Transportation

Wilmington is a very spread out city, and residents have various options concerning transportation. Because of Wilmington’s location and accommodations, the area is popular. It is becoming more prominent in the warmer seasons, so expect more traffic.

UNCW Parking and Transportation

Wave - Wilmington Fixed Bus, Shuttle, and Downtown Trolley Routes

The distance from campus to various malls, Wrightsville Beach, and places downtown is usually on average close to 10 or 15 miles, therefore students must decide on some form of transportation upon their arrival.

Shuttles are available and are an excellent option for those who do not have a car, but make sure to check the schedules. UNCW provides a program that offers safe rides called Sharkey's which is explained below. 

A car is an option but may not be practical if your stay here is a short one. Renting a car a common alternative for students; however, there are age restrictions.

Taxi Companies

AAAA Southern Transportation: 910.343.1989
Aaron’s Taxi: 910.264.9506
American Pride Taxi: 910.798.5717
B&K Taxi: 910.262.4623
Bell Taxi: 910.790.8700
Browns Rapid Response Taxi: 910.367.0451
Costal Yellow Taxi: 910.762.3322
Dolphin Taxi: 910.228.8294
Kat’s Taxi: 910.363.5003
Letts Taxi and Pleasure Island: 910.343.3335
Port City Taxi: 910.762.1165

Sharkey’s Safe Rides

UNCW assists students with a transportation program for safe rides. Sharkey’s safe rides from UNCW can be found at the Sharky's Box Office window. It is located on the first floor of the Fisher Student Center at the entrance to Lumina Theater. The Box Office shares FSC room 1002 with Sharky's Game Room. You can pay $2 for a $5 voucher for the ride. You are allowed 10 per month.

Cars

Car purchases are not a necessity if students reside on-campus. Shuttles are sufficient for getting around campus and town.

Cars can be purchased at the age of 18, without having a guardian co-sign. Used car prices start anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000, which is the most practical option for students. When calculating the cost of a car make sure to include tax, title, license plates, insurance, etc.

Insurance Companies

To find the best insurance rates make sure to comparison shop. The following are some of the major insurance companies:

Allstate
State Farm
Geico

DMV Information Website

An International Drivers License is not honored in NC. A student can obtain a Drivers License at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A student may also want to join AAA, the American Automobile Association.

• "AAA’s roadside assistance includes more than just towing. Flat tires, dead batteries, fuel delivery, lockout and extrication are all included with your AAA membership."
                      ~AAA Website

Renting a Car

You must be at least 21 to rent a car, but if you are less than 25, you pay an extra fee. For those ages 21-24, a one day rental is around $46. For those ages 25 and older, a one day rental is around $36. Enterprise Rent-A-Car at College Road and Oleander is the closest and will bring the car to you.