Origin
Welcome, NC
Afternoon in Welcome on Thursday
Local time
4:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Welcome, NC to Raleigh, NC
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 16m
Distance
111.7 mi
180 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 7m
★
6 AM
2h 17m
8 AM
2h 35m
10 AM
2h 23m
12 PM
2h 21m
3 PM
2h 24m
5 PM
2h 35m
8 PM
2h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Welcome, NC
Đan Thy Nguyễn Mai
Raleigh, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Planning a trip from Welcome, NC, to Raleigh, NC? This drive covers 111.7 miles and should take about 2 hours and 16 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey that's perfect for a single day trip. You'll be spending most of your time on I-40, with some time on US 29 and Wade Avenue. The estimated fuel cost for this 111.7-mile trek is around $17. Given its manageable length and primarily highway profile, this route is best tackled in one go, allowing for a flexible schedule without needing an overnight stop. Both your origin and destination are within the Southeast region, keeping the scenery consistent.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
55.9 miles from Welcome, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 16m. Total distance: 111.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 92% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-40. Expect long stretches of consistent speed, including one uninterrupted segment of 67.1 miles on I-40. While the majority of the drive is on the interstate, you'll also navigate sections of US 29 and Wade Avenue as you approach Raleigh. This road personality means you'll experience a steady pace for most of the journey, making it efficient for covering ground quickly. The focus is on direct travel rather than winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 67.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 29. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 111.7 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 5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6 miles (US 29; US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.5 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
5 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Take the ramp toward I 85 Business North, US 29 North, US 64 East, US 70 East
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 85 Business North, US 29 North, US 64...
8
6 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
US 29; US 70
Keep slight left at fork onto US 29; US 70 toward I 85 Business North, US 29 North, US 70 East: High Point
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 85 Business North, US 29 North, US 70...
8
30.5 mi into trip
|
~37m in
|
US 29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 29 toward US 29, US 70
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 29, US 70
7
73.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Raleigh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
8
103.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 2m in
|
SR 1728 / Wade Avenue
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728 / Wade Avenue toward Wade Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 289
Toward Wade Avenue
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 67.1 mi | 1h 17m |
| US 29 | 31.3 mi | 35m |
| Wade Avenue | 3.9 mi | 5m |
| Western Boulevard | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Old US Hwy 52 | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Old US Highway 52 | 2 mi | 3m |
| Winston Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Gorman Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 67.1 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Welcome, NC and Raleigh, NC.
1
Start on this road
108 ft
·
13 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
67 ft
·
9 sec
3
Turn left onto Old US Highway 52
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Old US Highway 52
4
Continue on Old US Hwy 52
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Old US Hwy 52
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on NC 8
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Winston Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward I 85 Business North, US 29 North, US 64 East, US 70 East
Use the right lane.
7
Merge onto US 29; US 64; US 70
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 29; US 64; US 70
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto US 29; US 70
24 mi
·
27 min
·
US 29; US 70
Toward I 85 Business North, US 29 North, US 70 East: High Point
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 29
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
US 29
Toward US 29, US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi
·
42 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
30 mi
·
34 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Wade Avenue
Exit 289
Toward Wade Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
13
Turn right onto Faircloth Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Faircloth Street
14
Continue on Gorman Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Gorman Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Turn left onto Western Boulevard
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Western Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
17
Turn left onto South Wilmington Street
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
·
South Wilmington Street
18
Turn left onto East South Street
24 ft
·
0 sec
·
East South Street
19
Arrive at destination
East South Street
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour, 16-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid any potential traffic as you near Raleigh. Since it's a relatively short, highway-intensive trip, you won't need to plan for multiple lengthy stops; however, staying aware of your fuel gauge is always wise, especially during the longest stretch of 67.1 miles on I-40. The estimated fuel cost of $17 makes budgeting straightforward. A key tip for this route is to be prepared for the transition onto Wade Avenue as it can be a busy approach into the city, so staying alert during that final segment will ensure a smooth arrival.
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 55.9 miles from Welcome, NC, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.1 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 25 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55.9 miles or 1h 7m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Raleigh, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Welcome, 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 Welcome, NC
This is one driving day of about 111.7 miles and 2h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Welcome, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 67.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 55.9 mi from Welcome, NC · 1h 7m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
56 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 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 55.9 miles from Welcome, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.1 miles.
Arriving in Raleigh, NC
The final approach into Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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
$17.47 one way
$34.93 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
39 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $19.10 | $38.20 |
| premium | $4.70 | $20.67 | $41.35 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $24.66 | $49.32 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 39.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 33.5 | 0 | $11.73 | $5.36 |
| Efficient EV | 27.9 | 0 | $9.77 | $4.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 44.7 | 0 | $15.64 | $7.15 |
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 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
Raleigh, NC
Afternoon in Raleigh on Thursday
Local time
4:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Graham, NC
56 mi in
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
21 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 16m 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 Welcome, NC to Raleigh, NC covers 111.7 miles and takes about 2h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, US 29, Wade Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 55.9 miles from Welcome, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.47 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 is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 111.7 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 5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6 miles (US 29; US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.5 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Welcome, NC to Raleigh, NC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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