Spanning 337.6 miles across North Carolina, this trip from Andrews to West Raleigh typically takes about 6 hours and 44 minutes. Because you are traveling from the mountainous Southeast region toward the state capital, you should budget approximately $54 for fuel to complete the journey. While it is technically possible to complete this drive in a single day, the duration makes it a significant commitment behind the wheel. You will primarily utilize US 74, I-40, and US 19 to navigate between these two points. Consider your personal stamina before heading out, as this highway-focused route requires sustained attention throughout the day.
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
168.8 miles from Andrews, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 74
184.2 mi
3h 32m
I 40
76.6 mi
1h 29m
US 19
59.4 mi
1h 15m
US Highway 19
9.9 mi
12m
Wade Avenue
3.9 mi
5m
Hillsborough Street
1.3 mi
3m
Business 19
1.2 mi
2m
Main Street
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 74
— 184.2 mi, about 3h 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Andrews, NC and West Raleigh, NC.
1
Start on Cherry Street
72 ft·10 sec·Cherry Street
2
Turn left onto US 19 Business
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
3
Continue on US 19 Business
1.0 mi·1 min·Business 19
4
Take the ramp onto US 19 Business
0.2 mi·12 sec·Business 19
Toward Bryson City
5
Merge onto US 19; US 74; US 129
6.9 mi·10 min·US 19; US 74; US 129
6
Continue on US 19; US 74
9.9 mi·12 min·US Highway 19
7
Turn left onto US 19; US 74
52 mi·1 hr 5 min·US 19; US 74
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74; US 64 Truck
184 mi·3 hr 32 min·US 74; US 64 Truck
Toward I 40 East: AshevilleUse the straight lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
7.8 mi·9 min·I 40
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, MartinsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 40; US 29; US 220
1.8 mi·2 min·I 40; US 29; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi·42 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
30 mi·34 min·I 40
Toward I 40 East: RaleighUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728
3.9 mi·5 min·Wade Avenue
Exit 289Toward Wade AvenueUse the slight right lane.
14
Turn right onto Faircloth Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Faircloth Street
15
Turn left onto Hillsborough Street
0.4 mi·47 sec·Hillsborough Street
16
Enter roundabout onto Hillsborough Street
73 ft·1 sec·Hillsborough Street
17
Continue on Hillsborough Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Hillsborough Street
18
Enter roundabout onto Hillsborough Street
74 ft·1 sec·Hillsborough Street
19
Continue on Hillsborough Street
0.2 mi·20 sec·Hillsborough Street
20
Enter roundabout onto Hillsborough Street
74 ft·1 sec·Hillsborough Street
21
Continue on Hillsborough Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Hillsborough Street
22
Turn left onto Enterprise Street
71 ft·2 sec·Enterprise Street
Use the left lane.
23
Arrive at destination
Enterprise Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a nearly seven-hour drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential congestion as you approach the West Raleigh area. With a total fuel cost of $54, you might consider topping off your tank before departing Andrews to avoid price fluctuations along the interstate. Because the longest stretch is 184.2 miles, try to time your break somewhere in the middle of that segment to keep your focus sharp. Flexibility is a major advantage here; if you feel fatigued, don't hesitate to extend your stop to ensure you arrive in West Raleigh safely.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 168.8 miles from Andrews, NC, or about 3h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 184.2 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 74 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 168.8 miles or 3h 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 5h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Raleigh, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Andrews, 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 Andrews, NC
This is one driving day of about 337.6 miles and 6h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Andrews, 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 US 74 for about 184.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 71.1 and 331.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
71.1 mi into trip|~1h 32m in|US 74; US 64 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74; US 64 Truck toward I 40 East: Asheville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 40 East: Asheville
8
255.4 mi into trip|~5h 5m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
6
264.9 mi into trip|~5h 17m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
301.6 mi into trip|~5h 59m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Raleigh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
8
331.9 mi into trip|~6h 34m in|SR 1728 / Wade Avenue
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728 / Wade Avenue toward Wade Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 289
Toward Wade Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.79 one way
$105.59 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg118 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$57.72
$115.45
premium
$4.70
$62.48
$124.97
diesel
$5.61
$74.54
$149.08
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 118.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
101.3
1
$35.45
$16.20
Efficient EV
84.4
0
$29.54
$13.50
EV Truck/SUV
135
1
$47.26
$21.61
Gas CO2
118 kg
EV CO2
39 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Andrews, NC
Night
in Andrews on Saturday
Local time
9:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
West Raleigh, NC
Night
in West Raleigh on Saturday
Local time
9:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Sunny
SW 6 to 14 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 6:18AM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 5:50AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
74°F
Boiling Springs, NC
169 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.
Road read
6h 44m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Park
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of it...
13 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 34.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a very efficient trip, as 98% of this route is comprised of highway driving. You will spend a substantial portion of your time on US 74, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the journey at 184.2 miles. The road’s personality is defined by these fast, high-capacity corridors, making the experience more about steady progress than winding backroads. As you transition from the western part of the state toward the center, the character of the road remains consistent, favoring speed and directness. Keep your eyes on the road, as the highway-focused nature of the trip keeps traffic moving at a brisk, steady pace.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 184.2 mi on US 74.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 74 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 71.1 miles in near US 74; US 64 Truck.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 337.6 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 71.1 miles (US 74; US 64 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 255.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 264.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,725 ft302 ft
Total Climb
1,206 ft
Total Descent
2,584 ft
Highest Point
2,725 ft
~72.3 mi in
Elevation Range
2,423 ft
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 Andrews, NC to West Raleigh, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Martinsville along the way.
Martinsville
255.4 mi in|~5h 5m|via I 40
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 44m. Total distance: 337.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 44m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 184.2 miles on US 74. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at West Raleigh, NC before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 71.1 miles (US 74; US 64 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 255.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 264.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at West Raleigh, NC before the return drive.
