Bent Creek, NC to Fayetteville, NC is 248.2 miles and takes about 5h 24m via Andrew Jackson Highway and Fayetteville Road, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within North Carolina, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Expect a drive that's mostly on surface roads, offering a more local feel than a pure interstate experience. With a single recommended day and a relatively short duration, this route is manageable for most drivers looking for a straightforward connection between these two areas.
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
124.1 miles from Bent Creek, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 34m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Andrew Jackson Highway
40.3 mi
49m
Fayetteville Road
21.8 mi
25m
Monroe Expressway
18.7 mi
21m
Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway
18.2 mi
19m
Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
17.6 mi
21m
James A. Callahan Highway
15.2 mi
17m
Plank Road
13.1 mi
18m
W. Cliff Martin Highway
12.8 mi
17m
Longest stretch:
Andrew Jackson Highway
— 40.3 mi, about 49m
Traffic on I-85
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 34 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~5,186 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~653 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bent Creek, NC and Fayetteville, NC.
1
Start on Sarge Lane
198 ft·10 sec·Sarge Lane
2
Turn left onto Bent Creek Ranch Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Bent Creek Ranch Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto Bent Creek Ranch Road
0.3 mi·41 sec·Bent Creek Ranch Road
4
Turn right onto NC 191
3.0 mi·5 min·Brevard Road
5
Turn left onto NC 146
1.6 mi·3 min·Long Shoals Road
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
7
Merge onto I 26; US 74; US 64 Truck
16 mi·19 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 26; US 74
12 mi·14 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
9
Take the exit onto US 74
0.3 mi·18 sec·Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway
Exit 67Toward US 74 East, NC 108: Columbus, RutherfordtonUse the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
0.2 mi·10 sec·Sergeant W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway
Toward US 74 East: Forest City, Rutherfordton
11
Continue on US 74
18 mi·19 min·Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway
12
Continue on US 74
15 mi·17 min·James A. Callahan Highway
13
Take the exit onto US 74
12 mi·17 min·West Dixon Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Continue on US 74
1.8 mi·2 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
15
Continue on US 74
6.8 mi·7 min·Senator J. Ollie Harris Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi·7 sec
Toward I 85, US 29 South: Charlotte, Spartanburg
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·55 sec
Toward I 85 North: Gastonia, CharlotteUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 85
18 mi·21 min·Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on I 85
8.5 mi·10 min·Cameron Morrison Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 36Toward NC 16: Brookshire Boulevard, Downtown CharlotteUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork
386 ft·11 sec
Toward NC 16 South: Downtown Charlotte, Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte, Bank of America StadiumUse the left / right lanes.
22
Merge onto NC 16
0.3 mi·21 sec·Brookshire Boulevard
23
Continue on NC 16
3.6 mi·5 min·Brookshire Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 2BToward US 74 East, NC 27 East: Independence BoulevardUse the slight left / straight lanes.
25
Merge onto US 74; NC 27
3.3 mi·4 min·East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
357 ft·4 sec·East Independence Boulevard
Toward US 74 East
27
Continue on US 74
2.1 mi·2 min·East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on US 74
2.4 mi·3 min·East Independence Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on US 74
4.5 mi·6 min·Independence Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP
19 mi·21 min·Monroe Expressway
Exit 255Toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, WilmingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Merge onto US 74
0.3 mi·27 sec·Carroll M. Edwards Highway
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 74
2.9 mi·5 min·West Marshville Boulevard
33
Continue on US 74
2.5 mi·3 min·Carroll M. Edwards Highway
34
Continue on US 74
6.1 mi·8 min·W. Cliff Martin Highway
Use the straight lane.
35
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
6.7 mi·9 min·W. Cliff Martin Highway
36
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
0.7 mi·1 min·Salisbury Street
37
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
2.4 mi·4 min·West Caswell Street
38
Continue on US 74
10 mi·13 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
39
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 BUS
5.3 mi·7 min·US 74 BUS
Exit 306Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business East: Rockingham, AsheboroUse the slight right lane.
40
Turn left onto West Green Street
0.9 mi·1 min·West Green Street
41
At end of road, turn left onto US 1
21 mi·24 min·Fayetteville Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
42
Turn right onto Addor Road
1.6 mi·2 min·Addor Road
43
Continue on Addor Road
2.5 mi·3 min·Addor Road
44
At end of road, turn left onto Ashemont Road
0.4 mi·45 sec·Ashemont Road
45
Enter roundabout onto Ashemont Road
135 ft·2 sec·Ashemont Road
46
Continue on Ashemont Road
1.2 mi·1 min·Ashemont Road
47
Keep slight left at fork onto Ashemont Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Ashemont Road
48
Continue on Army Road
3.6 mi·5 min·Army Road
49
Continue on Plank Road
13 mi·18 min·Plank Road
50
Turn right onto Wayside Road
1.6 mi·2 min·Wayside Road
51
Turn left onto US 401
0.8 mi·1 min·Fayetteville Road
Use the straight lane.
