Origin
Princeville, NC
Late night in Princeville on Saturday
Local time
12:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Princeville, NC to Raleigh, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 22m
Distance
72.7 mi
117 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 16m
★
6 AM
1h 23m
8 AM
1h 36m
10 AM
1h 27m
12 PM
1h 26m
3 PM
1h 28m
5 PM
1h 35m
8 PM
1h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Princeville, NC
Mark Stebnicki
Raleigh, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 72.7-mile drive from Princeville to Raleigh, North Carolina, can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 22 minutes, making it an ideal day trip. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 96% of it on major roads like US 64 Bypass, US 64, and I-87. With an estimated fuel cost of $11, this trip is quite economical for a single day’s journey. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region, staying within North Carolina for the entire duration. This drive is best suited for those looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without many detours.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 22m. Total distance: 72.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 72.7-mile journey. With 96% of the drive utilizing major roadways, you'll find yourself on fast-paced routes like the US 64 Bypass, US 64, and I-87. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 38.9 miles on the US 64 Bypass, offering a good period of consistent travel. This road character suggests a drive where efficiency is key, with minimal interruptions from local traffic or scenic slowdowns. It’s a route designed for covering ground quickly.
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.
US 64 Bypass is the longest continuous segment at about 38.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 64 Bypass and US 64. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 72.7 miles you will encounter 9 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 0.2 miles (US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122): Navigation decision point; at 70.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.2 miles (Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
3
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
Take the ramp onto US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
Navigation decision point
6
70.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 16m in
Take the exit toward Rock Quarry Rd North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Rock Quarry Rd North
5
71.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
|
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
72.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
|
South Wilmington Street
Turn right onto South Wilmington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
72.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
|
East South Street
Turn left onto East South Street
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 64 Bypass | 38.9 mi | 41m |
| US 64 | 27.9 mi | 30m |
| I 87 | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Rock Quarry Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Thomas Bradshaw Freeway | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| US 64 ALT | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South Wilmington Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 64 Bypass
— 38.9 mi, about 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Princeville, NC and Raleigh, NC.
1
Start on US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Mutual Boulevard
2
Take the ramp onto US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
3
Merge onto US 64; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
28 mi
·
30 min
·
US 64; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
4
Continue on US 64 Bypass
39 mi
·
41 min
·
US 64 Bypass
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 87; I 440; US 64
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
I 87; I 440; US 64
6
Merge onto I 40; US 64
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward Rock Quarry Rd North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Turn straight onto Rock Quarry Road
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
Rock Quarry Road
9
Turn left onto Rock Quarry Road
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Rock Quarry Road
10
Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Turn right onto South Wilmington Street
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
South Wilmington Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Turn left onto East South Street
24 ft
·
0 sec
·
East South Street
13
Arrive at destination
East South Street
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 36.3 mi from Princeville, NC · 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 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 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 36.3 miles from Princeville, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Raleigh, NC
The final approach into Raleigh, NC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.37 one way
$22.74 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
25 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $12.43 | $24.86 |
| premium | $4.70 | $13.46 | $26.91 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $16.05 | $32.10 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$11
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.8 | 0 | $7.63 | $3.49 |
| Efficient EV | 18.2 | 0 | $6.36 | $2.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 29.1 | 0 | $10.18 | $4.65 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (64% 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
Raleigh, NC
Late night in Raleigh on Saturday
Local time
12:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
2 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 22m 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 Princeville, NC to Raleigh, NC covers 72.7 miles and takes about 1h 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 64 Bypass, US 64, I 87. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 36.3 miles from Princeville, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.37 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 72.7 miles you will encounter 9 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 0.2 miles (US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122): Navigation decision point; at 70.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.2 miles (Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Princeville, NC to Raleigh, 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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