Banner Elk is in the North Carolina high country, roughly 100 miles northeast of Asheville and 85 miles northwest of Winston-Salem. There is no public transport to the town — a car is essential.
The nearest commercial airport is Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in Blountville, Tennessee, about 60 miles to the northwest. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is a longer drive but offers more flight options. Charlotte Douglas (CLT) is about 120 miles to the south and east.
From the south, US-221 climbs through the foothills to reach Banner Elk. From the west, US-19E winds through Spruce Pine. The Blue Ridge Parkway passes nearby and is a scenic alternative route in good weather, though it closes in winter conditions and sections are sometimes closed for maintenance. Allow extra time for the mountain roads — they are beautiful but not fast.