The Biltmore Estate is truly a sight to see.
Situated in Asheville, North Carolina, the estate is surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers, which makes it difficult to see from the road.
While the Biltmore Estate is not visible from the road, visitors can take a shuttle from the nearby visitor’s center to enjoy all the estate has to offer.
Can You See The Biltmore Estate From The Road?
The Biltmore Estate is located in the western North Carolina Mountains, just outside Asheville town.
The estate is situated on 8,000 acres of land and includes a 250-room mansion, designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt.
As part of Hunt’s design, the estate was built on a hill so that it would not be visible from the road.
The owner of the property, George Vanderbilt wanted the estate to be a private retreat for his family and guests, so he deliberately built it in a way that made it hidden from view.
To achieve this, he planted hundreds of trees around the estate.
These trees have grown over the years and now provide a natural barrier between the estate and the outside world.
Even from the closest road to Biltmore Estate, which is approximately 1.5 miles away, you can barely see the roofline of the main house.
As a Result – The only way to see the Biltmore Estate is to take the scenic route that leads up to it. This route is known as the “Approach Road,” which winds its way through the woods before eventually reaching the estate.
This 3-mile Approach Road was designed to give visitors a taste of what they were about to see.
Vanderbilt wanted visitors to feel like they were entering a different world when they arrived at the estate.
Can You Use Drones To Have An Aerial View Of The Estate?
The Biltmore Estate is a large private estate that does not allow drones on its property.
The estate has strict rules against aerial photography and drones.
Therefore, anyone who wants to use a drone to take pictures or videos of the property would need to get permission from the estate beforehand.
Moreover, there is a lot of ground to cover, and it would be nearly impossible to get an aerial view of the entire estate without entering the property.
The only way to see the Biltmore Estate is to buy a ticket for one of the tours or events held there.
How Can You Get To The Biltmore Estate?
There are several ways to get to The Biltmore Estate.
The easiest way is to drive there:
- If you are driving to Asheville, the estate is about 2 hours from Charlotte, NC, and almost 4 hours from Atlanta, GA.
- If you are coming from out of the state, you should fly into the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).
You can rent a car or take a taxi to the Biltmore Estate, which is just a short drive away.
You can also take a bus or shuttle from Asheville, and several companies offer these services.
It is recommended that guests arriving without their own vehicles make reservations in advance.
They also have a complimentary shuttle service from parking lots to Biltmore House.
Therefore, purchasing a ticket for the Biltmore Express shuttle service might be a good option.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Biltmore Estate
The cost of admission to the Biltmore Estate depends on several factors, including the time of year and the type of ticket you purchase.
Some of the tickets you can buy include the following.
| Ticket | Charges |
|---|---|
| General Admission Tickets | Children- $30 Ages 13- $69 Audio guide (optional)- $15 |
| Special tickets | Children- $37.50 Adults- $75 |
| Behind-the-scenes tour (Upgrade option) | Children- $37.50 Adults- $75 |
| Candlelight Christmas Evenings Event Ticket | Adults- $85 Children- $42.50 |
| Gardens and Grounds Only Ticket | $25 Per person |
General admission tickets are valid for one day.
This ticket includes access to the estate grounds, gardens, and a self-guided tour of the Biltmore House.
If you want to explore the estate at your own pace, you can purchase an audio guide.
Special tickets are also available for certain areas of the estate, such as the Conservatory and Winery.
Another upgrade option is the popular Behind the Scenes tour, which gives visitors a backstage look at the kitchen, laundry, and other areas not typically open to the public.
Did You Know? If you want to experience the Biltmore Estate in a truly unique way, you can also purchase tickets for the Candlelight Christmas Evenings event.
This special event takes place in December and includes a guided tour of the Biltmore House decked out in holiday decorations.
Are There Areas You Can Access For Free?
In the past, The Biltmore Estate offered a Gardens and Grounds Only ticket for free.
This ticket allowed guests to explore the beautiful grounds and gardens of the estate but did not include access to the house or any other buildings.
