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Trip from Charlotte, NC to Fayetteville, NC

Drive Time

2h 57m

Distance

129.5 mi

208 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 46m ★
6 AM
2h 58m
8 AM
3h 20m
10 AM
3h 5m
12 PM
3h 3m
3 PM
3h 7m
5 PM
3h 19m
8 PM
2h 51m

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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Downtown Charlotte, NC, NC

Charlotte, NC

John Hill

Downtown Fayetteville, NC, NC

Fayetteville, NC

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

Traveling from Charlotte to Fayetteville covers 158.7 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 39 minutes. Since this is a straightforward trek within the Southeast region of North Carolina, you can easily complete it as a efficient day trip. You should budget approximately $25 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating the route involves a blend of East 5th Street, US 74 East, and East Independence Boulevard. Because the total duration is under three hours, there is no need to plan for an overnight stay unless your schedule demands a slower pace. It is a practical, direct route that gets you from the Queen City to Fayetteville without unnecessary complications.

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

64.8 miles from Charlotte, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route features a highway share of 0%. You will spend your time navigating local roads, meaning you should stay alert for frequent turns and changing traffic patterns. The longest stretch you will encounter is 0 miles on East 5th Street, underscoring the stop-and-go nature of the journey. Because the road lacks sustained highway stretches, the drive requires more active steering and focus than a typical freeway slog. Be prepared for a hands-on driving experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 38 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Fayetteville Road is the longest continuous segment at about 21.8 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

763 ft 102 ft

Total Climb

612 ft

Total Descent

1,273 ft

Highest Point

763 ft

Elevation Range

661 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.6 miles in near US 74 / East Independence Boulevard.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 129.5 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 4.6 miles (US 74 / East Independence Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 13.7 miles (US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 64.2 miles (US 74 BUS): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 20 key points

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

5
4.6 mi into trip | ~7m in | US 74 / East Independence Boulevard

Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 / East Independence Boulevard toward US 74 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward US 74 East
9
13.7 mi into trip | ~19m in | US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, Wilmington

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 255 Toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, Wilm...
9
64.2 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in | US 74 BUS

Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 BUS toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business East: Rockingham, Asheboro

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 306 Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business Ea...
6
70.5 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in | US 1 / Fayetteville Road

At end of road, turn left onto US 1 / Fayetteville Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
128.2 mi into trip | ~2h 55m in | Hay Street

Turn right onto Hay Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between Charlotte, NC and Fayetteville, NC, road signs point toward Wilmington and Asheboro.

Wilmington

13.7 mi in | ~19m | via US 74 BYP

Asheboro

64.2 mi in | ~1h 27m | via US 74 BUS

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Fayetteville Road 21.8 mi 25m
Monroe Expressway 18.7 mi 21m
Plank Road 13.1 mi 18m
W. Cliff Martin Highway 12.8 mi 17m
Andrew Jackson Highway 10.2 mi 13m
South Raeford Road 9.5 mi 15m
US 74 BUS 5.3 mi 7m
Independence Boulevard 4.5 mi 6m
Longest stretch: Fayetteville Road — 21.8 mi, about 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Charlotte, NC and Fayetteville, NC.

1

Start on South Tryon Street

488 ft · 14 sec · South Tryon Street
2

Turn right onto East 5th Street

0.3 mi · 53 sec · East 5th Street
3

Keep slight left at fork onto East 5th Street

0.3 mi · 56 sec · East 5th Street
4

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward NC 27 East, US 74 East
5

Continue on US 74; NC 27

3.5 mi · 4 min · US 74; NC 27
Toward US 74 East: Independence Expressway Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto US 74

357 ft · 4 sec · East Independence Boulevard
Toward US 74 East
7

Continue on US 74

2.1 mi · 2 min · East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
8

Continue on US 74

2.4 mi · 3 min · East Independence Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Continue on US 74

4.5 mi · 6 min · Independence Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP

19 mi · 21 min · Monroe Expressway
Exit 255 Toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, Wilmington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Merge onto US 74

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Carroll M. Edwards Highway
Use the straight lane.
12

Continue on US 74

2.9 mi · 5 min · West Marshville Boulevard
13

Continue on US 74

2.5 mi · 3 min · Carroll M. Edwards Highway
14

Continue on US 74

6.1 mi · 8 min · W. Cliff Martin Highway
Use the straight lane.
15

Keep slight right at fork onto US 74

6.7 mi · 9 min · W. Cliff Martin Highway
16

Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742

0.7 mi · 1 min · Salisbury Street
17

Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742

2.4 mi · 4 min · West Caswell Street
18

Continue on US 74

10 mi · 13 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
19

Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 BUS

5.3 mi · 7 min · US 74 BUS
Exit 306 Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business East: Rockingham, Asheboro Use the slight right lane.
20

