Origin
Lowell, NC
Late night in Lowell on Saturday
Local time
4:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lowell, NC to Greensboro, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 1m
Distance
104.5 mi
168 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 53m
★
6 AM
2h 2m
8 AM
2h 19m
10 AM
2h 8m
12 PM
2h 6m
3 PM
2h 9m
5 PM
2h 18m
8 PM
1h 56m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lowell, NC
Mark Stebnicki
Trip Overview
This 104.5-mile drive from Lowell, NC to Greensboro, NC is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking about 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. With a fuel cost estimated at $16, it's an economical journey. You'll be traveling primarily on I-85, with portions of the Cameron Morrison Bridge and Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway also part of the route. Given its relatively short duration and straightforward path within the Southeast region of North Carolina, this trip is ideal for a quick getaway or a convenient transit between these two cities. There are no planned stops, so you can decide on your own break points along the way.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
52.3 miles from Lowell, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 2m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 1m. Total distance: 104.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (35%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this route, with about 35% of the journey on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 59.4 miles, providing a solid period of highway cruising. While much of the drive utilizes major roadways like I-85, the inclusion of the Cameron Morrison Bridge and Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway suggests a varied road experience. This blend means you'll get both efficient highway travel and potentially some more varied sections as you approach your destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Cameron Morrison Bridge is the longest continuous segment at about 59.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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 NC 7 / North Main Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 104.5 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 (NC 7 / North Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 64.6 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.5 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 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
|
NC 7 / North Main Street
Turn left onto NC 7 / North Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
64.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 16m in
|
I 85
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85 toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
8
97.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 52m in
|
US 29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 29 toward US 29, US 70
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 29, US 70
7
99.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 54m in
Take the exit toward US 220 North: Coliseum Area
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 35B
Toward US 220 North: Coliseum Area
7
104.3 mi into trip
|
~2h in
|
West Market Street
Turn right onto West Market Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
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 Lowell, NC to Greensboro, NC, road signs begin pointing toward High Point along the way.
High Point
64.6 mi in
|
~1h 16m
|
via I 85
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Morrison Bridge | 59.4 mi | 1h 8m |
| I 85 | 32.8 mi | 35m |
| Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway | 4 mi | 4m |
| Freeman Mill Road | 3 mi | 4m |
| US 29 | 2.4 mi | 2m |
| Governor John Motley Morehead Expressway | 1 mi | 1m |
| McAdenville Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Edgeworth Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Cameron Morrison Bridge
— 59.4 mi, about 1h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lowell, NC and Greensboro, NC.
1
Start on NC 7
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
West 1st Street
2
Turn left onto NC 7
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
North Main Street
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto NC 7
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
McAdenville Road
Use the right lane.
4
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 85 North: Charlotte
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 85
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
6
Continue on I 85
59 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
Cameron Morrison Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85
33 mi
·
35 min
·
I 85
Toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 29
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
US 29
Toward US 29, US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 35B
Toward US 220 North: Coliseum Area
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto US 220
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Governor John Motley Morehead Expressway
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on Freeman Mill Road
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Freeman Mill Road
Use the straight lane.
12
Turn straight onto Freeman Mill Road
0.6 mi
·
53 sec
·
Freeman Mill Road
13
Continue on South Edgeworth Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
South Edgeworth Street
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn right onto West Market Street
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
West Market Street
Use the right lane.
15
Arrive at destination
West Market Street
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour drive, leaving in the morning or early afternoon will help you avoid the heaviest traffic. Since it's a relatively short trip with no designated stops, you have the flexibility to pull over when you need a break. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $16 for the 104.5 miles. A practical tip for this route is to be aware of the transition onto Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway, as this can sometimes involve more local traffic as you get closer to Greensboro.
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 52.3 miles from Lowell, NC, or about 1h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.4 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 23 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 52.3 miles or 1h 2m 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 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Greensboro, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lowell, 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 Lowell, NC
This is one driving day of about 104.5 miles and 2h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Lowell, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Cameron Morrison Bridge for about 59.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 52.3 mi from Lowell, NC · 1h 2m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
52 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 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 52.3 miles from Lowell, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Greensboro, NC
The final approach into Greensboro, 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 Greensboro, 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
$16.34 one way
$32.68 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
37 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $17.87 | $35.74 |
| premium | $4.70 | $19.34 | $38.68 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $23.07 | $46.14 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 31.3 | 0 | $10.97 | $5.02 |
| Efficient EV | 26.1 | 0 | $9.14 | $4.18 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 41.8 | 0 | $14.63 | $6.69 |
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 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
Greensboro, NC
Late night in Greensboro on Saturday
Local time
4:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
50°F
Concord, NC
52 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
8 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
2h 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 Lowell, NC to Greensboro, NC covers 104.5 miles and takes about 2h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Cameron Morrison Bridge, I 85, Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 52.3 miles from Lowell, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.34 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 is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 104.5 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 (NC 7 / North Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 64.6 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.5 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Lowell, NC to Greensboro, NC, road signs begin pointing toward High Point along the way.
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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