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Trip from Clayton, NC to High Point, NC

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 10m

Distance

108.4 mi

174 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 1m ★
6 AM
2h 10m
8 AM
2h 29m
10 AM
2h 17m
12 PM
2h 15m
3 PM
2h 18m
5 PM
2h 28m
8 PM
2h 5m

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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town in North Carolina

Clayton, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 108.4-mile drive from Clayton, NC, to High Point, NC, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey perfect for a single day trip. Expect to spend about 2 hours and 10 minutes on the road, with 95% of your travel on major highways. The estimated fuel cost is around $17, making it an economical option. Since the origin and destination are both in North Carolina's Southeast region, you'll stay within a familiar landscape. This route is designed for efficient travel, allowing you to reach your destination with minimal fuss.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

54.2 miles from Clayton, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dan K Moore Freeway 69.7 mi 1h 20m
US 29 12.5 mi 13m
Thomas Bradshaw Freeway 8.5 mi 9m
I 40 7.7 mi 9m
US 70 4.3 mi 5m
Clayton Boulevard 2.4 mi 3m
South Main Street 1.6 mi 2m
North Lombard Street 0.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Dan K Moore Freeway — 69.7 mi, about 1h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on North Lombard Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Lombard Street
2

Turn right onto Hamby Street

427 ft · 15 sec · Hamby Street
3

Turn left onto Barbour Street

0.2 mi · 33 sec · Barbour Street
4

Turn straight onto US 70

2.4 mi · 3 min · Clayton Boulevard
5

Continue on US 70

4.3 mi · 5 min · US 70
6

Take the ramp

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 40 West: Raleigh
7

Merge onto I 40

7.4 mi · 8 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on I 40; US 64

2.7 mi · 3 min · Dan K Moore Freeway
9

Continue on I 40; US 64

1.1 mi · 1 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
10

Continue on I 40; US 64

67 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Dan K Moore Freeway
Use the straight lane.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

7.7 mi · 9 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto US 29

5.4 mi · 5 min · US 29
Toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70 West: Charlotte Use the left lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto US 29

7.1 mi · 7 min · US 29
Toward US 29 South Use the slight right lane.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward South Main Street, Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn right onto South Main Street

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
16

Arrive at destination

South Main Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 2-hour and 10-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable as a day trip. Consider departing Clayton, NC, in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic on the Dan K Moore Freeway. With 95% of the route on highways and a fuel cost of approximately $17, you likely won't need many stops, but it's always wise to utilize rest areas on the Dan K Moore Freeway for breaks. The longest stretch is nearly 70 miles, so plan for a break before or after that segment if needed.

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 54.2 miles from Clayton, NC, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.7 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 24 miles or 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 54.2 miles or 1h 6m 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 46m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near High Point, 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 108.4 miles and 2h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Clayton, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Dan K Moore Freeway for about 69.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in and county seat of Orange County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hillsborough, NC

54 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

Hillsborough, NC to High Point, NC

56 mi · 1h 7m

Pacing Suggestions

Cary, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hillsborough, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 54.2 miles from Clayton, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Dan K Moore Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.7 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · first break window

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

Near the start, short detour

First break · 19min in 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

1.9 mi

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Waraji Japanese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+19197831883

Visit website

1922

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm

+19849994195

Visit website

Triangle Coffee House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+19842191215

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Burlington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13365840201

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Haw River, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Children's Museum of Alamance County

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13362287997

Visit website

Gold Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Hillsborough, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19197321270

Visit website

Washington Terrace Community Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

High Point, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13368838599

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

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

Graham Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Haw River, North Carolina

+13365706718

Visit website

Piedmont Wildlife Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19194890900

Visit website

Lake Crabtree County Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Morrisville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+19194603390

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 106.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | Barbour Street

Turn left onto Barbour Street

Navigation decision point

6
86.3 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
94 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in | US 29

Keep slight left at fork onto US 29 toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70 West: Charlotte

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

Use the left lane. Toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70...
7
99.3 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in | US 29

Keep slight right at fork onto US 29 toward US 29 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 29 South
7
106.5 mi into trip | ~2h 6m in

Take the exit toward South Main Street, Downtown

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward South Main Street, Downtown

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.95 one way

$33.90 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 38 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $18.53 $37.07
premium $4.70 $20.06 $40.13
diesel $5.61 $23.93 $47.87

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 37.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 32.5 0 $11.38 $5.20
Efficient EV 27.1 0 $9.49 $4.34
EV Truck/SUV 43.4 0 $15.18 $6.94

Gas CO2

38 kg

EV CO2

13 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 20, 2026

Origin

Clayton, NC

Late night in Clayton on Tuesday

Local time

4:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

High Point, NC

Late night in High Point on Tuesday

Local time

4:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

55°F

Hillsborough, NC

54 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

2h 10m 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?

The character of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 95% of the 108.4 miles utilizing major freeways like the Dan K Moore Freeway and US 29. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 69.7 miles on the Dan K Moore Freeway, which means consistent speed and minimal need for navigation. While primarily a freeway experience, the Thomas Bradshaw Freeway offers a slight shift in scenery as you approach your destination. This is a route built for covering ground efficiently rather than for winding scenic exploration.

95% 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: 69.7 mi on Dan K Moore Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Dan K Moore Freeway and US 29. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near Barbour Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 108.4 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 0.5 miles (Barbour Street): Navigation decision point; at 86.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 94 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in High Point, NC

Full guide →

High Point is part of the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina, along with Greensboro and Winston-Salem. High Point is often referred to as the furniture capital of the world due not only to the large number of furniture manufactures in the area, but also because of the International Home Furnishings Markets held each spring and fall. Over 8 million square feet of showroom space is used to draw over 70,000 people from all over the world to each market. This nearly doubles the population of High Point resulting in an economic boom to the entire Triad Area as hotel and motel rooms sell out and many residents rent out rooms, floors, or even their entire home for all or part of the 7 to 10 days during the market period.

Top landmarks

  • • Highland Cotton Mills Village Historic District — historic district in High Point, North Carolina
  • • Pickett Cotton Mills — historic industrial property at 1200 Redding Drive in southwestern High Point, N...

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 2h 10m. Total distance: 108.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 69.7 miles on Dan K Moore Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 High Point, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (Barbour Street): Navigation decision point; at 86.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 94 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at High Point, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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