Trip from Clayton, NC to Concord, NC

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

Drive Time

3h 5m

Distance

135.7 mi

218 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min

4 AM

2h 54m ★

6 AM

3h 6m

8 AM

3h 29m

10 AM

3h 14m

12 PM

3h 11m

3 PM

3h 15m

5 PM

3h 28m

8 PM

2h 59m

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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Clayton, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Concord, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 135.7-mile drive from Clayton, NC, to Concord, NC, is a solid day trip, estimated to take just over 3 hours to complete. Primarily utilizing US 64 and NC 49, with a significant portion on the Triangle Expressway, this route is largely highway-focused. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, it's an economical journey through the Southeast region. Consider tackling this drive in one go, as it's well-suited for a single day, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination. The single recommended stop along the way should be enough to break up the drive comfortably.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

67.9 miles from Clayton, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 64	50.8 mi	1h 10m
NC 49	40.7 mi	53m
Triangle Expressway	21.4 mi	22m
NC 73	7.5 mi	11m
East Dixie Drive	3.5 mi	6m
Veterans Parkway	3 mi	5m
Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway	3 mi	3m
Richard K. Pugh Highway	1.8 mi	2m

Longest stretch: US 64 — 50.8 mi, about 1h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Clayton, NC and Concord, NC.

Start on North Lombard Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Lombard Street

Continue on Veterans Parkway

3.0 mi · 5 min · Veterans Parkway

Use the straight lane.

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 54 sec

Merge onto I 42

3.0 mi · 3 min · Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 43 sec

Exit 318 Toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min

Toward NC 540 Toll West

Merge onto NC 540 Toll

21 mi · 22 min · Triangle Expressway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Exit 59A-B Toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 46 sec

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Exit 59B Toward US 64 West: Pittsboro Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto US 64

51 mi · 1 hr 10 min · US 64

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 64 BUS; NC 49

1.8 mi · 2 min · Richard K. Pugh Highway

Toward US 64 Business West, NC 49 South: Asheboro Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 64 BUS; NC 49

3.5 mi · 6 min · East Dixie Drive

Use the straight lane.

Turn slight right

312 ft · 11 sec

Turn slight right onto Brookway Road

314 ft · 12 sec · Brookway Road

Turn sharp left onto Albemarle Road

0.3 mi · 23 sec · Albemarle Road

Continue on NC 49

9.9 mi · 13 min · NC 49

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on NC 49

31 mi · 39 min · NC 49

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min

Turn right onto NC 73

7.5 mi · 11 min · NC 73

Continue on Corban Avenue Southeast

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Corban Avenue Southeast

Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Spring Street Southwest

Arrive at destination

Spring Street Southwest

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour, 135.7-mile drive, an early morning departure from Clayton, NC, will help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Triangle Expressway. With a fuel cost estimated at $21, keeping your tank full is advisable, though the drive is short enough that major refueling stops are unlikely to be a concern. Given the relatively short duration, you have the flexibility to make your single recommended stop whenever you feel the need for a break, perhaps midway through the 50.8-mile stretch on US 64. Arriving in Concord, NC, with plenty of daylight will allow you to make the most of your destination.

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 67.9 miles from Clayton, NC, or about 1h 30m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.8 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 30 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 67.9 miles or 1h 30m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 31m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Clayton, 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 Clayton, NC

This is one driving day of about 135.7 miles and 3h 5m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Clayton, 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 64 for about 50.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Archdale, NC

68 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

Apex, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Greensboro, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.9 miles from Clayton, 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

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 135.7

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

1.3 mi

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

1.8 mi

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.4

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 135.7

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 87.3

Asheboro, North Carolina

+18333994638

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 58.2

Siler City, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 67.9

Siler City, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

East Clayton Community Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Clayton, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+19195531550

Visit website

Lake Benson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 9.7

Garner, North Carolina

+19197734442

Visit website

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 19.4

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 10:30 am–10:30 pm

+19194380798

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 6.9 and 86.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6.9 mi into trip | ~11m in

Take the exit toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington

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

Exit 318 Toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington

29.6 mi into trip | ~36m in

Take the exit toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro

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

Exit 59A-B Toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro

30.1 mi into trip | ~37m 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

81.2 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in | US 64 BUS; NC 49 / Richard K. Pugh Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 64 BUS; NC 49 / Richard K. Pugh Highway toward US 64 Business West, NC 49 South: Asheboro

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 64 Business West, NC 49 South: Ashebo...

86.6 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in | Albemarle Road

Turn sharp left onto Albemarle Road

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.22 one way

$42.44 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$23.20	$46.41
premium	$4.70	$25.12	$50.23
diesel	$5.61	$29.96	$59.92

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 47.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	40.7	$14.25	$6.51
Efficient EV	33.9	$11.87	$5.43
EV Truck/SUV	54.3	$19.00	$8.68

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (66% 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

Clayton, NC

Night in Clayton on Saturday

Local time

10:47 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Concord, NC

Night in Concord on Saturday

Local time

10:47 PM

EDT

Current temp

50°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

1 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

3h 5m 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 predominantly highway-focused experience on this 135.7-mile journey, with 91% of the drive taking place on high-speed roads. You'll encounter stretches on US 64, NC 49, and the Triangle Expressway, contributing to a fast-paced drive. The longest uninterrupted segment spans 50.8 miles on US 64, offering a good period of consistent travel. While the specific road conditions can vary, the overall profile suggests a drive characterized by efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways.

91% 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: 50.8 mi on US 64.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 64 and NC 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.9 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 14 significant decision points across 135.7 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 6.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.1 miles: 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.

On the drive from Clayton, NC to Concord, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Pittsboro along the way.

Pittsboro

29.6 mi in | ~36m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 5m. Total distance: 135.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 50.8 miles on US 64. 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 Concord, 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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Concord, 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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Explore more options from Clayton, NC or browse trips ending in Concord, NC.

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Trip from Clayton, NC to Concord, NC

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

Verb Coffee

French Express Coffee House

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

InCharge Energy Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

East Clayton Community Park

Lake Benson Park

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Clayton, NC

Concord, NC

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 5m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Concord, NC

More from Clayton, NC

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