Origin
Spring Lake, NC
Night in Spring Lake on Wednesday
Local time
10:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Spring Lake, NC to Jacksonville, NC
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 29m
Distance
116.1 mi
187 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 19m
★
6 AM
2h 30m
8 AM
2h 50m
10 AM
2h 37m
12 PM
2h 35m
3 PM
2h 38m
5 PM
2h 49m
8 PM
2h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Spring Lake, NC
Michael Ken
Jacksonville, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Spanning 116.1 miles, your journey from Spring Lake to Jacksonville, NC, is a straightforward trek across the Southeast that typically takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, it is perfectly suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $19 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Navigating this route involves a combination of the Fayetteville Outer Loop, I-40, and NC 111. Whether you are heading to the coast or visiting family, this drive offers a manageable pace that avoids the exhaustion of cross-country travel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
58.1 miles from Spring Lake, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip features a mixed drive profile, balancing fast-paced highway segments with local road travel. You will spend about 44% of your time on highways, providing a blend of speed and more deliberate driving through the region. The most significant stretch of interstate occurs on I-40, where you can expect an uninterrupted 31.3-mile run. As you transition between these road types, the character of the drive shifts from the efficiency of the Fayetteville Outer Loop to the more varied conditions found on NC 111. Expect a steady, predictable experience behind the wheel that keeps you moving efficiently toward your goal.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 40 is the longest continuous segment at about 31.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 116.1 miles you will encounter 18 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 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 5.2 miles (I 295 / Fayetteville Outer Loop): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.2 miles (US 13 / Goldsboro Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
4.6 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the exit toward NC 295 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward NC 295 North
5
5.2 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
I 295 / Fayetteville Outer Loop
Merge onto I 295 / Fayetteville Outer Loop
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
17.2 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
US 13 / Goldsboro Road
Keep slight right at fork onto US 13 / Goldsboro Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
73.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
|
NC 24
Take the exit onto NC 24 toward NC 24 East, NC 903: Magnolia, Kenansville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NC 24 East, NC 903: Magnolia, Kenansvill...
4
73.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
|
NC 24; NC 903 / South Kenansville Bypass
Turn left onto NC 24; NC 903 / South Kenansville Bypass
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Spring Lake, NC and Jacksonville, NC, road signs point toward Goldsboro and Kenansville.
Goldsboro
16.3 mi in
|
~21m
|
via US 13
Kenansville
73.2 mi in
|
~1h 27m
|
via NC 24
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 31.3 mi | 33m |
| NC 111 | 14.4 mi | 21m |
| Fayetteville Outer Loop | 11.1 mi | 12m |
| Fayetteville Highway | 9.3 mi | 10m |
| Goldsboro Road | 7.9 mi | 9m |
| Jackson Store Road | 6.3 mi | 8m |
| Richlands Highway | 6.3 mi | 9m |
| Newton Grove Highway | 5.6 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 31.3 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spring Lake, NC and Jacksonville, NC.
1
Start on NC 210
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Lillington Highway
2
Continue on NC 210
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
Lillington Highway
3
Turn slight left onto NC 24; NC 87; NC 210
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
South Bragg Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Continue on NC 24; NC 87; NC 210
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
Murchison Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward NC 295 North
6
Merge onto I 295
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Fayetteville Outer Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on US 13
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Goldsboro Road
Toward US 13 North: Newton Grove, Goldsboro
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 13
6.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Goldsboro Road
9
Continue on US 13
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
Fayetteville Highway
10
Continue on US 13
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Newton Grove Highway
11
Turn left onto Warren Mill Road
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Warren Mill Road
12
Turn right onto NC 55
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Harnett-Dunn Highway
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
14
Merge onto I 40
31 mi
·
33 min
·
I 40
15
Take the exit onto NC 24
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
·
NC 24
Toward NC 24 East, NC 903: Magnolia, Kenansville
16
Turn left onto NC 24; NC 903
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
South Kenansville Bypass
17
Turn right onto D S Williams Road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
D S Williams Road
18
Turn right onto NC 50
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
NC 50
19
Turn left onto Hallsville Road
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Hallsville Road
20
Turn right onto SR 1800
6.3 mi
·
8 min
·
Jackson Store Road
21
At end of road, turn left onto NC 111
14 mi
·
21 min
·
NC 111
22
Merge onto US 258; NC 24
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Richlands Highway
23
Turn left
433 ft
·
8 sec
24
Turn slight right onto US 258; NC 24 Business
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Richlands Highway
25
Continue on US 17 Business; NC 24 Business
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
South Marine Boulevard
26
Arrive at destination
US 17 Business; NC 24 Business
Trip Plan
Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to plan your departure time based on your own schedule rather than rushing to beat nightfall. With no mandatory stops required by the length of the journey, you can easily drive the full 116.1 miles in one sitting if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the road conditions vary between the interstate and local segments, so stay alert during the transition points on NC 111. To make the most of your $19 fuel budget, ensure your vehicle is prepped before leaving Spring Lake, as this will prevent unnecessary detours for gas. Ultimately, the lack of required stops gives you the freedom to set your own pace and reach Jacksonville exactly when you intend.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 58.1 miles from Spring Lake, NC, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.3 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 26 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 58.1 miles or 1h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jacksonville, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Spring Lake, 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 Spring Lake, NC
This is one driving day of about 116.1 miles and 2h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Spring Lake, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 31.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 58.1 mi from Spring Lake, NC · 1h 11m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
58 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 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 58.1 miles from Spring Lake, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Jacksonville, NC
The final approach into Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, 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
$18.16 one way
$36.31 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
41 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $19.85 | $39.70 |
| premium | $4.70 | $21.49 | $42.98 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $25.63 | $51.27 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 40.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 34.8 | 0 | $12.19 | $5.57 |
| Efficient EV | 29 | 0 | $10.16 | $4.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 46.4 | 0 | $16.25 | $7.43 |
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (66% 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
Jacksonville, NC
Night in Jacksonville on Wednesday
Local time
10:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°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
22 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
2h 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 Spring Lake, NC to Jacksonville, NC covers 116.1 miles and takes about 2h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, NC 111, Fayetteville Outer Loop. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 58.1 miles from Spring Lake, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.16 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 116.1 miles you will encounter 18 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 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 5.2 miles (I 295 / Fayetteville Outer Loop): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.2 miles (US 13 / Goldsboro Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Between Spring Lake, NC and Jacksonville, NC, road signs point toward Goldsboro and Kenansville.
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