Trip from Southport, NC to Greensboro, NC

Drive Time

4h 28m

Distance

199.1 mi

320 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Southport, NC

Michael Ken

Trip Overview

Traveling from the coast in Southport to the heart of the Piedmont in Greensboro covers 199.1 miles, a journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 28 minutes. Because this drive remains entirely within North Carolina, moving from the Southeast region toward the interior, it works perfectly as a single-day trip. You should budget approximately $32 for fuel to complete the trek. With a recommended duration of one day, you won't need to worry about overnight logistics unless you prefer a slower pace. The route is straightforward enough to handle in one go, making it a practical choice for a weekend getaway or a necessary commute between the coast and the city.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

99.5 miles from Southport, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a mixed driving experience that balances local roads with stretches of faster travel. You will spend roughly 41% of your time on highways, navigating through NC 87, the Isaac Brooks Highway, and North Bragg Boulevard. The longest uninterrupted portion of the trip spans 72.4 miles on NC 87, which serves as the primary backbone of your journey. Because the route features a mix of highway speeds and slower local sections, you will find the road's personality shifts as you transition away from the coast. Stay alert behind the wheel, as the varying road types require you to stay engaged throughout the entire 199.1-mile transit.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

NC 87 is the longest continuous segment at about 72.4 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 19.8 miles in near I 140.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 199.1 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 19.8 miles (I 140): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.3 miles (NC 87): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.4 miles (NC 24 / Bragg Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

19.8 mi into trip | ~29m in | I 140

Take the exit onto I 140 toward I 140: Topsail Island, Jacksonville, New Bern

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 39 Toward I 140: Topsail Island, Jacksonville, New...

106.3 mi into trip | ~2h 25m in | NC 87

Take the exit onto NC 87 toward NC 24, NC 87: Bragg Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward NC 24, NC 87: Bragg Boulevard

106.4 mi into trip | ~2h 25m in | NC 24 / Bragg Boulevard

Turn right onto NC 24 / Bragg Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / right lanes.

115.7 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in | NC 24; NC 87 / North Bragg Boulevard

Keep slight left at fork onto NC 24; NC 87 / North Bragg Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

136.6 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in | NC 87 BYP / Sanford Bypass

Keep slight left at fork onto NC 87 BYP / Sanford Bypass

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Towns Along This Route

Between Southport, NC and Greensboro, NC, road signs point toward Jacksonville and New Bern.

Jacksonville

19.8 mi in | ~29m | via I 140

New Bern

19.8 mi in | ~29m | via I 140

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
NC 87	72.4 mi	1h 37m
Isaac Brooks Highway	43.4 mi	52m
North Bragg Boulevard	20.9 mi	29m
Sanford Bypass	12.1 mi	13m
George II Highway	11.7 mi	16m
Murchison Road	8.6 mi	13m
Andrew Jackson Highway	8.4 mi	11m
I 140	5.6 mi	6m

Longest stretch: NC 87 — 72.4 mi, about 1h 37m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Southport, NC and Greensboro, NC.

Start on NC 211

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Howe Street

Turn straight

381 ft · 13 sec

Turn slight right onto NC 87

3.3 mi · 5 min · River Road Southeast

Use the none lane.

Turn straight onto NC 87

12 mi · 16 min · George II Highway

Use the straight lane.

Merge onto US 17; NC 87

3.5 mi · 4 min · Ocean Highway East

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit onto I 140

5.6 mi · 6 min · I 140

Exit 39 Toward I 140: Topsail Island, Jacksonville, New Bern Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Keep slight right at fork

310 ft · 9 sec

Merge onto US 74; US 76

8.4 mi · 11 min · Andrew Jackson Highway

Take the exit onto NC 87

72 mi · 1 hr 37 min · NC 87

Use the left / none lanes.

Take the exit onto NC 87

0.1 mi · 19 sec · NC 87

Toward NC 24, NC 87: Bragg Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto NC 24

0.2 mi · 28 sec · Bragg Boulevard

Use the none / straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto NC 210

8.6 mi · 13 min · Murchison Road

Use the left lane.

Continue on NC 24; NC 87; NC 210

0.5 mi · 49 sec · South Bragg Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto NC 24; NC 87

21 mi · 29 min · North Bragg Boulevard

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto NC 87 BYP

12 mi · 13 min · Sanford Bypass

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 421

0.4 mi · 28 sec · Boone Trail Road

Continue on US 421

43 mi · 52 min · Isaac Brooks Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on Old US Highway 421

3.7 mi · 4 min · Old US Highway 421

Use the none lane.

Continue on Martin Luther King Jr Drive

2.1 mi · 4 min · Martin Luther King Jr Drive

Use the straight lane.

Continue on South Davie Street

0.1 mi · 10 sec · South Davie Street

Continue on East McGee Street

0.1 mi · 13 sec · East McGee Street

Enter roundabout onto West McGee Street

73 ft · 1 sec · West McGee Street

Continue on West McGee Street

0.1 mi · 21 sec · West McGee Street

Turn right onto South Eugene Street

0.3 mi · 34 sec · South Eugene Street

Turn right onto West Market Street

0.1 mi · 24 sec · West Market Street

Arrive at destination

West Market Street

Trip Plan

Since this trip is manageable in under five hours, aim for a morning departure to give yourself maximum flexibility upon arrival in Greensboro. Planning for one scheduled stop is a good way to break up the 4-hour and 28-minute duration, especially during the longer 72.4-mile stretch on NC 87. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge when navigating the more rural sections of the route to ensure you don't run low before reaching the next service area. Because the drive is relatively short, you have the advantage of being able to adjust your schedule based on local traffic conditions. Prioritize refueling before you leave coastal areas if you find that prices are more favorable than those along the inland corridors.

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 99.5 miles from Southport, NC, or about 2h 16m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.4 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 80 miles or 1h 50m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 99.5 miles or 2h 16m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 41m

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 Southport, 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 Southport, NC

This is one driving day of about 199.1 miles and 4h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Southport, 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 NC 87 for about 72.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 99.5 mi from Southport, NC · 2h 16m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Fayetteville, NC

100 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

Fayetteville, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fayetteville, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 99.5 miles from Southport, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before NC 87 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.4 miles.

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

$31.86 one way

$63.73 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 70 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$34.72	$69.43
premium	$4.78	$37.45	$74.91
diesel	$5.64	$44.23	$88.47

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$32

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 69.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	59.7	$20.91	$9.56
Efficient EV	49.8	$17.42	$7.96
EV Truck/SUV	79.6	$27.87	$12.74

Gas CO2

70 kg

EV CO2

23 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.

Forecast data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Southport, NC

Afternoon in Southport on Sunday

Local time

2:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Greensboro, NC

Afternoon in Greensboro on Sunday

Local time

2:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°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

4h 28m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Southport, NC to Greensboro, NC covers 199.1 miles and takes about 4h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are NC 87, Isaac Brooks Highway, North Bragg Boulevard. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 99.5 miles from Southport, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.86 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Southport, NC and Greensboro, NC, road signs point toward Jacksonville and New Bern.

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Return Trip

Greensboro, NC to Southport, NC

Plan the drive back the other way.

198.6 mi 4h 27m

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Trip from Southport, NC to Greensboro, NC

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Greensboro, NC

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Southport, NC

Greensboro, NC

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 28m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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