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Trip from Concord, NC to Gorman, NC

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 27m

Distance

126.5 mi

204 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 18m ★
6 AM
2h 28m
8 AM
2h 48m
10 AM
2h 35m
12 PM
2h 33m
3 PM
2h 36m
5 PM
2h 47m
8 PM
2h 22m

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

city in North Carolina, United States

Concord, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Gorman, NC, NC

Gorman, NC

Mark Stebnicki

Trip Overview

This 126.5-mile journey from Concord, NC to Gorman, NC, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes. You'll primarily be on major highways, with 97% of the drive being on interstates, making it a straightforward trip. The estimated fuel cost is around $20, which is quite budget-friendly for a drive of this distance. Since both the origin and destination are within the Southeast region, you won't be crossing state lines or experiencing dramatic regional shifts. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without much fuss.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

63.3 miles from Concord, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 27m. Total distance: 126.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

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

Drive Character

Expect a highly focused highway experience for this 126.5-mile trip, with almost the entire 97% of the drive taking place on interstates like I-85 and I-40, supplemented by US-601. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 53.6 miles on I-85, so be prepared for sustained periods of highway driving. This route doesn't typically involve winding country roads or significant changes in terrain, maintaining a consistent pace for the majority of the 2-hour and 27-minute duration. It’s a functional drive built for covering distance efficiently.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 53.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Cabarrus Avenue West.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 126.5 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 0.1 miles (Cabarrus Avenue West): Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.1 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

7
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Cabarrus Avenue West

Turn right onto Cabarrus Avenue West

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
7
3 mi into trip | ~6m in | US 601

Take the exit onto US 601 toward I 85 North, US 601 North: Greensboro

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. Toward I 85 North, US 601 North: Greensboro
8
32.1 mi into trip | ~39m in | I 85

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85 toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
8
64.9 mi into trip | ~1h 14m in | US 29

Keep slight right at fork onto US 29 toward US 29, US 70

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 29, US 70
7
107.6 mi into trip | ~2h 4m in | I 85; NC 86 Truck

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck toward I 85 North: Durham

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 85 North: Durham

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Concord, NC to Gorman, NC, road signs begin pointing toward High Point along the way.

High Point

32.1 mi in | ~39m | via I 85

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 85 53.6 mi 59m
I 40 36.8 mi 42m
US 601 25.3 mi 28m
US 29 5.9 mi 6m
Church Street Northeast 2.2 mi 4m
East Geer Street 1.5 mi 2m
Concord Parkway North 0.6 mi 1m
East Club Boulevard 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 85 — 53.6 mi, about 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Spring Street Southwest

409 ft · 17 sec · Spring Street Southwest
2

Turn right onto Cabarrus Avenue West

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Cabarrus Avenue West
Use the straight / right lanes.
3

Turn left onto NC 73

2.2 mi · 4 min · Church Street Northeast
Use the left lane.
4

Merge onto US 29; US 601

0.6 mi · 1 min · Concord Parkway North
Use the left / straight lanes.
5

Take the exit onto US 601

25 mi · 28 min · US 601
Toward I 85 North, US 601 North: Greensboro Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on I 85; US 29; US 52; US 70

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 85; US 29; US 52; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85

33 mi · 35 min · I 85
Toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto US 29

5.9 mi · 6 min · US 29
Toward US 29, US 70 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

37 mi · 42 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck

9.4 mi · 10 min · I 85; NC 86 Truck
Toward I 85 North: Durham Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 85; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on I 85; US 15; US 70; US 501

4.3 mi · 5 min · I 85; US 15; US 70; US 501
Use the straight lane.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 15

1.5 mi · 1 min · I 85; US 15
14

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 16 sec
Toward East Club, Durha
15

Turn slight left

70 ft · 5 sec
16

Turn right onto East Club Boulevard

0.3 mi · 37 sec · East Club Boulevard
17

Turn left onto East Geer Street

1.5 mi · 2 min · East Geer Street
Use the left lane.
18

Arrive at destination

East Geer Street

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour and 27-minute duration, this route is easily manageable as a single-day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. Since there are no recommended stops and the drive is relatively short, you can depart when it’s most convenient. Keep an eye on your fuel; while the estimated cost is only $20, it’s always wise to top off before leaving Concord to ensure you have ample range. The 53.6-mile stretch on I-85 is the longest continuous segment, so plan your breaks before or after this part 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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 63.3 miles from Concord, NC, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 53.6 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 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.3 miles or 1h 12m 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 59m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Concord, 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 Concord, NC

This is one driving day of about 126.5 miles and 2h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Concord, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 85 for about 53.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 63.3 mi from Concord, NC · 1h 12m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Greensboro, NC

63 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.

Popular next leg

Greensboro, NC to Gorman, NC

57.3 mi · 1h 12m

Pacing Suggestions

Clinton, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Archdale, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.3 miles from Concord, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Gorman, NC

The final approach into Gorman, 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 Gorman, 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

$19.78 one way

$39.56 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $21.63 $43.26
premium $4.70 $23.41 $46.82
diesel $5.61 $27.93 $55.86

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 37.9 0 $13.28 $6.07
Efficient EV 31.6 0 $11.07 $5.06
EV Truck/SUV 50.6 0 $17.71 $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

Concord, NC

Late night in Concord on Friday

Local time

5:16 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gorman, NC

Late night in Gorman on Friday

Local time

5:16 AM

EDT

Current temp

56°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

6 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 27m 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 Concord, NC to Gorman, NC covers 126.5 miles and takes about 2h 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 85, I 40, US 601. 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 Concord, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.78 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 13 significant decision points across 126.5 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 0.1 miles (Cabarrus Avenue West): Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.1 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

On the drive from Concord, NC to Gorman, NC, road signs begin pointing toward High Point along the way.

How this page is built

Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.

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