However, the estate began charging for it in 2017 at $25 per person.
That said there are several ways you can access the estate for free.
For example:
- If you have a Biltmore Annual Pass, you will receive complimentary tickets to visit the Estate.
- Complimentary tickets are also available for active military personnel and their families, as well as for veterans and their families.
The complimentary tickets are only valid for one day.
The package offers the following:
- A self-guided tour as well as admission to the gardens and grounds
- Access to the Winery and Antler Hill Village
- Dining
- Shopping
- Outdoor activities
How do you buy the tickets?
The easiest way to buy tickets to visit the Biltmore Estate is online through the official website.
You can also purchase tickets at the Ticketing Center of the Estate, just a short drive past the entrance and Gate House.
However, it is generally cheaper and more convenient to buy them in advance online, offering a $10 discount if purchased 7 days or more before your stay.
When you purchase tickets online, you will have the option to select the date of your visit.
It is important to note that the Biltmore Estate is only open to the public on certain days, so check the schedule in advance.
You can pay for your tickets with a debit card, credit card, or your PayPal account.
You will receive an email confirmation of your purchase.
This email confirmation will include a link to your tickets, which you can print out or show the bar codes on your mobile device when you arrive at the Biltmore Estate.
6 Amazing Tips for Visiting Biltmore Estate
1. Buy Your Tickets Early
When planning a trip to the Biltmore Estate, it’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance and make dining reservations as well.
By doing so, you can avoid long lines and enjoy a more relaxed visit.
Additionally – Advance tickets are cheaper than day-of tickets, and you won’t have to wait in line to purchase them.
You can also choose the date and time of your tour when you buy your tickets in advance.
This is important because tours sell out quickly, especially during peak season.
2. Experience a Special Event or Exhibit
The estate is open to the public for tours and features several special events and exhibits throughout the year.
Some of the annual events held at Biltmore Estate include:
- The Antique Car Show
- The Biltmore Bloom Exhibit
- The Biltmore Wine Festival
- The Christmas at Biltmore celebration
The Antique Car Show features a variety of classic and antique cars on display, while the Biltmore Bloom exhibit is a must-see for anyone who loves flowers.
The Biltmore Wine Festival offers a chance to sample wines from the estate’s winery, and Christmas at Biltmore features holiday-themed decorations and events.
From Experience – Whether you’re interested in history, wine, cars, or Christmas, there’s sure to be an event or exhibit at Biltmore Estate that you’ll enjoy.
3. Get an annual pass if you intend to visit more than once
If you are planning to visit the Biltmore Estate more than once a year, you should get an annual pass.
This will give you unlimited access to the estate and its grounds all year round.
You will also be able to enjoy special events and activities that are held throughout the year.
4. Choose your outfit correctly
The best way to get around the Biltmore Estate is to wear comfortable clothing that you can move around easily in.
This is because the estate is massive and you might have to cover some distance on foot.
While Biltmore Estate does not have a dress code, visitors are typically expected to dress in a way that is respectful of the historic property.
5. Avoid visiting during the last weekend of passholder appreciation
The Biltmore is always incredibly busy during the last weekend of Passholder appreciation.
If you’re looking to avoid crowds, the best tip is to visit during the week instead.
You’ll still be able to enjoy all the same amenities and activities but without the large crowds.
6. Where to Stay When Visiting Biltmore Estate
If you’re interested in staying overnight during your visit to the Biltmore Estate, consider staying at the Inn on Biltmore Estate.
The inn is located on the property and offers stunning views of the grounds.
It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your time at the estate. Several different lodging options are also available, starting at $265 per night.
Even Better – For an even more luxurious experience, you can book one of the estate’s private villas, starting at $2,100 per night.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Biltmore Estate is an iconic American landmark and a must-see attraction in Asheville.
When you drive up to the estate, you are in awe of its beautiful scenery, size, and grandeur.
As you explore the estate, you are amazed at the attention to detail that went into its design and construction.
This is an excellent location for a weekend trip, a romantic getaway, and so much more.
