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Trip from Wilmington, NC to Hickory, NC

Data updated 1 hour ago

Drive Time

5h 13m

Distance

248.1 mi

399 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
5h 0m ★
6 AM
5h 14m
8 AM
5h 41m
10 AM
5h 23m
12 PM
5h 21m
3 PM
5h 25m
5 PM
5h 40m
8 PM
5h 6m

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

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genus of plants

Hickory, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 248.1-mile drive from Wilmington, NC to Hickory, NC is a solid one-day trip, estimated to take around 5 hours and 13 minutes. You'll navigate primarily local roads, with only 19% on highways, making for a more turn-heavy experience. Expect to spend about $39 on fuel for this journey through the Southeast region of North Carolina. The route is best suited for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. It offers a chance to experience local North Carolina scenery as you travel.

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

124 miles from Wilmington, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .

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Drive Character

This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll be making frequent turns and likely encountering more traffic signals than on a pure interstate journey. While 19% of the drive is on highways, the majority unfolds on local roads like Andrew Jackson Highway and American Indian Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 91.9 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway, offering a brief period of consistent travel before the local roads resume. Be prepared for a varied driving experience with frequent changes in speed and direction.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 34 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 15 significant decision points across 248.1 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 117.6 miles (US 74 / G R Kindley Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 132 miles (US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These 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 straight / slight right lanes.
6
117.6 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in | US 74 / G R Kindley Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 / G R Kindley Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the 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
8
196.3 mi into trip | ~4h in

Take the exit toward I 277 North Outer, NC 16 North: Brookshire Freeway

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 242 Toward I 277 North Outer, NC 16 North: Brookshi...

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Andrew Jackson Highway 91.9 mi 1h 51m
American Indian Highway 33.6 mi 36m
Brookshire Boulevard 33.5 mi 43m
Monroe Expressway 18.4 mi 21m
G R Kindley Freeway 14.4 mi 15m
W. Cliff Martin Highway 12.8 mi 17m
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 Hickory, 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 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
6

Continue on US 74

20 mi · 23 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto US 74

14 mi · 15 min · G R Kindley Freeway
Use the 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 straight / right lanes.
19

Continue on US 74; NC 27

418 ft · 5 sec · East Independence Boulevard
20

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Exit 242 Toward I 277 North Outer, NC 16 North: Brookshire Freeway Use the slight right lane.
21

Merge onto I 277; NC 16

3.6 mi · 5 min · Brookshire Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Continue on NC 16

34 mi · 43 min · Brookshire Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
23

Turn right onto Bethany Church Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Bethany Church Road
24

Turn left onto Mount Olive Church Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · Mount Olive Church Road
25

Continue on Mt Olive Church Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Mt Olive Church Road
26

Turn right onto NC 16

2.4 mi · 3 min · NC 16
27

Turn left onto US 70

4.2 mi · 6 min · Conover Boulevard East
28

Continue on Tate Boulevard

3.6 mi · 5 min · Tate Boulevard
29

Continue on 1st Avenue Southeast

0.9 mi · 1 min · 1st Avenue Southeast
30

Turn right onto 3rd Street Southwest

347 ft · 15 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
31

Continue on 3rd Street Northwest

415 ft · 20 sec · 3rd Street Northwest
32

Turn right onto Trade Alley

338 ft · 29 sec · Trade Alley
33

Turn left

153 ft · 11 sec
34

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 13-minute duration and turn-heavy nature, starting early from Wilmington will give you the most flexibility. Plan for at least one stop to break up the drive, especially since the longest stretch without a significant turn is just over 90 miles. The estimated fuel cost is $39, so ensure your tank is full before departing to avoid unnecessary stops. Keep an eye on your navigation, as the frequent turns on local roads mean it's easy to miss a critical junction. This route is manageable in one day, but the local road focus means you should account for potential traffic delays.

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 124 miles from Wilmington, NC, or about 2h 25m 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 124 miles or 2h 25m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 10m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hickory, 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 248.1 miles and 5h 13m.

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 124 mi from Wilmington, NC · 2h 25m into the drive

city in and county seat of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Charlotte, NC

124 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

Fayetteville, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fayetteville, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 124 miles from Wilmington, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Andrew Jackson Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 91.9 miles.

Arriving in Hickory, NC

The final approach into Hickory, 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 Hickory, NC.

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

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Moores Creek National Battlefield

Moores Creek National Battlefield

National Battlefield

In the early morning hours of February 27, 1776, Loyalist forces charged across a partially dismantled Moores Creek Bridge. Beyond the bridge, nearly 1,000 North Carolina Patriots waited quietly with...

12 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 17.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.80 one way

$77.59 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 87 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $42.42 $84.84
premium $4.70 $45.92 $91.84
diesel $5.61 $54.78 $109.55

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 86.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 74.4 0 $26.05 $11.91
Efficient EV 62 0 $21.71 $9.92
EV Truck/SUV 99.2 1 $34.73 $15.88

Gas CO2

87 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (67% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Wilmington, NC

Evening in Wilmington on Tuesday

Local time

8:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hickory, NC

Evening in Hickory on Tuesday

Local time

8:18 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

9 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

5h 13m 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 Hickory, NC covers 248.1 miles and takes about 5h 13m 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, Brookshire Boulevard. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 124 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 $38.80 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 15 significant decision points across 248.1 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 117.6 miles (US 74 / G R Kindley Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 132 miles (US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Wilmington, NC to Hickory, NC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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