The Inner Beltline is composed in mostly of fashionable older neighborhoods and the NC State University area. This clash between "Town" and "Gown" has been of growing concern during the late 1990s early 2000's. The North Raleigh neighborhoods are aligned along what Raleigh residents refer to as the "Spokes of the Wheel," major thoroughfares emanating from the I-440 Loop and terminating along the northern edge of the still under construction I-540 loop.

Downtown Raleigh provides easy travel and access through its grid of one-way streets. If you're just passing through, the major thoroughfare is Capital Boulevard (U.S. 401), which splits into Dawson Street heading south and McDowell Street heading north. From the west, it is Hillsborough Street, interrupted midway by the state Capitol building. To the east, it continues as New Bern Avenue (U.S. 64).

The I-440 Beltline can also be confusing: remember that the Inner Beltline runs clockwise; the Outer Beltline counter-clockwise. It's important to know that you must exit I-440 in order to stay on I-440 in some situations. Interesting fact: North Carolina's Department of Transportation is based in Raleigh.

Buses

For information on routes, schedules and fares, check GoTriangle.org for a helpful trip planner.

 • Greyhound, 314 Jones St., (919) 834-8275. You know the drill.

 • Triangle Transit Authority, (919) 549-9999. Routes between Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill as well as Research Triangle Park and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

 • Capital Area Transit, (919) 828-7228. Routes within Raleigh city limits.

Taxis

There are 36 licensed taxi operators in Raleigh of varying quality. Spanish speakers will appreciate Velo Taxi, (919) 271-5719.

Light rail

The Triangle Transit Authority is building a 35-mile light-rail line from Durham to Raleigh, scheduled to open in 2007. The diesel-electric rail system will have 16 stations, including Research Triangle Park, Morrisville and Cary.