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Trip from Hertford, NC to Raleigh, NC

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

Drive Time

2h 56m

Distance

150.2 mi

242 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 45m ★
6 AM
2h 56m
8 AM
3h 19m
10 AM
3h 4m
12 PM
3h 2m
3 PM
3h 5m
5 PM
3h 18m
8 PM
2h 50m

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 Hertford, NC, NC

Hertford, NC

Mark Stebnicki

city in and state capital of North Carolina, United States of America

Raleigh, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 150.2-mile drive from Hertford, NC, to Raleigh, NC, is estimated to take about 2 hours and 56 minutes, making it a perfect day trip. You'll navigate primarily local roads, with a highway share of 0%, so expect a more hands-on driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is $24, so it's an economical option. Given the relatively short duration and the nature of the route, it's best tackled in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. This trip stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel as you travel from one North Carolina locale to another.

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

75.1 miles from Hertford, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 56m. Total distance: 150.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive as you make your way from Hertford to Raleigh. With a 0% highway share, this route emphasizes navigating through towns and communities rather than high-speed travel. The primary roads you'll encounter include North Church Street, Ocean Highway South, and Thomas Bradshaw Freeway. The absence of long highway stretches means you'll be engaging with the local road network consistently throughout the nearly 3-hour journey. This profile suggests a drive where you'll be frequently adjusting speed and direction.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 13 is the longest continuous segment at about 72.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 13 and US 64 Bypass. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in near US 17; NC 37 / Ocean Highway South.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 150.2 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles (US 17; NC 37 / Ocean Highway South): Lane positioning matters here; at 147.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 148.7 miles (Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

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

5
0.9 mi into trip | ~2m in | US 17; NC 37 / Ocean Highway South

Turn right onto US 17; NC 37 / Ocean Highway South

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
147.7 mi into trip | ~2h 50m in

Take the exit toward Rock Quarry Rd North

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Rock Quarry Rd North
5
148.7 mi into trip | ~2h 52m in | Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
150 mi into trip | ~2h 55m in | South Wilmington Street

Turn right onto South Wilmington Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
150.2 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in | East South Street

Turn left onto East South Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 13 72.2 mi 1h 22m
US 64 Bypass 38.9 mi 41m
Ocean Highway South 32.6 mi 40m
I 87 2.7 mi 3m
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard 1.2 mi 2m
North Church Street 0.9 mi 1m
Rock Quarry Road 0.7 mi 1m
Thomas Bradshaw Freeway 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 13 — 72.2 mi, about 1h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hertford, NC and Raleigh, NC.

1

Start on West Grubb Street

180 ft · 10 sec · West Grubb Street
2

Turn right onto US 17 Business

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Church Street
3

Turn right onto US 17; NC 37

33 mi · 40 min · Ocean Highway South
Use the straight lane.
4

Continue on US 13; US 17 BYP

16 mi · 21 min · US 13; US 17 BYP
Use the straight lane.
5

Continue on US 13; US 64

57 mi · 1 hr 1 min · US 13; US 64
6

Continue on US 64 Bypass

39 mi · 41 min · US 64 Bypass
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Merge onto I 87; I 440; US 64

2.7 mi · 3 min · I 87; I 440; US 64
8

Merge onto I 40; US 64

0.4 mi · 29 sec · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward Rock Quarry Rd North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Turn straight onto Rock Quarry Road

0.4 mi · 49 sec · Rock Quarry Road
11

Turn left onto Rock Quarry Road

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Rock Quarry Road
12

Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

1.2 mi · 2 min · Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
13

Turn right onto South Wilmington Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · South Wilmington Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Turn left onto East South Street

24 ft · 0 sec · East South Street
15

Arrive at destination

East South Street

Trip Plan

For this 150.2-mile drive, consider an early morning departure from Hertford to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic, especially as you approach Raleigh. Since it's a turn-heavy local drive, keep your navigation handy and be mindful of speed limit changes. The estimated fuel cost is $24, so ensure your tank is full before leaving Hertford to avoid unnecessary stops. With no specific long stretches noted, you can be flexible with breaks, perhaps stopping for a quick refreshment in one of the towns along the way. A practical tip is to double-check your route on North Church Street and Ocean Highway South before you depart, as these initial segments set the tone for the local navigation ahead.

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 75.1 miles from Hertford, NC, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.2 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 33 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 75.1 miles or 1h 31m 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 23m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Hertford, 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 Hertford, NC

This is one driving day of about 150.2 miles and 2h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Hertford, 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 US 13 for about 72.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 75.1 mi from Hertford, NC · 1h 31m into the drive

city in Edgecombe and Nash counties in the coastal plain region North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rocky Mount, NC

75 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

Williamston, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rocky Mount, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 75.1 miles from Hertford, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 13 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.2 miles.

Arriving in Raleigh, NC

The final approach into Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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 Restaurant

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.2

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

1.1 mi

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.2

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 96.5

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12524435094

Visit website

Farmhouse Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 139.4

Wendell, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+19193747227

Visit website

Vollmer Farm - Farm Market & Cafe'

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 118

Bunn, North Carolina

+19194963076

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 96.5

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 96.5

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 96.5

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electrify America Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 96.5

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Universal Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 96.5

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663502738

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 96.5

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12529373032

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 96.5

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 96.5

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–12 pm

+18889982546

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 150.2

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 150.2

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 12–8 pm

+19199484450

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.49 one way

$46.98 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 53 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $25.68 $51.36
premium $4.70 $27.80 $55.60
diesel $5.61 $33.16 $66.32

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 52.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.1 0 $15.77 $7.21
Efficient EV 37.6 0 $13.14 $6.01
EV Truck/SUV 60.1 0 $21.03 $9.61

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 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

Hertford, NC

Late night in Hertford on Saturday

Local time

3:02 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Raleigh, NC

Late night in Raleigh on Saturday

Local time

3:02 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°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

1 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 56m 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 Hertford, NC to Raleigh, NC covers 150.2 miles and takes about 2h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 13, US 64 Bypass, Ocean Highway South. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 75.1 miles from Hertford, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.49 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 150.2 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles (US 17; NC 37 / Ocean Highway South): Lane positioning matters here; at 147.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 148.7 miles (Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Hertford, NC to Raleigh, 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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