Turn left onto West Green Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · West Green Street
21

At end of road, turn left onto US 1

21 mi · 24 min · Fayetteville Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Turn right onto Addor Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · Addor Road
23

Continue on Addor Road

2.5 mi · 3 min · Addor Road
24

At end of road, turn left onto Ashemont Road

0.4 mi · 45 sec · Ashemont Road
25

Enter roundabout onto Ashemont Road

135 ft · 2 sec · Ashemont Road
26

Continue on Ashemont Road

1.2 mi · 1 min · Ashemont Road
27

Keep slight left at fork onto Ashemont Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Ashemont Road
28

Continue on Army Road

3.6 mi · 5 min · Army Road
29

Continue on Plank Road

13 mi · 18 min · Plank Road
30

Turn right onto Wayside Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · Wayside Road
31

Turn left onto US 401

0.8 mi · 1 min · Fayetteville Road
Use the straight lane.
32

Continue on US 401

1.4 mi · 1 min · Raeford Road
Use the straight lane.
33

Continue on US 401

9.5 mi · 15 min · South Raeford Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
34

Continue on Arsenal Avenue

362 ft · 11 sec · Arsenal Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
35

Turn left onto Highland Avenue

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Highland Avenue
36

Turn right onto Hay Street

1.2 mi · 1 min · Hay Street
Use the right lane.
37

Enter roundabout onto Market Square

369 ft · 5 sec · Market Square
38

Arrive at destination

Market Square

Trip Plan

Given the local nature of this 158.7-mile drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time. Planning for one scheduled stop is a smart way to break up the drive and keep your energy levels consistent. Since the route relies on local roads like East Independence Boulevard, keep an eye on your GPS to navigate the frequent turns accurately. Because the fuel cost is estimated at $25, you can easily manage your budget by filling up before you leave Charlotte. Use the flexibility of this shorter trip to plan your departure around local traffic patterns to ensure a smoother transition through the urban sections of the drive.

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 64.8 miles from Charlotte, NC, or about 1h 28m 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 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.8 miles or 1h 28m 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 21m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Charlotte, 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 Charlotte, NC

This is one driving day of about 129.5 miles and 2h 57m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Charlotte, 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 Road for about 21.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 64.8 mi from Charlotte, NC · 1h 28m into the drive

Downtown Concord, NC, NC

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Concord, NC

65 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

Darlington, SC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Concord, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.8 miles from Charlotte, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Fayetteville, NC

The final approach into Fayetteville, 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 Fayetteville, 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

$20.73 one way

$41.45 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.43 $22.58 $45.16
premium $4.78 $24.36 $48.72
diesel $5.64 $28.77 $57.54

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 45.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.9 0 $13.60 $6.22
Efficient EV 32.4 0 $11.33 $5.18
EV Truck/SUV 51.8 0 $18.13 $8.29

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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.

Forecast data refreshed 6 hours ago

Origin

Charlotte, NC

Afternoon in Charlotte on Sunday

Local time

4:07 PM

EDT

Current temp

84°F

Sunny

ESE 7 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Beach Hazards Statement

Beach Hazards Statement issued April 12 at 3:43AM EDT until April 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC

Destination

Fayetteville, NC

Afternoon in Fayetteville on Sunday

Local time

4:07 PM

EDT

Current temp

84°F

Mostly Sunny

SE 5 to 10 mph 13% chance Live forecast

Beach Hazards Statement

Beach Hazards Statement issued April 12 at 3:43AM EDT until April 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC

Along the Route

64°F

Concord, NC

65 mi in

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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

2h 57m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Charlotte, NC to Fayetteville, NC covers 129.5 miles and takes about 2h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Fayetteville Road, Monroe Expressway, Plank Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 64.8 miles from Charlotte, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.73 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 20 significant decision points across 129.5 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 4.6 miles (US 74 / East Independence Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 13.7 miles (US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 64.2 miles (US 74 BUS): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Charlotte, NC and Fayetteville, NC, road signs point toward Wilmington and Asheboro.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 102 ft to 763 ft elevation with about 612 ft of total climbing.

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Return Trip

Fayetteville, NC to Charlotte, NC

Plan the drive back the other way.

129.4 mi 2h 57m

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