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Trip from Belmont, NC to Rocky Mount, NC

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 27m

Distance

232.4 mi

374 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 14m ★
6 AM
4h 27m
8 AM
4h 54m
10 AM
4h 36m
12 PM
4h 34m
3 PM
4h 38m
5 PM
4h 52m
8 PM
4h 19m

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

city in North Carolina, United States

Belmont, NC

Wikimedia Commons

city in Edgecombe and Nash counties in the coastal plain region North Carolina, United States

Rocky Mount, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 232.4-mile journey from Belmont, NC to Rocky Mount, NC is a manageable 1-day road trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-40, the Cameron Morrison Bridge, and US-64, this drive is mostly highway-focused, with 71% of the route on faster roads. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, it's an economical option for a single-day excursion. The route stays within the Southeast region, offering a straightforward drive across North Carolina. This trip is well-suited for those looking for a direct and efficient way to travel between these two points.

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

116.2 miles from Belmont, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 67.1 mi 1h 17m
Cameron Morrison Bridge 59.4 mi 1h 8m
US 64 33.3 mi 36m
I 85 32.8 mi 35m
I 87 16.8 mi 17m
I 440 9.2 mi 11m
US 29 5.9 mi 6m
Wade Avenue 3.1 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 67.1 mi, about 1h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Belmont, NC and Rocky Mount, NC.

1

Start on this road

121 ft · 14 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto Glenway Street

355 ft · 19 sec · Glenway Street
3

Turn right onto NC 7

0.3 mi · 39 sec · Catawba Street
4

Turn left onto NC 273

0.9 mi · 1 min · Park Street
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 85 North Use the right lane.
6

Merge onto I 85

0.4 mi · 27 sec · Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
7

Continue on I 85

59 mi · 1 hr 8 min · Cameron Morrison Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85

33 mi · 35 min · I 85
Toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto US 29

5.9 mi · 6 min · US 29
Toward US 29, US 70 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

37 mi · 42 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

30 mi · 34 min · I 40
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728

3.1 mi · 3 min · Wade Avenue
Exit 289 Toward Wade Avenue Use the slight right lane.
13

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 440 East, US 1 North: Wake Forest
14

Merge onto I 440; US 1

9.2 mi · 11 min · I 440; US 1
Use the straight lane.
15

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 57 sec
Toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville Use the slight right lane.
16

Merge onto I 87; US 64; US 264

17 mi · 17 min · I 87; US 64; US 264
17

Keep slight left at fork onto US 64

33 mi · 36 min · US 64
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
19

Turn left onto NC 97

1.2 mi · 2 min · Atlantic Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Turn left onto US 64 BUS

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Tarboro Street
21

Turn slight right onto Cokey Road

223 ft · 5 sec · Cokey Road
22

Arrive at destination

Cokey Road

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour, 27-minute duration, starting your drive from Belmont, NC early in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 67.1-mile stretch on I-40, as services can be spaced out on interstates. The estimated fuel cost of $36 means you won't break the bank on gas for this 232.4-mile trip, allowing for comfortable travel.

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 116.2 miles from Belmont, NC, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.1 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 51 miles or 1h in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 116.2 miles or 2h 13m 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 40m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rocky Mount, NC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Belmont, 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 Belmont, NC

This is one driving day of about 232.4 miles and 4h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Belmont, 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 67.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Graham, NC

116 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.

Popular next leg

Graham, NC to Rocky Mount, NC

111.4 mi · 2h 9m

Pacing Suggestions

Clinton, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Graham, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 116.2 miles from Belmont, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.1 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor & Coffee Shop

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Charlotte, North Carolina

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 16.6

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+17045953344

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

Verb Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.2

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17049604163

Visit website

Koco Java coffee llc

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Salisbury, North Carolina

1.3 mi

French Express Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kannapolis, North Carolina

1.8 mi

Waraji Japanese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 166

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+19197831883

Visit website

Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor & Coffee Shop

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 16.6

Charlotte, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+17045953344

Visit website

El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 232.4

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12524435094

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 166

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Verb Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.2

