Origin
Benson, NC
Night in Benson on Tuesday
Local time
11:12 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Benson, NC to Charlotte, NC
Data updated 5 hours ago
Drive Time
3h 34m
Distance
164.2 mi
264 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
None
0 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 22m
★
6 AM
3h 34m
8 AM
3h 59m
10 AM
3h 43m
12 PM
3h 40m
3 PM
3h 44m
5 PM
3h 58m
8 PM
3h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Benson, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Charlotte, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 164.2-mile drive from Benson, NC to Charlotte, NC will take you about 3 hours and 34 minutes. It's a manageable one-day trip with a fuel cost estimated at $26. You'll primarily navigate via Fayetteville Outer Loop and US 1 before merging onto I-95 for a portion of the journey. The route offers a mixed driving experience, making it suitable for a single day without feeling overly rushed. Given its relatively short duration and moderate highway share, it's a straightforward connection within the Southeast region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
82.1 miles from Benson, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this route, with approximately 40% of the journey on highways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 21.8 miles on the Fayetteville Outer Loop. While parts of the drive will feel like standard highway travel, you'll also experience stretches on US 1, offering a different pace. The road character shifts subtly as you progress, moving from more localized routes to interstate segments and back, keeping the driving experience varied rather than monotonous.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 40 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Fayetteville Outer Loop is the longest continuous segment at about 21.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 164.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
21.6 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Take the exit toward I 295, US 13 North: Newton Grove, Fort Bragg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 58
Toward I 295, US 13 North: Newton Grove, Fort B...
6
44.2 mi into trip
|
~53m in
Take the exit toward US 401: Raeford, Fayetteville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 12
Toward US 401: Raeford, Fayetteville
9
44.5 mi into trip
|
~53m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 401 South: Raeford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 12
Toward US 401 South: Raeford
7
131.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
|
US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway toward US 74 Toll Bypass West: Charlotte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 74 Toll Bypass West: Charlotte
7
163.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 31m in
Take the exit toward Sixth Street, McDowell Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Sixth Street, McDowell Street
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Benson, NC and Charlotte, NC, road signs point toward Fort Bragg and Fayetteville.
Fort Bragg
21.6 mi in
|
~26m
Fayetteville
44.2 mi in
|
~53m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville Outer Loop | 21.8 mi | 25m |
| US 1 | 21 mi | 24m |
| I 95 | 20.8 mi | 24m |
| Monroe Expressway | 18.4 mi | 21m |
| Broad Avenue | 15.5 mi | 20m |
| Plank Road | 13.1 mi | 18m |
| W. Cliff Martin Highway | 12.8 mi | 17m |
| Independence Boulevard | 7.1 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
Fayetteville Outer Loop
— 21.8 mi, about 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Benson, NC and Charlotte, NC.
1
Start on US 301; NC 242
69 ft
·
4 sec
·
North Wall Street
2
Turn right onto West Lambert Drive
186 ft
·
10 sec
·
West Lambert Drive
3
Turn right onto North Ellis Drive
144 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Ellis Drive
4
Turn left onto NC 50; NC 242
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
6
Merge onto I 95
21 mi
·
24 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 58
Toward I 295, US 13 North: Newton Grove, Fort Bragg
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward US 13 North: Newton Grove
9
Merge onto US 13
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
Goldsboro Road
10
Continue on I 295
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Fayetteville Outer Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 12
Toward US 401: Raeford, Fayetteville
12
Keep slight right at fork
348 ft
·
8 sec
Exit 12
Toward US 401 South: Raeford
Use the right lane.
13
Merge onto US 401
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Raeford Road
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 401
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Fayetteville Road
15
Turn right onto Wayside Road
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Wayside Road
16
At end of road, turn left onto Plank Road
13 mi
·
18 min
·
Plank Road
17
Continue on Army Road
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
Army Road
18
Continue on Ashemont Road
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Ashemont Road
19
Keep slight left at fork onto Ashemont Road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Ashemont Road
20
Enter roundabout onto Ashemont Road
138 ft
·
2 sec
·
Ashemont Road
21
Continue on Ashemont Road
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
Ashemont Road
22
Turn right onto Addor Road
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Addor Road
23
Turn left onto US 1
21 mi
·
24 min
·
US 1
Use the straight lane.
24
Turn right onto East Green Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Green Street
25
At end of road, turn right onto US 74 BUS
16 mi
·
20 min
·
Broad Avenue
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 74
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
East Caswell Street
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Salisbury Street
28
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
6.5 mi
·
8 min
·
W. Cliff Martin Highway
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
6.3 mi
·
8 min
·
W. Cliff Martin Highway
30
Continue on US 74
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Carroll M. Edwards Highway
31
Continue on US 74
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
East Marshville Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 74
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Carroll M. Edwards Highway
33
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP
18 mi
·
21 min
·
Monroe Expressway
Toward US 74 Toll Bypass West: Charlotte
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Merge onto US 74
7.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Independence Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on US 74
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Continue on US 74; NC 27
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
·
East Independence Boulevard
37
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward Sixth Street, McDowell Street
Use the slight right lane.
38
Continue on East 6th Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East 6th Street
39
Turn left onto North Tryon Street
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
North Tryon Street
40
Arrive at destination
South Tryon Street
Trip Plan
With a duration of just over 3.5 hours, this trip is easily completed in one day, offering flexibility in your departure time. You'll have one recommended stop, so plan for a break around the midpoint of your 164.2-mile journey. Be mindful of the 40% highway share, as traffic can pick up on these sections, especially as you approach Charlotte. A good tip is to check local traffic conditions before leaving Benson, NC, as this can impact your travel time on segments like the Fayetteville Outer Loop.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 82.1 miles from Benson, NC, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.8 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 82.1 miles or 1h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Charlotte, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Benson, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Benson, NC
This is one driving day of about 164.2 miles and 3h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Benson, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Fayetteville Outer Loop for about 21.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 82.1 mi from Benson, NC · 1h 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
82 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 82.1 miles from Benson, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Charlotte, NC
The final approach into Charlotte, NC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Charlotte, NC.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.68 one way
$51.35 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
58 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $28.08 | $56.15 |
| premium | $4.70 | $30.39 | $60.78 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $36.25 | $72.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 57.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 49.3 | 0 | $17.24 | $7.88 |
| Efficient EV | 41.1 | 0 | $14.37 | $6.57 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 65.7 | 0 | $22.99 | $10.51 |
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Charlotte, NC
Night in Charlotte on Tuesday
Local time
11:12 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 34m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Benson, NC to Charlotte, NC covers 164.2 miles and takes about 3h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Fayetteville Outer Loop, US 1, I 95. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 82.1 miles from Benson, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.68 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 164.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Benson, NC and Charlotte, NC, road signs point toward Fort Bragg and Fayetteville.
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