Origin
Hickory, NC
Night in Hickory on Tuesday
Local time
9:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hickory, NC to Greenville, NC
Data updated 1 hour ago
Drive Time
4h 57m
Distance
256.2 mi
412 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
None
0 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 44m
★
6 AM
4h 58m
8 AM
5h 25m
10 AM
5h 7m
12 PM
5h 4m
3 PM
5h 8m
5 PM
5h 23m
8 PM
4h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hickory, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Greenville, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 256.2-mile journey from Hickory, North Carolina, to Greenville, North Carolina, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 57 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-40 and US-264 before transitioning to I-87, the route is a highway-focused experience designed for efficient travel. With a fuel cost estimated at around $40, this trip offers a practical way to connect two points within the Southeast region. The single recommended stop suggests a brief pause is all that's needed, making it an ideal option if you're looking for a direct and uncomplicated transit.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
128.1 miles from Hickory, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 30m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 95% of the route consisting of interstate and major highways. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 162.8 miles on I-40, offering extended periods of consistent speed. The character of the drive is largely defined by these high-speed corridors, minimizing complex navigation and maximizing forward progress. While the profile is highway-centric, the transition between major routes like I-40 and US-264/I-87 will mark the main changes in your driving environment.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 40 is the longest continuous segment at about 162.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 264. 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 2nd Street Northwest.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 256.2 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 0.1 miles (2nd Street Northwest): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 89 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 135.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
2nd Street Northwest
At end of road, turn right onto 2nd Street Northwest
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
8
89 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7
135.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Raleigh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
8
165.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 13m in
|
SR 1728 / Wade Avenue
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728 / Wade Avenue toward Wade Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 289
Toward Wade Avenue
7
178.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 30m in
Take the exit toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Roc...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hickory, NC and Greenville, NC, road signs point toward Martinsville and Wilson.
Martinsville
89 mi in
|
~1h 43m
|
via I 40
Wilson
178.3 mi in
|
~3h 30m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 162.8 mi | 3h 7m |
| US 264 | 55.9 mi | 59m |
| I 87 | 16.8 mi | 17m |
| I 440 | 9.2 mi | 11m |
| Wade Avenue | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| Stantonsburg Road | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| West 10th Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 162.8 mi, about 3h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hickory, NC and Greenville, NC.
1
Start on this road
153 ft
·
16 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Trade Alley
446 ft
·
34 sec
·
Trade Alley
3
At end of road, turn right onto 2nd Street Northwest
331 ft
·
14 sec
·
2nd Street Northwest
4
Keep slight left at fork onto 2nd Street Southwest
166 ft
·
10 sec
·
2nd Street Southwest
5
Turn left onto Government Avenue Southwest
210 ft
·
9 sec
·
Government Avenue Southwest
6
Continue on 1st Street Southwest
518 ft
·
19 sec
·
1st Street Southwest
7
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue Southwest
0.6 mi
·
51 sec
·
2nd Avenue Southwest
8
Continue on Tate Boulevard Southeast
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Tate Boulevard Southeast
9
Turn right onto Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
11
Merge onto I 40
86 mi
·
1 hr 37 min
·
I 40
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
7.8 mi
·
9 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 40; US 29; US 220
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40; US 29; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi
·
42 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
30 mi
·
34 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Wade Avenue
Exit 289
Toward Wade Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 440 East, US 1 North: Wake Forest
18
Merge onto I 440; US 1
9.2 mi
·
11 min
·
I 440; US 1
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
57 sec
Toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville
Use the slight right lane.
20
Merge onto I 87; US 64; US 264
17 mi
·
17 min
·
I 87; US 64; US 264
21
Keep slight right at fork onto US 264
56 mi
·
59 min
·
US 264
22
Turn straight onto Stantonsburg Road
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Stantonsburg Road
Toward Greenville, Downtown
23
Continue on Farmville Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Farmville Boulevard
24
Continue on West 10th Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West 10th Street
25
Turn left onto South Evans Street
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
South Evans Street
26
Turn right onto Reade Circle
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Reade Circle
27
Turn right onto East 5th Street
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
East 5th Street
28
Turn left onto South Summit Street
0.2 mi
·
51 sec
·
South Summit Street
29
Arrive at destination
South Summit Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 57-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning will allow you to reach Greenville with plenty of daylight remaining. The fuel cost is estimated at $40, so ensure your tank is full before departing Hickory. With only one recommended stop and a high highway share, you can choose to make a single, efficient break or power through the 256.2 miles if you prefer. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 162.8-mile stretch on I-40, as services can sometimes be spaced out on major interstates.
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 128.1 miles from Hickory, NC, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 162.8 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 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.1 miles or 2h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Greenville, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hickory, 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 Hickory, NC
This is one driving day of about 256.2 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Hickory, 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 I 40 for about 162.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 128.1 mi from Hickory, NC · 2h 30m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
128 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 128.1 miles from Hickory, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 162.8 miles.
Arriving in Greenville, NC
The final approach into Greenville, 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 Greenville, NC.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.06 one way
$80.13 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
90 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $43.81 | $87.61 |
| premium | $4.70 | $47.42 | $94.83 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $56.57 | $113.13 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76.9 | 0 | $26.90 | $12.30 |
| Efficient EV | 64.1 | 0 | $22.42 | $10.25 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 102.5 | 1 | $35.87 | $16.40 |
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Greenville, NC
Night in Greenville on Tuesday
Local time
9:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°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
7 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
4h 57m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Hickory, NC to Greenville, NC covers 256.2 miles and takes about 4h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, US 264, I 87. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 128.1 miles from Hickory, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.06 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 256.2 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 0.1 miles (2nd Street Northwest): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 89 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 135.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Hickory, NC and Greenville, NC, road signs point toward Martinsville and Wilson.
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