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17049604163

Visit website

Koco Java coffee llc

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 49.8

Salisbury, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+19802480633

Visit website

French Express Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.2

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17049325282

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House University

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 16.6

Charlotte, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+19802072888

Visit website

CROWN STATION Coffee House & Pub

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 16.6

Charlotte, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17049102249

Visit website

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.2

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.2

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Editions - Coffee and Bookstore

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.2

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17049251406

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 116.2

Burlington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13365840201

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 232.4

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 149.4

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

+18889982546

EV Connect Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 116.2

Burlington, North Carolina

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 116.2

Burlington, North Carolina

+13365841115

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 132.8

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Universal Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 232.4

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663502738

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 232.4

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Bell Tower Green

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 49.8

Salisbury, North Carolina

+17046370511

Visit website

Piedmont Wildlife Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 149.4

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19194890900

Visit website

Lake Crabtree County Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 166

Morrisville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+19194603390

Visit website

North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 33.2

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+17049342320

Visit website

Alamance County Historical Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 116.2

Burlington, NC

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+13362268254

Visit website

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 99.6

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 182.6

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 12–8 pm

+19199484450

Visit website

Lake Lynn Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 166

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19199962911

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 61.3 and 180 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
61.3 mi into trip | ~1h 12m in | I 85

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85 toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point

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 North: Greensboro, High Point
8
94.2 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in | US 29

Keep slight right at fork onto US 29 toward US 29, US 70

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 29, US 70
7
136.8 mi into trip | ~2h 37m 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
167.1 mi into trip | ~3h 12m 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
7
180 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in

Take the exit toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Roc...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.34 one way

$72.68 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 81 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $39.74 $79.47
premium $4.70 $43.01 $86.02
diesel $5.61 $51.31 $102.62

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 81.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 69.7 0 $24.40 $11.16
Efficient EV 58.1 0 $20.34 $9.30
EV Truck/SUV 93 1 $32.54 $14.87

Gas CO2

81 kg

EV CO2

27 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 as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Belmont, NC

Late night in Belmont on Sunday

Local time

4:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Rocky Mount, NC

Late night in Rocky Mount on Sunday

Local time

4:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Graham, NC

116 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

4h 27m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 4-hour, 27-minute trip, with 71% of the mileage on faster roads like I-40 and US-64. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 67.1 miles on I-40, providing a good opportunity to maintain a steady pace. While much of the drive is on major thoroughfares, the inclusion of US-64 may introduce more varied scenery and potentially local traffic as you approach your destination. The Cameron Morrison Bridge offers a functional, rather than scenic, crossing.

71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 67.1 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Cameron Morrison Bridge. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 61.3 miles in near I 85.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 18 significant decision points across 232.4 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 61.3 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.2 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Belmont, NC and Rocky Mount, NC, road signs point toward High Point, Wilson and Greenville.

High Point

61.3 mi in | ~1h 12m | via I 85

Wilson

180 mi in | ~3h 28m

Greenville

180 mi in | ~3h 28m

About the Cities

Starting in Belmont, NC

Full guide →

Belmont is a suburban town west of the major city of Charlotte in U.S. State of North Carolina.

Arriving in Rocky Mount, NC

Full guide →

Rocky Mount is a city in North Carolina. Its dawning days were more or less centered around cotton mills in the early 19th century, though it was settled as early as the 1700s by Europeans. Eventually tobacco became the prized crop and warehouses and rail stations sprung up to export this commodity. Rocky Mount, though with a reputation tarnished somewhat by crime and urban decay, is the birthplace of Mike Tyson and Hardee's fast food restaurants and where Jim Thorpe debuted with the Rocky Mountain Railroaders and Jack Kerouac wrote parts of "The Dharma Bums" during his visits there.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 27m. Total distance: 232.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 67.1 miles on I 40. 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 Rocky Mount, 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 61.3 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.2 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Rocky Mount, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner 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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