrak station are clustered. For trips beyond the center, the city's layout and the presence of local and regional bus service, taxis, and ride-hailing suggest that a car or a bus is the more realistic choice.
Practical Summary
- Fly into Piedmont Triad International (GSO) for the shortest transfer; taxis, rental cars, and Lyft/Uber are available there.
- Use PART Shuttle 27 from the airport to the transportation center, then transfer free to Route 3 for High Point.
- RDU and CLT are alternative airports; during the High Point Market, shuttles run from all three airports.
- Amtrak's Carolinian, Piedmont, and Crescent stop at High Point station, 100 West High Avenue.
- PART connects High Point with Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and other area cities and towns.
- High Point Transit runs local buses within the city.
- During the High Point Market, free shuttles cover downtown buildings and events plus hotels and park-and-rides.
- Taxis and ride-hailing fill the gaps when buses do not run or do not reach your destination.