Origin
Raleigh, NC
Afternoon in Raleigh on Sunday
Local time
4:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Raleigh, NC to Concord, NC
Drive Time
2h 51m
Distance
121.2 mi
195 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 40m
★
6 AM
2h 51m
8 AM
3h 13m
10 AM
2h 59m
12 PM
2h 57m
3 PM
3h 0m
5 PM
3h 12m
8 PM
2h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Raleigh, NC
Evgeniia Belman
Concord, NC
C k
Trip Overview
Spanning 121.2 miles across North Carolina, this trip from Raleigh to Concord is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 51 minutes. Because of the manageable duration, it works perfectly as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight logistics. You should budget approximately $19 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Utilizing a mix of US 64, NC 49, and NC 73, the route keeps you within the Southeast region for the entirety of the trip. Whether you are heading to Concord for business or a quick getaway, the route offers a reliable path that balances efficiency with the convenience of a short drive.
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
60.6 miles from Raleigh, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a drive that is heavily focused on highway travel, with 91% of your journey spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a steady rhythm early on, particularly during the longest stretch of 56.7 miles along US 64. As you transition between the primary highways, the road surface and traffic density will shift, providing a mix of fast-paced transit and more measured navigation. It is a practical drive designed for efficiency rather than leisure, maintaining a consistent character as you move across the state. Staying alert is key, as the high percentage of highway driving requires steady focus even when the road feels open.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 56.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 64 and NC 49. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.4 miles in near I 440; US 1.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 121.2 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 4.4 miles (I 440; US 1): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 10 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66.7 miles (US 64 BUS; NC 49 / Richard K. Pugh Highway): 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.
5
4.4 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
I 440; US 1
Merge onto I 440; US 1
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
10 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
US 64
Take the exit onto US 64 toward US 64 West: Asheboro, Pittsboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 98B
Toward US 64 West: Asheboro, Pittsboro
8
66.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 34m 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
72.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
|
Albemarle Road
Turn sharp left onto Albemarle Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
121.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
|
Spring Street Southwest
Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest
Navigation decision point
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Raleigh, NC to Concord, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Pittsboro along the way.
Pittsboro
10 mi in
|
~15m
|
via US 64
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 64 | 56.7 mi | 1h 19m |
| NC 49 | 40.7 mi | 53m |
| NC 73 | 7.5 mi | 11m |
| I 440 | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| East Dixie Drive | 3.5 mi | 6m |
| Western Boulevard | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| Richard K. Pugh Highway | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 64
— 56.7 mi, about 1h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Raleigh, NC and Concord, NC.
1
Start on East South Street
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
East South Street
2
Turn left onto South Salisbury Street
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
South Salisbury Street
3
Turn sharp right onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
4
Continue on Western Boulevard
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Western Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
6
Merge onto I 440; US 1
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
I 440; US 1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit onto US 64
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
US 64
Exit 98B
Toward US 64 West: Asheboro, Pittsboro
Use the slight right lane.
8
Continue on US 64
54 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
US 64
Use the none lane.
9
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.
10
Continue on US 64 BUS; NC 49
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
East Dixie Drive
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn slight right
312 ft
·
11 sec
12
Turn slight right onto Brookway Road
314 ft
·
12 sec
·
Brookway Road
13
Turn sharp left onto Albemarle Road
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
Albemarle Road
14
Continue on NC 49
9.9 mi
·
13 min
·
NC 49
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on NC 49
31 mi
·
39 min
·
NC 49
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
17
Turn right onto NC 73
7.5 mi
·
11 min
·
NC 73
18
Continue on Corban Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Corban Avenue Southeast
19
Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Spring Street Southwest
20
Arrive at destination
Spring Street Southwest
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the nearly three-hour duration and keep your energy levels consistent. Because the majority of your time is spent on major thoroughfares like US 64 and NC 49, monitor your fuel levels before leaving Raleigh to avoid unnecessary detours. Keep in mind that while the route is efficient, traffic patterns can shift quickly on these specific highways, so checking your navigation app before departure is a smart move. By pacing yourself and utilizing that single planned stop, you can reach Concord feeling refreshed and ready for your destination.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 60.6 miles from Raleigh, NC, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.7 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 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.6 miles or 1h 26m 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 20m
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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC
This is one driving day of about 121.2 miles and 2h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Raleigh, 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 56.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 60.6 mi from Raleigh, NC · 1h 26m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
61 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 60.6 miles from Raleigh, 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
$19.40 one way
$38.79 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $21.13 | $42.27 |
| premium | $4.78 | $22.80 | $45.60 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $26.93 | $53.85 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.4 | 0 | $12.73 | $5.82 |
| Efficient EV | 30.3 | 0 | $10.61 | $4.85 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.5 | 0 | $16.97 | $7.76 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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
Afternoon in Concord on Sunday
Local time
4:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°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
2 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
2h 51m 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 Raleigh, NC to Concord, NC covers 121.2 miles and takes about 2h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 64, NC 49, NC 73. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 60.6 miles from Raleigh, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.40 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 121.2 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 4.4 miles (I 440; US 1): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 10 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66.7 miles (US 64 BUS; NC 49 / Richard K. Pugh Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Raleigh, NC to Concord, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Pittsboro along the way.
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