Origin
Smithfield, NC
Night in Smithfield on Thursday
Local time
11:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Smithfield, NC to Concord, NC
Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
3h 18m
Distance
145.9 mi
235 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
20 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 6m
★
6 AM
3h 18m
8 AM
3h 42m
10 AM
3h 27m
12 PM
3h 24m
3 PM
3h 28m
5 PM
3h 41m
8 PM
3h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Smithfield, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Concord, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 145.9-mile journey from Smithfield, NC to Concord, NC is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing US 64 and NC 49, with a segment on the Triangle Expressway, this drive offers a straightforward path through the Southeast region. With a fuel cost estimated at $23, it's an economical option for a day trip. The route is predominantly highway-focused, making it efficient for travelers looking to get from point A to point B without extensive delays. You can expect to cover a significant portion of the distance on well-maintained roads, with only one planned stop suggested for this relatively short travel time.
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
73 miles from Smithfield, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 18m. Total distance: 145.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect an 84% highway-focused experience on this trip, meaning you'll spend most of your time on faster-paced roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 50.8 miles along US 64, allowing for a good period of steady driving. While the profile is largely highway, the transition between US 64, NC 49, and the Triangle Expressway offers some variation in the driving experience. You'll likely find yourself on a mix of multilane highways and potentially some sections that feel more like a major arterial road, keeping the drive engaging without being overly demanding.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 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 17.1 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 13 significant decision points across 145.9 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 17.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 40.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
17.1 mi into trip
|
~24m 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
39.8 mi into trip
|
~49m 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
40.3 mi into trip
|
~50m 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
91.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m 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
96.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 10m 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 Smithfield, NC to Concord, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Pittsboro along the way.
Pittsboro
39.8 mi in
|
~49m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 64 | 50.8 mi | 1h 10m |
| NC 49 | 40.7 mi | 53m |
| Triangle Expressway | 21.4 mi | 22m |
| Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| NC 73 | 7.5 mi | 11m |
| East Market Street | 5.6 mi | 9m |
| East Dixie Drive | 3.5 mi | 6m |
| US 70 BUS | 2.1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 64
— 50.8 mi, about 1h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Smithfield, NC and Concord, NC.
1
Start on US 70 BUS
5.6 mi
·
9 min
·
East Market Street
2
Continue on US 70 BUS
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
US 70 BUS
3
Take the ramp
0.9 mi
·
2 min
4
Merge onto I 42
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 318
Toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward NC 540 Toll West
7
Merge onto NC 540 Toll
21 mi
·
22 min
·
Triangle Expressway
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 59A-B
Toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 59B
Toward US 64 West: Pittsboro
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto US 64
51 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
US 64
Use the straight lane.
12
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.
13
Continue on US 64 BUS; NC 49
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
East Dixie Drive
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn slight right
312 ft
·
11 sec
15
Turn slight right onto Brookway Road
314 ft
·
12 sec
·
Brookway Road
16
Turn sharp left onto Albemarle Road
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
Albemarle Road
17
Continue on NC 49
9.9 mi
·
13 min
·
NC 49
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on NC 49
31 mi
·
39 min
·
NC 49
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
20
Turn right onto NC 73
7.5 mi
·
11 min
·
NC 73
21
Continue on Corban Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Corban Avenue Southeast
22
Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Spring Street Southwest
23
Arrive at destination
Spring Street Southwest
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour, 18-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion from Smithfield to Concord. To make the most of your drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential midday traffic, especially on the Triangle Expressway segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $23, planning for one fuel stop is likely all you'll need, so keep an eye on your gauge before you hit that longest stretch of 50.8 miles on US 64. The flexibility of a shorter drive like this means you can easily adjust your pace and take a break when needed.
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 73 miles from Smithfield, NC, or about 1h 36m 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 32 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73 miles or 1h 36m 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 41m
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 Smithfield, 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 Smithfield, NC
This is one driving day of about 145.9 miles and 3h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Smithfield, 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 73 mi from Smithfield, NC · 1h 36m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
73 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 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 73 miles from Smithfield, 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
$22.82 one way
$45.63 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
51 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $24.95 | $49.89 |
| premium | $4.70 | $27.00 | $54.01 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.21 | $64.43 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
20 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
InCharge Energy Charging Station
Asheboro, North Carolina
InCharge
1 DCFC
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Other
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Siler City, North Carolina
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Asheboro, North Carolina
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Asheboro, North Carolina
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Siler City, North Carolina
Tesla
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Pittsboro, North Carolina
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Blink
1 DCFC
ChargePoint: 10
Blink: 5
Other: 2
InCharge: 1
Tesla: 1
EV Connect: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 43.8 | 0 | $15.32 | $7.00 |
| Efficient EV | 36.5 | 0 | $12.77 | $5.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 58.4 | 0 | $20.43 | $9.34 |
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 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
Night in Concord on Thursday
Local time
11:28 PM
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
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 18m 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 Smithfield, NC to Concord, NC covers 145.9 miles and takes about 3h 18m 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 73 miles from Smithfield, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.82 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 13 significant decision points across 145.9 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 17.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 40.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Smithfield, NC to Concord, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Pittsboro along the way.
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