This 126.6-mile journey from Broadway, NC, to West Raleigh, NC, is easily manageable as a single-day road trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with about 72% of the drive on major interstates like I-95 and I-40. With an estimated fuel cost of $20, this drive is budget-friendly for a quick transition within North Carolina's Southeast region. You'll experience a straightforward drive that doesn't require an overnight stop, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Consider this a practical and efficient way to get from point A to point B.
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
63.3 miles from Broadway, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 23m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 38m. Total distance: 126.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-centric experience for most of this 126.6-mile drive, as 72% of the route utilizes major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 61.5 miles on I-95, offering a consistent pace. While largely interstate, the inclusion of American Indian Highway suggests some variation in road type as you progress. This drive is characterized by its efficiency and speed, rather than winding scenic byways. You'll likely find the road personality shifts from the broader I-95 to the busy I-40 as you approach the Raleigh area.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 61.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in near Braswell Road.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 126.6 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 1.1 miles (Braswell Road): Navigation decision point; at 26 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.1 mi into trip|~4m in|Braswell Road
At end of road, turn left onto Braswell Road
Navigation decision point
5
26 mi into trip|~36m in
Take the exit toward NC 41: Lumberton, Fairmont
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NC 41: Lumberton, Fairmont
7
92.9 mi into trip|~1h 57m in
Take the exit toward I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington
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 I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington
6
108.2 mi into trip|~2h 14m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
123 mi into trip|~2h 31m in
Take the exit toward NC 50 North, US 401 North, US 70 West: Raleigh Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 298B
Toward NC 50 North, US 401 North, US 70 West: R...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Broadway, NC and West Raleigh, NC, road signs point toward Fairmont and Wilmington.
Fairmont
26 mi in|~36m
Wilmington
92.9 mi in|~1h 57m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
61.5 mi
1h 9m
I 40
28.9 mi
31m
American Indian Highway
10.7 mi
12m
Andrew Jackson Highway
9.3 mi
10m
Martin Luther King Jr Drive
3.3 mi
6m
Andrew Jackson Highway Southwest
1.9 mi
2m
Joe Brown Highway North
1.9 mi
2m
Western Boulevard
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 61.5 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Broadway, NC and West Raleigh, NC.
1
Start on Old Stake Road
1.1 mi·4 min·Old Stake Road
2
At end of road, turn left onto Braswell Road
327 ft·16 sec·Braswell Road
3
Turn right onto Grist Road
0.8 mi·3 min·Grist Road
4
Turn right onto US 76
1.9 mi·2 min·Andrew Jackson Highway Southwest
5
Turn left onto US 74 Business; NC 130; NC 410
1.9 mi·2 min·Joe Brown Highway North
6
Take the ramp onto US 74 Business; NC 130
0.2 mi·25 sec·US 74 Business; NC 130
7
Merge onto US 74; NC 130
9.3 mi·10 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
8
Continue on US 74; NC 130
11 mi·12 min·American Indian Highway
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward NC 41: Lumberton, Fairmont
10
Turn right onto NC 41
3.3 mi·6 min·Martin Luther King Jr Drive
11
Continue on Apple Street
0.1 mi·16 sec·Apple Street
12
At end of road, turn right onto West 5th Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·West 5th Street
13
Turn left onto North Water Street
393 ft·7 sec·North Water Street
14
Enter roundabout onto North Water Street
219 ft·3 sec·North Water Street
15
Continue on North Water Street
0.2 mi·21 sec·North Water Street
16
Turn straight onto Carthage Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Carthage Road
17
Turn right onto Capuano Street
152 ft·6 sec·Capuano Street
18
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·16 sec
19
Merge onto I 95; US 301
62 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 95; US 301
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 40: Raleigh, WilmingtonUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 40 West: Raleigh
22
Merge onto I 40
14 mi·15 min·I 40
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
15 mi·16 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·30 sec
Exit 298BToward NC 50 North, US 401 North, US 70 West: Raleigh DowntownUse the right lane.
25
Turn straight onto US 70; US 401; NC 50
0.9 mi·1 min·South Saunders Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn slight right
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Western Boulevard
27
Turn straight onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
0.2 mi·26 sec·Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
28
Continue on Western Boulevard
1.2 mi·2 min·Western Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Turn slight right
429 ft·10 sec
Toward Pullen Road
30
Turn right onto Pullen Road
0.4 mi·1 min·Pullen Road
31
Enter roundabout onto Pullen Road
63 ft·2 sec·Pullen Road
32
Continue on Pullen Road
0.1 mi·25 sec·Pullen Road
33
Enter roundabout onto Hillsborough Street
205 ft·6 sec·Hillsborough Street
34
Continue on Hillsborough Street
503 ft·14 sec·Hillsborough Street
35
Turn right onto Enterprise Street
44 ft·1 sec·Enterprise Street
36
Arrive at destination
Enterprise Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour and 38-minute duration for 126.6 miles, this trip is ideal for a single day, allowing you to depart at your convenience. With a fuel cost estimate of just $20, you won't need to worry excessively about frequent fill-ups, though it's always wise to start with a full tank. Plan for one primary stop, potentially around the halfway point, to stretch your legs. Be mindful that the drive includes 61.5 miles on I-95, so be prepared for interstate traffic conditions. A specific tip: utilize the American Indian Highway section for a brief change of pace from the interstates before rejoining the main highway network.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 63.3 miles from Broadway, NC, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.5 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 28 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 63.3 miles or 1h 23m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Raleigh, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Broadway, 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 Broadway, NC
This is one driving day of about 126.6 miles and 2h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Broadway, 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 I 95 for about 61.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 63.3 mi from Broadway, NC
· 1h 23m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.80 one way
$39.59 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg44 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$21.65
$43.29
premium
$4.70
$23.43
$46.86
diesel
$5.61
$27.95
$55.90
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
38
0
$13.29
$6.08
Efficient EV
31.7
0
$11.08
$5.06
EV Truck/SUV
50.6
0
$17.72
$8.10
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Broadway, NC
Late night
in Broadway on Saturday
Local time
1:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
West Raleigh, NC
Late night
in West Raleigh on Saturday
Local time
1:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°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
9 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
2h 38m 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 Broadway, NC to West Raleigh, NC covers 126.6 miles and takes about 2h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, I 40, American Indian Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 63.3 miles from Broadway, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.80 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 25 significant decision points across 126.6 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 1.1 miles (Braswell Road): Navigation decision point; at 26 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Broadway, NC and West Raleigh, NC, road signs point toward Fairmont and Wilmington.
