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Trip from Carrboro, NC to Concord, NC

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 19m

Distance

115.2 mi

185 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 10m ★
6 AM
2h 20m
8 AM
2h 39m
10 AM
2h 26m
12 PM
2h 24m
3 PM
2h 27m
5 PM
2h 38m
8 PM
2h 14m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town in North Carolina, United States

Carrboro, NC

Wikimedia Commons

city in North Carolina, United States

Concord, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Carrboro, NC to Concord, NC covers 115.2 miles and takes about 2h 19m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 85, NC 54, Sam Hunt Freeway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 60.2 miles on I 85. At current regular gas prices, budget about $18.01 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

57.6 miles from Carrboro, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 14m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 19m. Total distance: 115.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 2h 19m highway drive covering 115.2 miles, with most of the trip on I 85 and NC 54. The longest continuous stretch is about 60.2 miles on I 85.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 85 is the longest continuous segment at about 60.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and NC 54. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 38.4 miles in near I 40.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 115.2 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 38.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 46.1 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.7 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
38.4 mi into trip | ~52m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
46.1 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in | US 29

Keep slight left at fork onto US 29 toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70 West: Charlotte

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70...
8
111.7 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | US 601

Take the exit onto US 601 toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 58 Toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord...
8
111.8 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | US 601

Keep slight left at fork onto US 601 toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord Downt...
7
115.1 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in | Spring Street Southwest

Turn left onto Spring Street Southwest

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 85 60.2 mi 1h 4m
NC 54 20.8 mi 29m
Sam Hunt Freeway 16.2 mi 18m
I 40 7.7 mi 9m
US 29 5.4 mi 5m
Church Street North 2.2 mi 4m
West Main Street 1.2 mi 3m
US 601 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 85 — 60.2 mi, about 1h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Carrboro, NC and Concord, NC.

1

Start on West Main Street

1.2 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
2

Turn right onto NC 54

289 ft · 5 sec · NC 54
Use the right lane.
3

Continue on NC 54

21 mi · 29 min · NC 54
Use the straight lane.
4

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
5

Merge onto I 40; I 85

16 mi · 18 min · Sam Hunt Freeway
Use the straight lane.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

7.7 mi · 9 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto US 29

5.4 mi · 5 min · US 29
Toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70 West: Charlotte Use the left lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85

60 mi · 1 hr 4 min · I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit onto US 601

0.2 mi · 22 sec · US 601
Exit 58 Toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto US 601

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 601
Toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord Downtown Use the left lane.
11

Turn straight onto Church Street North

2.2 mi · 4 min · Church Street North
Use the straight / left lanes.
12

Turn right onto Cabarrus Avenue West

0.2 mi · 39 sec · Cabarrus Avenue West
Use the straight / right lanes.
13

Turn left onto Spring Street Southwest

409 ft · 11 sec · Spring Street Southwest
Use the left lane.
14

Arrive at destination

Spring Street Southwest

Trip Plan

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 57.6 miles from Carrboro, NC, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.2 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 25 miles or 36m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 57.6 miles or 1h 14m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 53m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Concord, NC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Carrboro, 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 Carrboro, NC

This is one driving day of about 115.2 miles and 2h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Carrboro, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 85 for about 60.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 57.6 mi from Carrboro, NC · 1h 14m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Greensboro, NC

58 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

Graham, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Archdale, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 57.6 miles from Carrboro, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 85 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 60.2 miles.

Arriving in Concord, NC

The final approach into Concord, 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 Concord, NC.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 115.2

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

1922

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

1.2 mi

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

1.3 mi

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 115.2

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

1922

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm

+19849994195

Visit website

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 115.2

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 115.2

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17049604013

Visit website

Verb Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 115.2

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17049604163

Visit website

Koco Java coffee llc

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour Inexpensiv mile 90.5

Salisbury, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+19802480633

Visit website

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Kannapolis

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 107

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17049251740

Visit website

Veni Vidi Vici Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 107

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm

+17043039008

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Carrboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Carrboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31206545372

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Carrboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584390

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Chapel Hill, NC

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 49.4

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

Kersey Valley Escape

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 57.6

Archdale, North Carolina

+13364311700

Visit website

Children's Museum of Alamance County

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 24.7

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13362287997

Visit website

Graham Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 16.5

Haw River, North Carolina

+13365706718

Visit website

Bell Tower Green

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 90.5

Salisbury, North Carolina

+17046370511

Visit website

Baker's Creek Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 107

Kannapolis, North Carolina

+17049388512

Visit website

North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 107

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+17049342320

Visit website

Washington Terrace Community Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 57.6

High Point, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13368838599

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.01 one way

$36.03 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 40 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $19.70 $39.39
premium $4.70 $21.32 $42.64
diesel $5.61 $25.43 $50.87

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 34.6 0 $12.10 $5.53
Efficient EV 28.8 0 $10.08 $4.61
EV Truck/SUV 46.1 0 $16.13 $7.37

Gas CO2

40 kg

EV CO2

13 kg (68% 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

Carrboro, NC

Morning in Carrboro on Saturday

Local time

7:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Concord, NC

Morning in Concord on Saturday

Local time

7:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°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

21 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 19m 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 Carrboro, NC to Concord, NC covers 115.2 miles and takes about 2h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 85, NC 54, Sam Hunt Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 57.6 miles from Carrboro, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.01 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.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 115.2 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 38.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 46.1 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.7 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

The route from Carrboro, NC to Concord, NC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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