Origin
Wilmington, NC
Afternoon in Wilmington on Sunday
Local time
4:06 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Wilmington, NC to Belmont, NC
Drive Time
4h 22m
Distance
211.1 mi
340 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 9m
★
6 AM
4h 22m
8 AM
4h 49m
10 AM
4h 32m
12 PM
4h 29m
3 PM
4h 33m
5 PM
4h 48m
8 PM
4h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Belmont, NC
Mark Stebnicki
Trip Overview
Traveling from Wilmington to Belmont covers a 211.1-mile span across North Carolina, typically taking about 4 hours and 22 minutes behind the wheel. Because this distance is manageable within a single day, it serves as an efficient one-day trip rather than requiring an overnight stay. You will navigate via the Andrew Jackson Highway, the American Indian Highway, and the Monroe Expressway to complete your journey. Budgeting approximately $34 for fuel should cover your transit costs comfortably. Since both cities are located within the Southeast region, you will remain in a familiar environment throughout the transit. This route offers a direct way to cross the state, balancing highway efficiency with local road navigation.
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
105.5 miles from Wilmington, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a varied driving experience that shifts from major thoroughfares to more technical, turn-heavy local roads. With only 26% of the journey spent on highways, you will spend most of your time navigating local stretches that require your full attention. The longest uninterrupted portion of the trip spans 91.9 miles along the Andrew Jackson Highway, providing a steady rhythm before the route transitions into more frequent turns. This technical nature keeps the drive engaging, as you move away from the high-speed monotony often found on pure interstate travel. Be prepared for a dynamic environment where the road character changes significantly as you transition between rural stretches and more developed areas.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Andrew Jackson Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 91.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 17; US 76; US 421.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 211.1 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 0.2 miles (US 17; US 76; US 421): Lane positioning matters here; at 132 miles (US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 165.3 miles (US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 17; US 76; US 421
Turn right onto US 17; US 76; US 421
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
132 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m in
|
US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway toward US 74 West: Monroe
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 306B
Toward US 74 West: Monroe
7
165.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m in
|
US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway toward US 74 Toll Bypass West: Charlotte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 74 Toll Bypass West: Charlotte
7
199.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 4m in
|
NC 27
Take the exit onto NC 27 toward NC 27: Freedom Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Exit 1A
Toward NC 27: Freedom Drive
8
209.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 18m in
Take the exit toward NC 273: Belmont, Mount Holly
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 27
Toward NC 273: Belmont, Mount Holly
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Jackson Highway | 91.9 mi | 1h 51m |
| American Indian Highway | 33.6 mi | 36m |
| Monroe Expressway | 18.4 mi | 21m |
| G R Kindley Freeway | 14.4 mi | 15m |
| W. Cliff Martin Highway | 12.8 mi | 17m |
| I 85 | 7.3 mi | 9m |
| Independence Boulevard | 7.1 mi | 9m |
| East Independence Expressway | 5.4 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
Andrew Jackson Highway
— 91.9 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wilmington, NC and Belmont, NC.
1
Start on US 17 Business
372 ft
·
14 sec
·
South 3rd Street
2
Continue on US 17 Business
508 ft
·
23 sec
·
South 3rd Street
3
Turn right onto US 17; US 76; US 421
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
US 17; US 76; US 421
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
4
Continue on US 74; US 76
60 mi
·
1 hr 13 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on US 74; NC 130
34 mi
·
36 min
·
American Indian Highway
Use the none lane.
6
Continue on US 74
20 mi
·
23 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
14 mi
·
15 min
·
G R Kindley Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
12 mi
·
14 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
Exit 306B
Toward US 74 West: Monroe
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on US 74
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
East Caswell Street
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Salisbury Street
11
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
6.5 mi
·
8 min
·
W. Cliff Martin Highway
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
6.3 mi
·
8 min
·
W. Cliff Martin Highway
13
Continue on US 74
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Carroll M. Edwards Highway
14
Continue on US 74
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
East Marshville Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 74
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Carroll M. Edwards Highway
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP
18 mi
·
21 min
·
Monroe Expressway
Toward US 74 Toll Bypass West: Charlotte
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto US 74
7.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Independence Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on US 74
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
East Independence Expressway
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on US 74; NC 27
0.7 mi
·
44 sec
·
East Independence Boulevard
Use the none lane.
20
Merge onto I 277; US 74; NC 16; NC 27
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
John Belk Freeway
Use the none lane.
21
Take the exit onto NC 27
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
NC 27
Exit 1A
Toward NC 27: Freedom Drive
Use the none lane.
22
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Use the left lane.
23
Merge onto I 85
7.3 mi
·
9 min
·
I 85
Use the none lane.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 27
Toward NC 273: Belmont, Mount Holly
Use the slight right lane.
25
Turn left onto NC 273
488 ft
·
17 sec
·
Beatty Drive
26
Continue on NC 273
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Park Street
Use the none lane.
27
Turn right onto NC 7
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
Catawba Street
Use the right lane.
28
Turn left onto Glenway Street
355 ft
·
17 sec
·
Glenway Street
29
Turn right
121 ft
·
8 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For the best experience, plan your departure to avoid peak local traffic, as the turn-heavy nature of the later sections can be more demanding during rush hour. Since you only have one planned stop, use that break strategically to stretch and refuel at the midpoint to keep your energy high. Given the 211.1-mile distance, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected delays on the local roads. Ensure you are comfortable with non-interstate driving, as the high percentage of local roads means you will be navigating intersections rather than just cruising on a highway. Keep your navigation tools ready for the transitions between the Andrew Jackson Highway and the Monroe Expressway to ensure a smooth arrival in Belmont.
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 105.5 miles from Wilmington, NC, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.9 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 80 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.5 miles or 2h 5m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belmont, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, NC
This is one driving day of about 211.1 miles and 4h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Wilmington, 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 Andrew Jackson Highway for about 91.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 105.5 mi from Wilmington, NC · 2h 5m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
106 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 105.5 miles from Wilmington, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Andrew Jackson Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 91.9 miles.
Arriving in Belmont, NC
The final approach into Belmont, 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 Belmont, 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
$33.78 one way
$67.57 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
74 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $36.81 | $73.62 |
| premium | $4.78 | $39.71 | $79.42 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $46.90 | $93.80 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 63.3 | 0 | $22.17 | $10.13 |
| Efficient EV | 52.8 | 0 | $18.47 | $8.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 84.4 | 1 | $29.55 | $13.51 |
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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
Belmont, NC
Afternoon in Belmont on Sunday
Local time
4:06 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 22m 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 Wilmington, NC to Belmont, NC covers 211.1 miles and takes about 4h 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Andrew Jackson Highway, American Indian Highway, Monroe Expressway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 105.5 miles from Wilmington, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.78 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 demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 211.1 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (US 17; US 76; US 421): Lane positioning matters here; at 132 miles (US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 165.3 miles (US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Wilmington, NC to Belmont, NC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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