Origin
Princeton, NC
Late night in Princeton on Friday
Local time
5:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Princeton, NC to Concord, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 29m
Distance
156.7 mi
252 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 17m
★
6 AM
3h 29m
8 AM
3h 54m
10 AM
3h 38m
12 PM
3h 35m
3 PM
3h 39m
5 PM
3h 53m
8 PM
3h 22m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Princeton, NC
Mark Stebnicki
Concord, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Covering 156.7 miles and taking about 3 hours and 29 minutes, this drive from Princeton, NC, to Concord, NC, is a straightforward trip through the Southeast region. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, it's an economical option for a single-day excursion. The route primarily utilizes major roads like US 64 and NC 49, with a significant portion on the Triangle Expressway, making it a highway-focused journey. This makes it perfectly manageable as a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Expect a relatively efficient drive with minimal need for overnight stays.
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
78.3 miles from Princeton, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 29m. Total distance: 156.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 88% of the journey on high-speed roads. You'll experience long stretches of efficient travel, including one segment of 50.8 miles solely on US 64. While the majority is on main highways like US 64 and NC 49, the inclusion of the Triangle Expressway suggests a modern, well-maintained driving experience for much of the trip. The character is less about winding backroads and more about covering ground effectively, making it a practical commute or transit.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 64 is the longest continuous segment at about 50.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 64 and NC 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 27.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 156.7 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 27.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
27.8 mi into trip
|
~35m in
Take the exit toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 318
Toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington
6
50.5 mi into trip
|
~1h in
Take the exit toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 59A-B
Toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro
8
51.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 64 West: Pittsboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 59B
Toward US 64 West: Pittsboro
8
102.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m in
|
US 64 BUS; NC 49 / Richard K. Pugh Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 64 BUS; NC 49 / Richard K. Pugh Highway toward US 64 Business West, NC 49 South: Asheboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 64 Business West, NC 49 South: Ashebo...
6
107.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m in
|
Albemarle Road
Turn sharp left onto Albemarle Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
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 Princeton, NC to Concord, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Pittsboro along the way.
Pittsboro
50.5 mi in
|
~1h
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 64 | 50.8 mi | 1h 10m |
| NC 49 | 40.7 mi | 53m |
| Triangle Expressway | 21.4 mi | 22m |
| US 70 BYP | 10.1 mi | 12m |
| Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway | 9.4 mi | 10m |
| NC 73 | 7.5 mi | 11m |
| US 70 | 7 mi | 9m |
| East Dixie Drive | 3.5 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
US 64
— 50.8 mi, about 1h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Princeton, NC and Concord, NC.
1
Start on South Pine Street
24 ft
·
6 sec
·
South Pine Street
2
Turn left onto West Edwards Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
West Edwards Street
3
Turn left onto US 70
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
US 70
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on US 70
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
US 70
Use the straight lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 70 BYP
10 mi
·
12 min
·
US 70 BYP
6
Continue on I 42
9.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 318
Toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward NC 540 Toll West
9
Merge onto NC 540 Toll
21 mi
·
22 min
·
Triangle Expressway
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 59A-B
Toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 59B
Toward US 64 West: Pittsboro
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto US 64
51 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
US 64
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 64 BUS; NC 49
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Richard K. Pugh Highway
Toward US 64 Business West, NC 49 South: Asheboro
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 64 BUS; NC 49
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
East Dixie Drive
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn slight right
312 ft
·
11 sec
17
Turn slight right onto Brookway Road
314 ft
·
12 sec
·
Brookway Road
18
Turn sharp left onto Albemarle Road
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
Albemarle Road
19
Continue on NC 49
9.9 mi
·
13 min
·
NC 49
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Continue on NC 49
31 mi
·
39 min
·
NC 49
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
22
Turn right onto NC 73
7.5 mi
·
11 min
·
NC 73
23
Continue on Corban Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Corban Avenue Southeast
24
Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Spring Street Southwest
25
Arrive at destination
Spring Street Southwest
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 29-minute duration, departing in the morning allows ample time to reach Concord without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop and an estimated fuel cost of $25, this trip is budget-friendly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 50.8 miles on US 64, as services can be spaced out. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to depart when convenient, but an earlier start will maximize your time upon arrival in Concord.
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 78.3 miles from Princeton, NC, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.8 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 34 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.3 miles or 1h 39m 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 50m
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 Princeton, 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 Princeton, NC
This is one driving day of about 156.7 miles and 3h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Princeton, 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 US 64 for about 50.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 78.3 mi from Princeton, NC · 1h 39m 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 78.3 miles from Princeton, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.50 one way
$49.01 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
55 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $26.79 | $53.59 |
| premium | $4.70 | $29.00 | $58.00 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.60 | $69.19 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.8 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 | 47 | 0 | $16.45 | $7.52 |
| Efficient EV | 39.2 | 0 | $13.71 | $6.27 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.7 | 0 | $21.94 | $10.03 |
Gas CO2
55 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 Friday
Local time
5:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°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
32 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 29m 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 Princeton, NC to Concord, NC covers 156.7 miles and takes about 3h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 64, NC 49, Triangle Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 78.3 miles from Princeton, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.50 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 15 significant decision points across 156.7 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 27.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Princeton, NC to Concord, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Pittsboro along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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