Origin
Woodfin, NC
Afternoon in Woodfin on Friday
Local time
4:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Woodfin, NC to Concord, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h
Distance
138.3 mi
223 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 49m
★
6 AM
3h 1m
8 AM
3h 23m
10 AM
3h 9m
12 PM
3h 6m
3 PM
3h 10m
5 PM
3h 22m
8 PM
2h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Woodfin, NC
C k
Concord, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 138.3-mile journey from Woodfin, NC to Concord, NC is easily managed as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours to complete. Your drive will primarily utilize I-40 and NC-73, with a significant 92% spent on highways, making it a largely efficient commute. With a projected fuel cost of around $22, this route offers an economical option for travel within the Southeast region. The drive is focused on covering distance, so plan for a straightforward transit rather than a leisurely exploration. With only one recommended stop, you can expect a relatively uninterrupted travel experience.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
69.1 miles from Woodfin, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h. Total distance: 138.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of your 138.3 miles, with 92% of the route on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch will be a significant 76.7 miles on I-40, so be prepared for sustained highway driving. While the primary roads are I-40 and NC-73, the shift to NC-16 introduces a change in the driving experience as you approach your destination. This route emphasizes efficient travel over 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 29 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 76.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and NC 73. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 110.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 138.3 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 110.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.8 miles (NC 73): Lane positioning matters here; at 134.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
110.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m in
Take the exit toward NC 73: Lincolnton, Huntersville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward NC 73: Lincolnton, Huntersville
6
110.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m in
|
NC 73
Turn right onto NC 73
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
134.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
Take the exit toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord, Downtown
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 58
Toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord...
8
135 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord, Down...
7
138.2 mi into trip
|
~3h in
|
Spring Street Southwest
Turn left onto Spring Street Southwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Woodfin, NC and Concord, NC, road signs point toward Old Us 70 and Huntersville.
Old Us 70
85.9 mi in
|
~1h 41m
Huntersville
110.5 mi in
|
~2h 16m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 76.7 mi | 1h 27m |
| NC 73 | 21.6 mi | 33m |
| NC 16 | 17.3 mi | 22m |
| Billy Graham Freeway | 5.7 mi | 7m |
| I 26 | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Thornburg Drive Southeast | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Church Street North | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| I 85 | 2.1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 76.7 mi, about 1h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Woodfin, NC and Concord, NC.
1
Start on Cottage Street
133 ft
·
7 sec
·
Cottage Street
2
Turn right onto Washington Avenue
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
Washington Avenue
3
Turn left onto Elk Mountain Road
84 ft
·
2 sec
·
Elk Mountain Road
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
5
Merge onto I 26; US 19; US 23; US 70
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
I 26; US 19; US 23; US 70
6
Keep slight left at fork onto US 70
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 70
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 70
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 70
8
Merge onto I 240; US 70; US 74A
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Billy Graham Freeway
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 240
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Billy Graham Freeway
10
Merge onto I 40
77 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
I 40
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 130
Toward Old US 70
12
Turn left onto West 1st Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
West 1st Street
13
Turn straight onto US 70
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Conover Boulevard East
14
Turn right onto NC 16
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Thornburg Drive Southeast
15
Turn left onto Mt Olive Church Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Mt Olive Church Road
16
Continue on Mount Olive Church Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Mount Olive Church Road
17
Turn right onto Bethany Church Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Bethany Church Road
18
Turn left onto NC 16
17 mi
·
22 min
·
NC 16
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward NC 73: Lincolnton, Huntersville
Use the right lane.
20
Turn right onto NC 73
22 mi
·
33 min
·
NC 73
Use the left / straight lanes.
21
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 85 North: Salisbury
22
Merge onto I 85
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 85
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 58
Toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord, Downtown
Use the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord, Downtown
Use the right lane.
25
Merge onto US 29; US 601
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
·
Concord Parkway North
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn straight onto Church Street North
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Church Street North
Use the straight / left lanes.
27
Turn right onto Cabarrus Avenue West
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Cabarrus Avenue West
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn left onto Spring Street Southwest
409 ft
·
11 sec
·
Spring Street Southwest
Use the left lane.
29
Arrive at destination
Spring Street Southwest
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration, departing Woodfin in the morning will allow you to reach Concord with ample time for the rest of your day. The fuel cost is estimated at $22, so factor this into your budget. With only one recommended stop and a long 76.7-mile stretch on I-40, plan your breaks strategically to stay comfortable. Consider timing your departure to avoid peak traffic, especially as you transition onto NC-73 and approach Concord. This route's efficiency means you have flexibility, but staying aware of your fuel gauge is always wise on longer highway segments.
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 69.1 miles from Woodfin, NC, or about 1h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.7 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 30 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.1 miles or 1h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Concord, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Woodfin, 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 Woodfin, NC
This is one driving day of about 138.3 miles and 3h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Woodfin, 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 I 40 for about 76.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 69.1 mi from Woodfin, NC · 1h 22m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 69.1 miles from Woodfin, 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 76.7 miles.
Arriving in Concord, NC
The final approach into Concord, 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 Concord, 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
$21.63 one way
$43.25 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $23.65 | $47.29 |
| premium | $4.70 | $25.60 | $51.19 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.53 | $61.07 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.5 | 0 | $14.52 | $6.64 |
| Efficient EV | 34.6 | 0 | $12.10 | $5.53 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.3 | 0 | $19.36 | $8.85 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Concord, NC
Afternoon in Concord on Friday
Local time
4:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
Newton, NC
69 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 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 Woodfin, NC to Concord, NC covers 138.3 miles and takes about 3h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, NC 73, NC 16. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 69.1 miles from Woodfin, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.63 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 138.3 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 110.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.8 miles (NC 73): Lane positioning matters here; at 134.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Woodfin, NC and Concord, NC, road signs point toward Old Us 70 and Huntersville.
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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