Trip from West Raleigh, NC to Laurel Hill, NC

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

2h 4m

Distance

95.4 mi

154 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

26 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min

4 AM

1h 55m ★

6 AM

2h 4m

8 AM

2h 22m

10 AM

2h 10m

12 PM

2h 9m

3 PM

2h 11m

5 PM

2h 21m

8 PM

1h 59m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

West Raleigh, NC

Evgeniia Belman

Laurel Hill, NC

Mark Stebnicki

Trip Overview

The drive from West Raleigh, NC to Laurel Hill, NC covers 95.4 miles and takes about 2h 4m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 440, US 1, US 15 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 47.9 miles on I 440. At current regular gas prices, budget about $14.92 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

47.7 miles from West Raleigh, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 4m. Total distance: 95.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 2h 4m highway drive covering 95.4 miles, with most of the trip on I 440 and US 1. The longest continuous stretch is about 47.9 miles on I 440.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 440 is the longest continuous segment at about 47.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 440 and US 1. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Pullen Road.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 95.4 miles you will encounter 12 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 0.1 miles (Pullen Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (Pullen Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 2.9 miles (I 440; US 1): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

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

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Pullen Road

Turn right onto Pullen Road

Navigation decision point

0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | Pullen Road

Enter roundabout onto Pullen Road

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

2.9 mi into trip | ~6m in | I 440; US 1

Merge onto I 440; US 1

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

51.4 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in | US 1

Merge onto US 1

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

69.5 mi into trip | ~1h 25m in | US 15; US 501; NC 211 / Poindexter Street

Turn left onto US 15; US 501; NC 211 / Poindexter Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 440	47.9 mi	55m
US 1	18 mi	23m
US 15	14.5 mi	19m
Poindexter Street	5.6 mi	7m
Old Wire Road	5.3 mi	9m
Western Boulevard	1.9 mi	3m
Morgan Street	0.6 mi	1m
Pullen Road	0.5 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 440 — 47.9 mi, about 55m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between West Raleigh, NC and Laurel Hill, NC.

Start on Enterprise Street

44 ft · 3 sec · Enterprise Street

Turn left onto Hillsborough Street

401 ft · 13 sec · Hillsborough Street

Turn slight right

104 ft · 6 sec

Turn right onto Pullen Road

0.1 mi · 23 sec · Pullen Road

Enter roundabout onto Pullen Road

76 ft · 2 sec · Pullen Road

Continue on Pullen Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Pullen Road

Turn right

402 ft · 9 sec

Toward Western Boulevard West

Turn straight onto Western Boulevard

1.9 mi · 3 min · Western Boulevard

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Merge onto I 440; US 1

48 mi · 55 min · I 440; US 1

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 46 sec

Merge onto US 1

18 mi · 23 min · US 1

Use the straight lane.

Turn left onto US 15; US 501; NC 211

5.6 mi · 7 min · Poindexter Street

Use the straight lane.

Enter roundabout onto US 15;US 501

115 ft · 1 sec · US 15;US 501

Continue on US 15;US 501

199 ft · 3 sec · US 15;US 501

Turn straight onto US 15; US 501

14 mi · 19 min · US 15; US 501

Enter roundabout onto NC 144

24 ft · 0 sec · Old Wire Road

Continue on NC 144

5.3 mi · 9 min · Old Wire Road

Turn straight onto NC 144

0.6 mi · 1 min · Morgan Street

Turn left onto Malloy Avenue

20 ft · 0 sec · Malloy Avenue

Arrive at destination

Malloy Avenue

Trip Plan

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 47.7 miles from West Raleigh, NC, or about 57m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.9 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 21 miles or 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 47.7 miles or 57m 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 38m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Laurel Hill, NC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving West Raleigh, 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 West Raleigh, NC

This is one driving day of about 95.4 miles and 2h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from West Raleigh, NC.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on I 440 for about 47.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 47.7 mi from West Raleigh, NC · 57m into the drive

human settlement in Lee County, North Carolina, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Sanford, NC

48 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

Apex, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Sanford, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 47.7 miles from West Raleigh, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Laurel Hill, NC

The final approach into Laurel Hill, 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 Laurel Hill, NC.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cary, North Carolina

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.8

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

1.7 mi

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

2.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Crossroads Coffee Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Vass, North Carolina

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 54.5

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+19102454504

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.8

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Crossroads Coffee Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 54.5

Vass, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+19102454504

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 27.3

Moncure, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 68.1

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776642738

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 40.9

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 68.1

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 40.9

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 68.1

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 68.1

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 40.9

Sanford, North Carolina

Kiwanis Family Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 40.9

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+19197758247

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

Visit website

The Pint Sized Pasture

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 40.9

Sanford, North Carolina

+19194984466

Visit website

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 6.8

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 10:30 am–10:30 pm

+19194380798

Visit website

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 6.8

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+19199963141

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 12–8 pm

+19199484450

Visit website

North Carolina Rural Heritage Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 95.4

Laurinburg, North Carolina

Hours: Closed

+19102772456

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.92 one way

$29.84 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$16.31	$32.62
premium	$4.70	$17.66	$35.31
diesel	$5.61	$21.06	$42.13

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 33.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

26 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Other

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Tesla

1 DCFC

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Other

1 DCFC

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Pinehurst, North Carolina

Other

1 DCFC

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Sanford, North Carolina

Other

1 DCFC

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Sanford, North Carolina

Other

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Sanford, North Carolina

Tesla

1 DCFC

EvGateway Charging Station

Laurinburg, North Carolina

Other

1 DCFC

Other: 10 ChargePoint: 7 Tesla: 3 Tesla Destination: 3 EV Connect: 1 Blink: 1 InCharge: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	28.6	$10.02	$4.58
Efficient EV	23.9	$8.35	$3.82
EV Truck/SUV	38.2	$13.36	$6.11

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 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 as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

West Raleigh, NC

Evening in West Raleigh on Thursday

Local time

7:03 PM

EDT

Current temp

91°F

Sunny

SW 6 to 14 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Laurel Hill, NC

Evening in Laurel Hill on Thursday

Local time

7:03 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

48°F

Sanford, NC

48 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

26 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 4m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from West Raleigh, NC to Laurel Hill, NC covers 95.4 miles and takes about 2h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 440, US 1, US 15. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 47.7 miles from West Raleigh, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.92 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.