Origin
Taylorsville, NC
Afternoon in Taylorsville on Sunday
Local time
2:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Taylorsville, NC to Wilmington, NC
Drive Time
4h 20m
Distance
263.8 mi
424 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
Taylorsville, NC
Mark Stebnicki
Trip Overview
Traveling from Taylorsville to Wilmington covers 263.8 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes of drive time. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a highway sprint, you should budget roughly $41 for fuel to complete the journey. This route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach the coast without the need for an overnight stay. Since both locations are situated within the Southeast region of North Carolina, you will remain in a familiar geographic context throughout the drive. Plan for at least one stop to break up the navigation, as the local roads require your full attention.
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
131.9 miles from Taylorsville, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a technical experience behind the wheel, as this route relies entirely on local roads like 2nd Street Southwest, West Main Avenue, and Adams Pond Lane. With a 0% highway share, you will not be dealing with the typical interstate grind, but rather a series of frequent turns and changing road conditions. The nature of this drive means there is no significant 'longest stretch' to cruise through, as the path demands constant adjustments. Navigating these local thoroughfares requires a proactive driving style, making this trip feel more like a dedicated backcountry transit than a high-speed commute. Prepare for a slower, more deliberate pace as you transition from the interior of the state toward the coast.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 48 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
2nd Street Southwest is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 4h 20m drive. You will face about 0 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Taylorsville, NC to Wilmington, NC is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Street Southwest | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| West Main Avenue | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Adams Pond Lane | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| West Front Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Garner Bagnal Boulevard | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I-77 South | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 77 South | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 485 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
2nd Street Southwest
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Taylorsville, NC and Wilmington, NC.
1
Start on Main Avenue Drive
194 ft
·
11 sec
·
Main Avenue Drive
2
Turn right onto 2nd Street Southwest
276 ft
·
10 sec
·
2nd Street Southwest
3
Turn right onto West Main Avenue
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
West Main Avenue
4
Turn right onto Adams Pond Lane
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
Adams Pond Lane
5
Turn left
14 mi
·
19 min
6
Continue on West Front Street
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
West Front Street
7
Continue on Garner Bagnal Boulevard
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Garner Bagnal Boulevard
8
Take the exit slight right
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
9
Merge slight left
14 mi
·
16 min
10
Keep slight right
5.7 mi
·
6 min
11
Keep slight right to continue on I-77 South
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
I-77 South
12
Continue on I 77 South
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 77 South
13
Keep slight right to continue on I 77 South
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
I 77 South
14
Continue on I-77 South
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
I-77 South
15
Keep slight right to continue on I-77 South
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
I-77 South
16
Take the exit slight right toward I 485: Pineville, Matthews
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
I 485: Pineville, Matthews
17
Keep slight left to continue on I 485 North Inner: Matthews
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 485 North Inner: Matthews
18
Keep slight left to continue on I 485 North Inner: Matthews
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
I 485 North Inner: Matthews
19
Merge slight left onto H Allen Tate Jr Highway
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
H Allen Tate Jr Highway
20
Continue on Governor James G Martin Freeway
13 mi
·
13 min
·
Governor James G Martin Freeway
21
Take the exit slight right toward NC 218: Mint Hill
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
NC 218: Mint Hill
22
Turn left onto Fairview Road
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Fairview Road
23
Continue straight
2.2 mi
·
3 min
24
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
125 ft
·
3 sec
·
the route
25
Exit the roundabout
6.7 mi
·
9 min
26
Turn slight left
2.8 mi
·
3 min
27
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
233 ft
·
5 sec
·
the route
28
Exit the roundabout
4.2 mi
·
5 min
29
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
128 ft
·
3 sec
·
the route
30
Exit the roundabout
13 mi
·
19 min
31
Turn right onto Williams Street
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
Williams Street
32
Turn right onto W. Cliff Martin Highway
449 ft
·
7 sec
·
W. Cliff Martin Highway
33
Take the exit slight left
495 ft
·
20 sec
34
Turn left onto W. Cliff Martin Highway
0.6 mi
·
45 sec
·
W. Cliff Martin Highway
35
Keep slight right to continue on W. Cliff Martin Highway
6.7 mi
·
9 min
·
W. Cliff Martin Highway
36
Continue on Salisbury Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Salisbury Street
37
Continue on West Caswell Street
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
West Caswell Street
38
Continue on Andrew Jackson Highway
10 mi
·
13 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
39
Keep slight left to continue on Andrew Jackson Highway
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
40
Continue on G R Kindley Freeway
15 mi
·
16 min
·
G R Kindley Freeway
41
Continue on Andrew Jackson Highway
9.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
42
Keep slight right to continue on Andrew Jackson Highway
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
43
Continue on American Indian Highway
34 mi
·
36 min
·
American Indian Highway
44
Continue on Andrew Jackson Highway
60 mi
·
1 hr 13 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
45
Continue on Ocean Highway East
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Ocean Highway East
46
Continue on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
47
Turn left onto South 3rd Street
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
South 3rd Street
48
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4 hour and 20 minute journey, try to depart early in the morning to beat local congestion on the smaller roads. Since you are navigating local streets, keep a close eye on your GPS, as the frequent turns can be easy to miss without careful attention to your navigation. With only one recommended stop, choose a location mid-way to refuel your vehicle and stretch your legs, keeping your $41 fuel budget in mind. Because this route lacks high-speed highway segments, remain patient and account for extra time if you encounter heavy local traffic. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so don't hesitate to pull over safely if you need a quick break from the constant turning.
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 131.9 miles from Taylorsville, NC, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
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 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.9 miles or 2h 10m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wilmington, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Taylorsville, 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 Taylorsville, NC
This is one driving day of about 263.8 miles and 4h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Taylorsville, 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.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 131.9 mi from Taylorsville, NC · 2h 10m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
132 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 131.9 miles from Taylorsville, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Wilmington, NC
The final approach into Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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
$42.22 one way
$84.44 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
92 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $46.00 | $92.00 |
| premium | $4.78 | $49.62 | $99.25 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $58.61 | $117.21 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.1 | 0 | $27.70 | $12.66 |
| Efficient EV | 66 | 0 | $23.08 | $10.55 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 105.5 | 1 | $36.93 | $16.88 |
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Wilmington, NC
Afternoon in Wilmington on Sunday
Local time
2:47 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
4 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 20m 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 Taylorsville, NC to Wilmington, NC covers 263.8 miles and takes about 4h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are 2nd Street Southwest, West Main Avenue, Adams Pond Lane. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 131.9 miles from Taylorsville, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.22 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.
This is a straightforward 4h 20m drive. You will face about 0 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Taylorsville, NC to Wilmington, NC is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Taylorsville, NC to Wilmington, NC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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