Origin
Wrightsville Beach, NC
Afternoon in Wrightsville Beach on Sunday
Local time
2:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Wrightsville Beach, NC to High Point, NC
Drive Time
4h 11m
Distance
213.6 mi
344 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
Trip Overview
Transitioning from the coast to the heart of the Piedmont, this 213.6-mile journey connects Wrightsville Beach to High Point in approximately 4 hours and 11 minutes. You will primarily navigate via the Michael Jordan Highway, US 64, and the Isaac Brooks Highway. Because the total duration is manageable, this trip is perfectly suited as a one-day excursion. Budget roughly $34 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Southeast North Carolina destinations. Since you are moving from the coast inland, the drive offers a straightforward transition that doesn't necessarily require an overnight stay, keeping your travel plans flexible and efficient.
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
106.8 miles from Wrightsville Beach, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mix of driving conditions as you make your way across the state, with the route characterized as a turn-heavy local drive. Only about 29% of your time will be spent on major highways, meaning you should prepare for more varied road types than a standard interstate cruise. Your longest uninterrupted stretch covers 107.3 miles on the Michael Jordan Highway, which provides the most consistent pace of the trip. As you transition away from the coast, the feel of the road shifts from open stretches to more technical segments. Staying alert is key, as the winding nature of the local roads requires more active steering than a straight-line highway trek.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Michael Jordan Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 107.3 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 138.2 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 213.6 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 138.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 196.4 miles (US 421): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196.6 miles (US 421): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
138.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 64 West: Pittsboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 59B
Toward US 64 West: Pittsboro
8
196.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 50m in
|
US 421
Take the exit onto US 421 toward I 85, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Durham, Charlotte
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 197
Toward I 85, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Durha...
8
196.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 51m in
|
US 421
Keep slight left at fork onto US 421 toward I 85 South, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Charlotte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 85 South, US 421 North: Winston-Salem,...
7
204.6 mi into trip
|
~4h in
|
US 29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 29 toward US 29 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 29 South
7
211.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 8m in
Take the exit toward South Main Street, Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward South Main Street, Downtown
Towns Along This Route
Between Wrightsville Beach, NC and High Point, NC, road signs point toward Pittsboro, Durham and Charlotte.
Pittsboro
137.6 mi in
|
~2h 34m
Durham
196.4 mi in
|
~3h 50m
|
via US 421
Charlotte
196.4 mi in
|
~3h 50m
|
via US 421
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Jordan Highway | 107.3 mi | 1h 55m |
| US 64 | 32 mi | 42m |
| Isaac Brooks Highway | 25.5 mi | 30m |
| Triangle Expressway | 19.5 mi | 20m |
| US 29 | 7.1 mi | 7m |
| Greensboro Urban Loop | 4.8 mi | 5m |
| Eastwood Road | 3.5 mi | 6m |
| I 85 | 2.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Michael Jordan Highway
— 107.3 mi, about 1h 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wrightsville Beach, NC and High Point, NC.
1
Start on US 76
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Causeway Drive
2
Continue on US 74; US 76
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Wrightsville Avenue
3
Continue on US 74; US 76
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Eastwood Road
4
Continue on US 74
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Parkway
5
Turn right onto US 117; NC 132
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
North College Road
Use the right lane.
6
Continue on I 40; US 117; NC 132
107 mi
·
1 hr 55 min
·
Michael Jordan Highway
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
23 sec
Toward NC 42: Fuquay-Varina
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward Cleveland Rd
9
Turn left onto SR 1010
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Cleveland Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on SR 1010
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Cleveland School Road
11
Turn right onto NC 50
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Benson Road
Use the right lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward NC 540 Toll West: Apex
Use the left lane.
13
Merge onto NC 540 Toll
19 mi
·
20 min
·
Triangle Expressway
Use the none lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 59A-B
Toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 59B
Toward US 64 West: Pittsboro
Use the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto US 64
32 mi
·
42 min
·
US 64
Use the none lane.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
19
Merge onto US 421
26 mi
·
30 min
·
Isaac Brooks Highway
Use the none lane.
20
Take the exit onto US 421
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
US 421
Exit 197
Toward I 85, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Durham, Charlotte
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto US 421
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 421
Toward I 85 South, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Charlotte
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 85; US 421
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Greensboro Urban Loop
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
I 85
Toward I 85 South: High Point, Charlotte
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 29
7.1 mi
·
7 min
·
US 29
Toward US 29 South
Use the slight right lane.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward South Main Street, Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn right onto South Main Street
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
27
Arrive at destination
South Main Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a turn-heavy route, planning for at least one dedicated stop will help break up the drive and keep you refreshed behind the wheel. Aim to depart early in the day to avoid potential congestion, especially when moving between regional hubs. You have plenty of flexibility with a 4-hour drive, but keeping a close eye on your fuel gauge is a good practice given the $34 estimated cost. Because the route relies heavily on local roads rather than major interstates, prioritize checking your navigation frequently to stay on the correct path along the Michael Jordan and Isaac Brooks Highways. Using your single planned stop to stretch your legs will make the winding, technical sections of the drive much more manageable.
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 106.8 miles from Wrightsville Beach, NC, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107.3 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 80 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.8 miles or 1h 59m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near High Point, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wrightsville Beach, 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 Wrightsville Beach, NC
This is one driving day of about 213.6 miles and 4h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Wrightsville Beach, 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 Michael Jordan Highway for about 107.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 106.8 mi from Wrightsville Beach, NC · 1h 59m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
107 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 106.8 miles from Wrightsville Beach, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Michael Jordan Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 107.3 miles.
Arriving in High Point, NC
The final approach into High Point, 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 High Point, NC.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.18 one way
$68.37 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
75 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $37.25 | $74.49 |
| premium | $4.78 | $40.18 | $80.36 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $47.45 | $94.91 |
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: 74.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 64.1 | 0 | $22.43 | $10.25 |
| Efficient EV | 53.4 | 0 | $18.69 | $8.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 85.4 | 1 | $29.90 | $13.67 |
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 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
High Point, NC
Afternoon in High Point on Sunday
Local time
2:55 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
15 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
4h 11m 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 Wrightsville Beach, NC to High Point, NC covers 213.6 miles and takes about 4h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Michael Jordan Highway, US 64, Isaac Brooks Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 106.8 miles from Wrightsville Beach, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.18 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 20 significant decision points across 213.6 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 138.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 196.4 miles (US 421): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196.6 miles (US 421): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Wrightsville Beach, NC and High Point, NC, road signs point toward Pittsboro, Durham and Charlotte.
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