Origin
Wilmington, NC
Evening in Wilmington on Friday
Local time
8:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Wilmington, NC to Southmont, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 15m
Distance
205 mi
330 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 3m
★
6 AM
4h 16m
8 AM
4h 42m
10 AM
4h 25m
12 PM
4h 23m
3 PM
4h 27m
5 PM
4h 41m
8 PM
4h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Southmont, NC
Mark Stebnicki
Trip Overview
This 205-mile drive from Wilmington, NC, to Southmont, NC, will take you approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. Primarily utilizing roads like Andrew Jackson Highway and US 220, about 36% of this journey involves highway driving. It's a feasible day trip, covering a moderate distance with an estimated fuel cost of $32. The route offers a mixed driving experience as you transition from the Southeast region's coastal influences to the more inland landscapes. With only one recommended stop, you'll have plenty of flexibility to set your own pace.
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
102.5 miles from Wilmington, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 15m. Total distance: 205 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this North Carolina journey, blending sections of faster highway travel with more local road cruising. The highway share is around 36%, meaning you'll encounter a variety of road types. You'll experience an uninterrupted stretch of 80.3 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway, which provides a consistent pace for a significant portion of the trip. As you progress, the character of the drive will evolve, moving away from the immediate coastal feel of Wilmington towards the more central regions of the state.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 27 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 80.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 17; US 76; US 421.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 205 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.2 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 128.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 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 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.
7
128.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
Take the exit toward US 1: Rockingham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 311
Toward US 1: Rockingham
5
128.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m in
|
US 1
Turn right onto US 1
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
134.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 39m in
|
US 220
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220 toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 220 North: Asheboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 220 North: Ash...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Wilmington, NC to Southmont, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Pinehurst along the way.
Pinehurst
157 mi in
|
~3h 4m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Jackson Highway | 80.3 mi | 1h 36m |
| American Indian Highway | 33.6 mi | 36m |
| US 220 | 27.5 mi | 31m |
| NC 109 | 23.1 mi | 32m |
| G R Kindley Freeway | 10.5 mi | 11m |
| NC 8 | 6.5 mi | 9m |
| Candor-Troy Road | 5.8 mi | 7m |
| Flat Swamp Road | 3.8 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
Andrew Jackson Highway
— 80.3 mi, about 1h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wilmington, NC and Southmont, 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
11 mi
·
11 min
·
G R Kindley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 311
Toward US 1: Rockingham
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn right onto US 1
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 1
Use the right lane.
10
Turn straight onto US 220
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
US 220
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 220
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
US 220
Use the left lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220
23 mi
·
25 min
·
US 220
Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 220 North: Asheboro
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward NC 211: Candor, Pinehurst
14
Turn right onto NC 211
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
NC 211
15
Continue on Pack House Road
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
·
Pack House Road
16
Turn slight left onto US 220 ALT
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
US 220 ALT
17
Turn left onto Candor-Troy Road
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Candor-Troy Road
18
Continue on Troy Candor Road
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Troy Candor Road
19
Continue on Taft Street
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
Taft Street
20
Turn left onto East Main Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
21
Continue on NS 98757
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
West Main Street
22
Turn right onto Eldorado Street
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Eldorado Street
23
Continue on NC 109
23 mi
·
32 min
·
NC 109
24
Turn left onto NC 47
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
East Salisbury Street
25
Continue on Flat Swamp Road
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Flat Swamp Road
26
At end of road, turn right onto NC 8
6.5 mi
·
9 min
·
NC 8
27
Arrive at destination
NC 8
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour, 15-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Wilmington to maximize your daylight and arrive in Southmont with ample time. While it's a manageable one-day trip, the longest stretch of 80.3 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway means you can comfortably go for extended periods without needing a break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before entering longer, less populated segments. Planning for just one stop allows for a relaxed pace, but be sure to refuel when you see convenient options, as services can become more spaced out.
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 102.5 miles from Wilmington, NC, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.3 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 45 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.5 miles or 2h 1m 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 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Southmont, 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 205 miles and 4h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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 80.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 102.5 mi from Wilmington, NC · 2h 1m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
103 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 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.5 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 80.3 miles.
Arriving in Southmont, NC
The final approach into Southmont, 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 Southmont, 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
$32.06 one way
$64.11 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $35.05 | $70.10 |
| premium | $4.70 | $37.94 | $75.88 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $45.26 | $90.52 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.5 | 0 | $21.53 | $9.84 |
| Efficient EV | 51.3 | 0 | $17.94 | $8.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82 | 1 | $28.70 | $13.12 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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
Southmont, NC
Evening in Southmont on Friday
Local time
8:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
Troy, NC
103 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
22 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 15m 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 Southmont, NC covers 205 miles and takes about 4h 15m 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, US 220. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 102.5 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 $32.06 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 205 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
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 128.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Wilmington, NC to Southmont, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Pinehurst along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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