52
Continue on US 401
1.4 mi·1 min·Raeford Road
Use the straight lane.
53
Continue on US 401
9.5 mi·15 min·South Raeford Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
54
Continue on Arsenal Avenue
362 ft·11 sec·Arsenal Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
55
Turn left onto Highland Avenue
0.1 mi·17 sec·Highland Avenue
56
Turn right onto Hay Street
1.2 mi·1 min·Hay Street
Use the right lane.
57
Enter roundabout onto Market Square
369 ft·5 sec·Market Square
58
Arrive at destination
Market Square
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour-plus drive time, consider an early morning departure from Bent Creek to maximize daylight, especially since you'll be on surface roads for much of the trip. The recommended single day means you can focus on reaching Fayetteville without needing an overnight stop. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the $39 estimated cost is based on the total mileage, and stations may be less frequent on some surface road sections. A good pacing strategy would be to take one longer break around the halfway point. Since you have flexibility, you can adjust your timing based on local traffic conditions.
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 124.1 miles from Bent Creek, NC, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.3 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 55 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.1 miles or 2h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fayetteville, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bent Creek, 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 Bent Creek, NC
This is one driving day of about 248.2 miles and 5h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Bent Creek, 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 40.3 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 33
5 decision points cluster between mile 33.7 and 182.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
33.7 mi into trip|~44m in|US 74 / Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway
Take the exit onto US 74 / Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway toward US 74 East, NC 108: Columbus, Rutherfordton
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 67
Toward US 74 East, NC 108: Columbus, Rutherford...
8
88.4 mi into trip|~1h 50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 85 North: Gastonia, 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 North: Gastonia, Charlotte
9
115.6 mi into trip|~2h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NC 16 South: Downtown Charlotte, Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte, Bank of America Stadium
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward NC 16 South: Downtown Charlotte, Brooksh...
9
132.4 mi into trip|~2h 46m in|US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, Wilmington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 255
Toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, Wilm...
9
182.9 mi into trip|~3h 53m in|US 74 BUS
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 BUS toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business East: Rockingham, Asheboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 306
Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business Ea...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.43 one way
$78.86 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$43.00
$85.99
premium
$4.78
$46.71
$93.42
diesel
$6.18
$60.38
$120.76
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.5
0
$26.06
$11.91
Efficient EV
62.1
0
$21.72
$9.93
EV Truck/SUV
99.3
1
$34.75
$15.88
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Bent Creek, NC
Late night
in Bent Creek on Tuesday
Local time
4:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Sunny
NNW 1 to 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 19 at 8:05AM EDT until October 20 at 1:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 19 at 4:09AM EDT until October 21 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Fayetteville, NC
Late night
in Fayetteville on Tuesday
Local time
4:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Sunny
N 14 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 19 at 8:05AM EDT until October 20 at 1:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 19 at 4:09AM EDT until October 21 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
71°F
Monroe, NC
124 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
1 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
5h 24m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features a low highway share, with only 13% of the total distance on limited-access roads. The longest stretch on a single road is 40.3 miles along Andrew Jackson Highway. After this, you'll transition to surface roads like Fayetteville Road and Monroe Expressway. Expect to encounter more traffic signals and local intersections as you move away from any highway segments.
Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
58 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 40.3 mi on Andrew Jackson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 33.7 miles in near US 74 / Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway.
Driving Effort10/10
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 33 significant decision points across 248.2 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 33.7 miles (US 74 / Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,204 ft102 ft
Total Climb
179 ft
Total Descent
2,280 ft
Highest Point
2,204 ft
Elevation Range
2,102 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bent Creek, NC and Fayetteville, NC, road signs point toward Rutherfordton, Spartanburg, Charlotte, Bank Of America Stadium, Wilmington and Asheboro.
Fayetteville is a city in Cumberland County, in the western part of the North Carolina Coastal Plain region. It is the county seat of Cumberland County, and is best known as the home of Fort Bragg/Liberty/Bragg (the name of which changed thrice in as many years,) a major U.S. Army installation northwest of the city.
Fayetteville has received the prestigious All-America City Award from the National Civic League three times. According to the 2020 United States Census estimate, the city has a population of 208,501. It ranks as the sixth-largest municipality in North Carolina.
With an estimated population of 529,252, the Fayetteville metropolitan area is the largest in southeastern North Carolina, and the fifth-largest in the state.
Top landmarks
•Fayetteville — railway station in Fayetteville, the United States of America
•Airborne & Special Operations Museum — museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 24m. Total distance: 248.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 40.3 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway. 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 Fayetteville, 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 33.7 miles (US 74 / Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fayetteville, NC before the return drive.
