Origin
Emerald Isle, NC
Afternoon in Emerald Isle on Monday
Local time
12:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Emerald Isle, NC to Fayetteville, NC
Drive Time
3h 9m
Distance
128 mi
206 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 58m
★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fayetteville, NC
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
The drive from Emerald Isle, NC to Fayetteville, NC covers 128 miles and takes about 3h 9m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on NC 24, Clinton Road, Catherine Lake Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 19 miles on NC 24. At current regular gas prices, budget about $20.49 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.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
64 miles from Emerald Isle, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a 3h 9m drive with frequent turns across 128 miles of local and secondary roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 35 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
NC 24 is the longest continuous segment at about 19 miles.
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 8.4 miles in near NC 24 / Cedar Point Boulevard.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 128 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 8.4 miles (NC 24 / Cedar Point Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 73.3 miles (NC 24): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.1 miles (B Street): 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
8.4 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
NC 24 / Cedar Point Boulevard
Turn left onto NC 24 / Cedar Point Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
73.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
|
NC 24
Take the exit onto NC 24
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
127.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m in
|
B Street
Turn left onto B Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
127.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 9m in
|
Person Street
Enter roundabout onto Person Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
6
128 mi into trip
|
~3h 9m in
|
Market Square
Enter roundabout onto Market Square
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Emerald Isle, NC to Fayetteville, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Clinton along the way.
Clinton
81.4 mi in
|
~2h
|
via NC 24
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NC 24 | 19 mi | 26m |
| Clinton Road | 15.2 mi | 21m |
| Catherine Lake Road | 14.4 mi | 21m |
| Roseboro Highway | 11.5 mi | 15m |
| Freedom Way | 9.3 mi | 11m |
| Emerald Drive | 8.4 mi | 14m |
| Richlands Highway | 6.4 mi | 9m |
| Jackson Store Road | 6.3 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
NC 24
— 19 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Emerald Isle, NC and Fayetteville, NC.
1
Start on NC 58
5.9 mi
·
10 min
·
Emerald Drive
Use the straight lane.
2
Enter roundabout onto NC 58
82 ft
·
1 sec
·
Emerald Drive
3
Continue on NC 58
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Emerald Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left onto NC 24
2.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Cedar Point Boulevard
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on NC 24
3.2 mi
·
7 min
·
West Corbett Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on NC 24
9.3 mi
·
11 min
·
Freedom Way
7
Continue on NC 24
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Lejeune Boulevard
8
Keep slight right at fork onto NC 24 Business
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Lejeune Boulevard
9
Turn slight right onto NC 24 Business
0.6 mi
·
56 sec
·
Johnson Boulevard
10
At end of road, turn left onto US 17 Business; NC 24 Business
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Marine Boulevard
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 258; NC 24 Business
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Richlands Highway
12
Continue on US 258; NC 24
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Richlands Highway
13
Turn left onto NC 111
14 mi
·
21 min
·
Catherine Lake Road
14
Turn right onto SR 1800
6.3 mi
·
8 min
·
Jackson Store Road
15
At end of road, turn left onto Hallsville Road
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Hallsville Road
16
At end of road, turn right onto NC 50
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
NC 50
17
Turn left onto D S Williams Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
D S Williams Road
18
Turn left onto NC 24; NC 903
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
South Kenansville Bypass
19
Take the exit onto NC 24
8.0 mi
·
8 min
·
NC 24
Use the right lane.
20
Take the exit onto NC 24
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
NC 24
Toward NC 24 West, NC 24 Business: Warsaw, Clinton
21
Turn left onto NC 24
11 mi
·
16 min
·
NC 24
22
Turn left onto East Morisey Boulevard
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Morisey Boulevard
23
Turn right onto Ferrell Street
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Ferrell Street
24
Continue on South Chestnut Street
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
South Chestnut Street
25
Turn left onto Fayetteville Street
445 ft
·
10 sec
·
Fayetteville Street
26
Turn straight onto Sunset Avenue
2.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Sunset Avenue
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on NC 24
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Roseboro Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on NC 24
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Autry Highway
29
Continue on NC 24
15 mi
·
21 min
·
Clinton Road
Use the straight lane.
30
Turn left onto B Street
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
B Street
Use the left lane.
31
Enter roundabout onto Person Street
8 ft
·
0 sec
·
Person Street
32
Continue on Person Street
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
Person Street
33
Continue on Person Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Person Street
34
Enter roundabout onto Market Square
155 ft
·
2 sec
·
Market Square
35
Arrive at destination
Market Square
Trip Plan
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 64 miles from Emerald Isle, NC, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 19 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 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64 miles or 1h 38m 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 37m
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 Emerald Isle, 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 Emerald Isle, NC
This is one driving day of about 128 miles and 3h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Emerald Isle, 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 NC 24 for about 19 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 64 mi from Emerald Isle, NC · 1h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
64 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 64 miles from Emerald Isle, 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
$20.49 one way
$40.97 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
45 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $22.32 | $44.64 |
| premium | $4.78 | $24.08 | $48.16 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $28.44 | $56.87 |
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: 44.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 38.4 | 0 | $13.44 | $6.14 |
| Efficient EV | 32 | 0 | $11.20 | $5.12 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 51.2 | 0 | $17.92 | $8.19 |
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.
Destination
Fayetteville, NC
Afternoon in Fayetteville on Monday
Local time
12:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°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
2 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
3h 9m 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 Emerald Isle, NC to Fayetteville, NC covers 128 miles and takes about 3h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NC 24, Clinton Road, Catherine Lake Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 64 miles from Emerald Isle, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.49 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 128 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 8.4 miles (NC 24 / Cedar Point Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 73.3 miles (NC 24): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.1 miles (B Street): Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Emerald Isle, NC to Fayetteville, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Clinton along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Fayetteville, NC
More trips to Fayetteville, NC
Explore more options from Emerald Isle, NC or browse trips ending in Fayetteville, NC.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NC road trips.
Explore maps for Emerald Isle, NC or Fayetteville, NC on MapSof.net.