Origin
Hickory, NC
Night in Hickory on Tuesday
Local time
10:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hickory, NC to West Raleigh, NC
Data updated 5 hours ago
Drive Time
3h 23m
Distance
171.2 mi
276 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
34 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 11m
★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 32m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 33m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hickory, NC
Wikimedia Commons
West Raleigh, NC
Evgeniia Belman
Trip Overview
This 171.2-mile drive from Hickory, NC to West Raleigh, NC is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 23 minutes on the road, primarily utilizing I-40. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, this trip is quite budget-friendly for a single-day excursion. Given its relatively short duration and highway nature, it's perfectly suited as a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. This route stays within North Carolina, connecting two points within the Southeast region.
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
85.6 miles from Hickory, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This is a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 95% of the route utilizing major interstates and parkways. You'll spend the majority of your time on I-40, experiencing a longest uninterrupted stretch of 162.8 miles on this highway. The drive transitions onto Wade Avenue and then Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast towards the end, offering a slight change in scenery from the continuous interstate travel. Overall, expect a consistent pace with minimal interruptions, making it a predictable and efficient journey.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 Wade Avenue. 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
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 171.2 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 98.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 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
6
98.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 56m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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
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 Hickory, NC to West Raleigh, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Martinsville along the way.
Martinsville
89 mi in
|
~1h 43m
|
via I 40
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 162.8 mi | 3h 7m |
| Wade Avenue | 3.9 mi | 5m |
| Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Hillsborough Street | 1.3 mi | 3m |
| 2nd Avenue Southwest | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| Faircloth Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Tate Boulevard Southeast | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 1st Street Southwest | <0.1 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 West Raleigh, 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
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Wade Avenue
Exit 289
Toward Wade Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn right onto Faircloth Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Faircloth Street
18
Turn left onto Hillsborough Street
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
Hillsborough Street
19
Enter roundabout onto Hillsborough Street
73 ft
·
1 sec
·
Hillsborough Street
20
Continue on Hillsborough Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Hillsborough Street
21
Enter roundabout onto Hillsborough Street
74 ft
·
1 sec
·
Hillsborough Street
22
Continue on Hillsborough Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Hillsborough Street
23
Enter roundabout onto Hillsborough Street
74 ft
·
1 sec
·
Hillsborough Street
24
Continue on Hillsborough Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Hillsborough Street
25
Turn left onto Enterprise Street
71 ft
·
2 sec
·
Enterprise Street
Use the left lane.
26
Arrive at destination
Enterprise Street
Trip Plan
For this 171.2-mile trip, consider an early morning departure from Hickory to maximize your daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic closer to Raleigh. With only one stop recommended, you have plenty of flexibility to break up the 3-hour and 23-minute drive as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 162.8 miles on I-40, as services can sometimes be spaced out on interstates. The $27 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to have a little extra buffer.
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 85.6 miles from Hickory, NC, or about 1h 40m 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 85.6 miles or 1h 40m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Raleigh, 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 171.2 miles and 3h 23m.
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 85.6 mi from Hickory, NC · 1h 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 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 85.6 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 West Raleigh, NC
The final approach into West 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 West Raleigh, 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
$26.77 one way
$53.54 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $29.27 | $58.55 |
| premium | $4.70 | $31.69 | $63.37 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.80 | $75.60 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
34 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Publix - Tesla Supercharger
Statesville, NC
Tesla
16 DCFC
Hickory, NC - NC-127 - Tesla Supercharger
Hickory, NC
Tesla
12 DCFC
Lowes Foods - Tesla Supercharger
Clemmons, NC
Tesla
12 DCFC
Winston-Salem, NC Rechargery Relay - Jonestown Rd
Winston-Salem, NC
IONNA
12 DCFC
Hanes Towne Village Shopping Center - Tesla Supercharger
Winston-Salem, NC
Tesla
12 DCFC
Sheetz - Tesla Supercharger
Hickory, NC
Tesla
8 DCFC
Sheetz - Tesla Supercharger
Mocksville, NC
Tesla
8 DCFC
Sheetz - Tesla Supercharger
Kernersville, NC
Tesla
8 DCFC
Tesla: 9
ChargePoint Network: 8
EV Connect: 6
FORD_CHARGE: 2
Electrify America: 2
Blink Network: 2
RED_E: 1
CIRCLE_K: 1
IONNA: 1
eVgo Network: 1
Non-Networked: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.4 | 0 | $17.98 | $8.22 |
| Efficient EV | 42.8 | 0 | $14.98 | $6.85 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.5 | 0 | $23.97 | $10.96 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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
West Raleigh, NC
Night in West Raleigh on Tuesday
Local time
10:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°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
5 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 23m 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 Hickory, NC to West Raleigh, NC covers 171.2 miles and takes about 3h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Wade Avenue, Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 85.6 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 $26.77 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 18 significant decision points across 171.2 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 98.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Hickory, NC to West Raleigh, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Martinsville along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From West Raleigh, NC
More trips to West Raleigh, NC
Explore more options from Hickory, NC or browse trips ending in West Raleigh, NC.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NC road trips.
Explore maps for Hickory, NC or West Raleigh, NC on MapSof.net.