Origin
Knightdale, NC
Late night in Knightdale on Saturday
Local time
12:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Knightdale, NC to Concord, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 1m
Distance
155.1 mi
250 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 50m
★
6 AM
3h 2m
8 AM
3h 25m
10 AM
3h 10m
12 PM
3h 8m
3 PM
3h 11m
5 PM
3h 23m
8 PM
2h 55m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Knightdale, NC
Mark Stebnicki
Concord, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 155.1-mile journey from Knightdale, NC, to Concord, NC, is a straightforward drive designed for a single day, estimated to take just over 3 hours. The route is predominantly highway, making it an efficient option for getting from point A to point B. You'll spend about 87% of your time on major roadways, including stretches of I-85 and the Northern Wake Expressway. With a projected fuel cost of around $24, this trip is quite budget-friendly. The drive stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout your travels. Planning for one stop should be sufficient for this relatively short trip.
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
77.6 miles from Knightdale, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 1m. Total distance: 155.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 155.1-mile drive. With 87% of the route on major highways like I-85, you'll encounter consistent speeds and a focus on covering ground efficiently. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers a significant 102.6 miles, primarily on I-85, meaning you can settle in for a substantial period. While the profile is largely highway, the inclusion of roads like the Northern Wake Expressway and South Miami Boulevard might offer slight variations in the driving experience before you merge onto the main interstate. This isn't a winding scenic road, but rather a direct path.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 85 is the longest continuous segment at about 102.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and Northern Wake Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 155.1 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 21.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 86 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.6 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
21.8 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Take the exit toward US 70 West: Durham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 70 West: Durham
8
86 mi into trip
|
~1h 44m in
|
US 29
Keep slight left at fork onto US 29 toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70 West: Charlotte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70...
8
151.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
|
US 601
Take the exit onto US 601 toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 58
Toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord...
8
151.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
|
US 601
Keep slight left at fork onto US 601 toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord Downt...
7
155 mi into trip
|
~3h 1m in
|
Spring Street Southwest
Turn left onto Spring Street Southwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 85 | 102.6 mi | 1h 53m |
| Northern Wake Expressway | 19 mi | 20m |
| South Miami Boulevard | 9.3 mi | 12m |
| I 40 | 7.7 mi | 9m |
| US 29 | 5.4 mi | 5m |
| New Raleigh Highway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Church Street North | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| Glenwood Avenue | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 85
— 102.6 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knightdale, NC and Concord, NC.
1
Start on Railroad Street
442 ft
·
21 sec
·
Railroad Street
2
Turn right onto South Smithfield Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Smithfield Road
3
Turn left onto US 64 Business
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Knightdale Boulevard
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I 540 West
5
Merge onto I 540
19 mi
·
20 min
·
Northern Wake Expressway
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 70 West: Durham
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto US 70
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Glenwood Avenue
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 70
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
New Raleigh Highway
9
Continue on US 70
9.3 mi
·
12 min
·
South Miami Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70
42 mi
·
48 min
·
I 85; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
7.7 mi
·
9 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 29
5.4 mi
·
5 min
·
US 29
Toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70 West: Charlotte
Use the left lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85
60 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto US 601
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
US 601
Exit 58
Toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 601
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 601
Toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord Downtown
Use the left lane.
16
Turn straight onto Church Street North
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Church Street North
Use the straight / left lanes.
17
Turn right onto Cabarrus Avenue West
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Cabarrus Avenue West
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left onto Spring Street Southwest
409 ft
·
11 sec
·
Spring Street Southwest
Use the left lane.
19
Arrive at destination
Spring Street Southwest
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration, this route from Knightdale to Concord is easily manageable as a day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially on the highway segments. You'll want to budget around $24 for fuel, so ensure your tank is full before you leave or plan a quick stop at a service area. The longest stretch without a major exit is over 100 miles, so plan your needs accordingly before embarking on that part of the journey. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to pace yourself.
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 77.6 miles from Knightdale, NC, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.6 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 34 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.6 miles or 1h 33m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Concord, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Knightdale, 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 Knightdale, NC
This is one driving day of about 155.1 miles and 3h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Knightdale, 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 85 for about 102.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 77.6 mi from Knightdale, NC · 1h 33m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 77.6 miles from Knightdale, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 85 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 102.6 miles.
Arriving in Concord, NC
The final approach into Concord, 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 Concord, 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
$24.25 one way
$48.51 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $26.52 | $53.04 |
| premium | $4.70 | $28.71 | $57.41 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.24 | $68.49 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.5 | 0 | $16.29 | $7.44 |
| Efficient EV | 38.8 | 0 | $13.57 | $6.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62 | 0 | $21.71 | $9.93 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Concord, NC
Late night in Concord on Saturday
Local time
12:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Graham, NC
78 mi in
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 1m 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 Knightdale, NC to Concord, NC covers 155.1 miles and takes about 3h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 85, Northern Wake Expressway, South Miami Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 77.6 miles from Knightdale, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.25 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 14 significant decision points across 155.1 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 21.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 86 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.6 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Knightdale, NC to Concord, 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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