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Trip from Burnsville, NC to Greensboro, NC

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

Drive Time

1h 59m

Distance

89.4 mi

144 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

7 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 51m ★
6 AM
2h 0m
8 AM
2h 17m
10 AM
2h 6m
12 PM
2h 4m
3 PM
2h 7m
5 PM
2h 16m
8 PM
1h 55m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Burnsville, NC, NC

Burnsville, NC

Mark Stebnicki

Trip Overview

This 89.4-mile drive from Burnsville, NC, to Greensboro, NC, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in under two hours. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, it's an economical option for a day trip. The route primarily utilizes NC 49 and I-73, offering a largely highway-focused experience. Since it's a short journey, you won't need to worry about overnight stays, giving you flexibility in your departure and arrival times. This drive efficiently connects two points within the Southeast region, making it a practical transit for those moving between these areas.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

44.7 miles from Burnsville, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NC 49 28.5 mi 36m
I 73 24.1 mi 27m
Millingport Road 13.7 mi 19m
NC 742 11.6 mi 16m
Running Creek Church Road 3.2 mi 4m
Freeman Mill Road 3 mi 4m
NC 205 1.7 mi 3m
NC 24 1.4 mi 2m
Longest stretch: NC 49 — 28.5 mi, about 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Burnsville, NC and Greensboro, NC.

1

Start on NC 742

12 mi · 16 min · NC 742
2

Continue on NC 205

1.7 mi · 3 min · NC 205
3

Turn left onto NC 24; NC 27

1.4 mi · 2 min · NC 24; NC 27
4

Turn sharp right onto Running Creek Church Road

3.2 mi · 4 min · Running Creek Church Road
5

At end of road, turn right onto Millingport Road

14 mi · 19 min · Millingport Road
6

Continue on South Main Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
7

Turn right onto NC 49

28 mi · 36 min · NC 49
Use the straight / right lanes.
8

Continue on Albemarle Road

0.4 mi · 40 sec · Albemarle Road
9

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec
10

Merge onto I 73; I 74; US 220

6.5 mi · 8 min · I 73; I 74; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 73; US 220

18 mi · 19 min · I 73; US 220
Toward I 73 North, US 220 North: Greensboro Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on Freeman Mill Road

2.4 mi · 3 min · Freeman Mill Road
Use the straight lane.
13

Turn straight onto Freeman Mill Road

0.6 mi · 53 sec · Freeman Mill Road
14

Continue on South Edgeworth Street

0.2 mi · 27 sec · South Edgeworth Street
Use the straight lane.
15

Turn right onto West Market Street

0.2 mi · 39 sec · West Market Street
Use the right lane.
16

Arrive at destination

West Market Street

Trip Plan

Given the 1 hour and 59-minute duration, this drive is perfectly suited for a single day, allowing you to leave whenever it's most convenient. Since there are no specified stops, you can easily plan for a quick fuel refill or a brief break if needed, perhaps during the 28.5-mile stretch on NC 49. With a $14 fuel cost, you'll want to ensure you start with a full tank to avoid unnecessary stops. The predominantly highway nature means you can maintain a steady pace, but always be aware of speed limit changes as you transition between NC 49 and I-73.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 44.7 miles from Burnsville, NC, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.5 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 20 miles or 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 44.7 miles or 1h 4m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 43m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Burnsville, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Burnsville, NC

This is one driving day of about 89.4 miles and 1h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Burnsville, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on NC 49 for about 28.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city and the county seat of Stanly County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Albemarle, NC

45 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

Albemarle, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Badin, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 44.7 miles from Burnsville, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 Coffee Stop

Milk & Honey Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oakboro, North Carolina

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 12.8

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

Visit website

Milk & Honey Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 12.8

Oakboro, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

Visit website

Greater Grounds Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 12.8

Locust, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+17047815119

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 63.9

Asheboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 63.9

Asheboro, North Carolina

+18333994638

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 63.9

Asheboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 63.9

Asheboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 83

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

Locust City Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 12.8

Locust, North Carolina

+17048885260

ICY RICH GIRLS MUSEUM

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 89.4

Greensboro, North Carolina

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13369474244

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 14.8 and 89.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
14.8 mi into trip | ~22m in | Running Creek Church Road

Turn sharp right onto Running Creek Church Road

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

4
18 mi into trip | ~26m in | Millingport Road

At end of road, turn right onto Millingport Road

Navigation decision point

5
61.9 mi into trip | ~1h 26m in | I 73; I 74; US 220

Merge onto I 73; I 74; US 220

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
68.3 mi into trip | ~1h 34m in | I 73; US 220

Keep slight left at fork onto I 73; US 220 toward I 73 North, US 220 North: Greensboro

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 73 North, US 220 North: Greensboro
7
89.2 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in | West Market Street

Turn right onto West Market Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.98 one way

$27.96 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 31 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $15.29 $30.57
premium $4.70 $16.55 $33.09
diesel $5.61 $19.74 $39.48

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 31.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

7 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Walmart 5320 (Greensboro, NC)

Greensboro, NC

Electrify America

8 DCFC

City of Asheboro Library

Asheboro, NC

EV Connect

2 DCFC

Bill Black Cadillac

GREENSBORO, NC

EV Connect

2 DCFC

REVUP1 MCDONALDS ASHBO

Asheboro, NC

ChargePoint Network

1 DCFC

Crown Nissan

Greensboro, NC

Non-Networked

1 DCFC

CGR GB AC

Greensboro, NC

Blink Network

1 DCFC

GREENSBOROHONDA CP250-2

Greensboro, NC

ChargePoint Network

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Network: 2 EV Connect: 2 Electrify America: 1 Non-Networked: 1 Blink Network: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26.8 0 $9.39 $4.29
Efficient EV 22.4 0 $7.82 $3.58
EV Truck/SUV 35.8 0 $12.52 $5.72

Gas CO2

31 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (68% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Burnsville, NC

Afternoon in Burnsville on Sunday

Local time

12:30 PM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Greensboro, NC

Afternoon in Greensboro on Sunday

Local time

12:30 PM

EDT

Current temp

58°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

8 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 59m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for about 75% of this 89.4-mile journey. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on faster roads like I-73, interspersed with stretches of NC 49. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 28.5 miles on NC 49, offering a good period of consistent travel. While not a winding scenic byway, this route provides efficient passage, transitioning from more rural settings to the developed areas around Greensboro. The character is practical and direct, prioritizing getting you to your destination smoothly.

75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.5 mi on NC 49.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NC 49 and I 73. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 14.8 miles in near Running Creek Church Road.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 59m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 14.8 miles (Running Creek Church Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 18 miles (Millingport Road): Navigation decision point; at 61.9 miles (I 73; I 74; US 220): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Greensboro, NC

Full guide →

Greensboro is a city of almost 300,000 people (2020) in North Carolina. It is named after Nathanael Greene, a Patriot general who fought a battle here during the Revolutionary War. It's nicknamed the "Gate City" for its historical role as a transportation hub for the Piedmont. The famous author William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, was born here. It can be sleepy and genteel but is enjoying a newfound reputation as a great place for young people. Downtown especially is experiencing a surfeit of bars, music venues and restaurants. Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point are the three cities that make up the Piedmont Triad, halfway between Raleigh and Charlotte.

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 1h 59m. Total distance: 89.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (75%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 28.5 miles on NC 49. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 14.8 miles (Running Creek Church Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 18 miles (Millingport Road): Navigation decision point; at 61.9 miles (I 73; I 74; US 220): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Greensboro, NC before heading back.

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, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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