Origin
High Point, NC
Night in High Point on Tuesday
Local time
9:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from High Point, NC to Hickory, NC
Data updated 2 hours ago
Drive Time
1h 47m
Distance
87.4 mi
141 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
None
0 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 39m
★
6 AM
1h 47m
8 AM
2h 3m
10 AM
1h 53m
12 PM
1h 51m
3 PM
1h 54m
5 PM
2h 2m
8 PM
1h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hickory, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 87.4-mile drive from High Point, NC to Hickory, NC is easily manageable within a single day, taking approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes. The route primarily utilizes major highways, with 91% of the journey on interstates, making it a quick and efficient trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $14, this drive offers an economical way to travel between these two North Carolina cities. It's a practical option for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. This journey stays within the Southeast region, offering a smooth transition between familiar territory.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
43.7 miles from High Point, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this trip, as 91% of the drive is on major roads. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-40, which includes the longest uninterrupted stretch of 70 miles. The main roads guiding you include I-40, I-74, and South Main Street, indicating a blend of interstate speeds and potentially a slightly more local feel as you approach Hickory. This route is designed for efficiency, meaning you'll likely encounter consistent highway conditions rather than winding backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 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 70 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 74. You will hit about 7 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.8 miles in near I 74.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.4 miles you will encounter 7 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 4.8 miles (I 74): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.5 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.5 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
4.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
I 74
Merge onto I 74
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
13.5 mi into trip
|
~20m in
|
I 74
Keep slight left at fork onto I 74 toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
5
14.5 mi into trip
|
~22m in
|
I 40
Merge onto I 40
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
84.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
Take the exit toward Hickory, Lenoir-Rhyne College
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 125
Toward Hickory, Lenoir-Rhyne College
5
87.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
|
Trade Alley
Turn right onto Trade Alley
Navigation decision point
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 High Point, NC to Hickory, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Statesville along the way.
Statesville
13.5 mi in
|
~20m
|
via I 74
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 70 mi | 1h 19m |
| I 74 | 9.6 mi | 11m |
| South Main Street | 3.9 mi | 8m |
| Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| 1st Avenue Southeast | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| 3rd Street Northwest | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| 3rd Street Southwest | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Trade Alley | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 70 mi, about 1h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between High Point, NC and Hickory, NC.
1
Start on South Main Street
3.9 mi
·
8 min
·
South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Continue on this road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Merge onto I 74
8.6 mi
·
9 min
·
I 74
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Keep slight left at fork onto I 74
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 74
Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
5
Merge onto I 40
70 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 125
Toward Hickory, Lenoir-Rhyne College
7
Turn right onto Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast
8
Turn left onto 1st Avenue Southeast
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
1st Avenue Southeast
9
Turn right onto 3rd Street Southwest
347 ft
·
15 sec
·
3rd Street Southwest
10
Continue on 3rd Street Northwest
415 ft
·
20 sec
·
3rd Street Northwest
11
Turn right onto Trade Alley
338 ft
·
29 sec
·
Trade Alley
12
Turn left
153 ft
·
11 sec
13
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the short duration of just under two hours, this drive offers plenty of flexibility. You can depart whenever it suits you, whether it's an early morning start to maximize your day or a mid-afternoon departure. Since the longest stretch is 70 miles, plan for one fuel stop if your vehicle's range is less than that, though with a low fuel cost of $14, topping off beforehand is likely a minor concern. Keep an eye out for transitions between I-40 and I-74, as these are key points where the road character shifts. A good tip is to check traffic conditions on I-40 before you leave High Point, as it can sometimes experience delays.
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 43.7 miles from High Point, NC, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70 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 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.7 miles or 55m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hickory, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving High Point, 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 High Point, NC
This is one driving day of about 87.4 miles and 1h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from High Point, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 70 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 43.7 mi from High Point, NC · 55m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
44 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 43.7 miles from High Point, 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 70 miles.
Arriving in Hickory, NC
The final approach into Hickory, 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 Hickory, 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
$13.67 one way
$27.33 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
31 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $14.94 | $29.89 |
| premium | $4.70 | $16.18 | $32.35 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $19.30 | $38.59 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 26.2 | 0 | $9.18 | $4.20 |
| Efficient EV | 21.9 | 0 | $7.65 | $3.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 35 | 0 | $12.24 | $5.59 |
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (68% 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
Hickory, NC
Night in Hickory on Tuesday
Local time
9:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 47m 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 High Point, NC to Hickory, NC covers 87.4 miles and takes about 1h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, I 74, South Main Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 43.7 miles from High Point, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.67 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.4 miles you will encounter 7 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 4.8 miles (I 74): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.5 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.5 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from High Point, NC to Hickory, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Statesville along the way.
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