Clinton, MD to Clayton, NC is 284.3 miles and takes about 5h 27m via I 95 and US 64, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you from the Northeast region down into the Southeast. With over 70% of the route on highways, expect a fairly direct trip. It's a manageable distance for a single day, making it a convenient option if you're looking to get to your destination without an overnight stop. Consider this a straightforward transit between the Mid-Atlantic and the Carolinas.
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
142.2 miles from Clinton, MD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
174.6 mi
3h 12m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
42.2 mi
45m
US 64
30.7 mi
32m
Capital Beltway (Local)
9.6 mi
12m
Branch Avenue
3.7 mi
4m
Capital Beltway
3.6 mi
4m
Medlin Road
3.2 mi
4m
Marshburn Road
2.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 174.6 mi, about 3h 12m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 119 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,042 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,679
Quietest
2 AM
~315 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Clinton, MD and Clayton, NC.
1
Start on this road
43 ft·5 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto MD 223
0.7 mi·1 min·Woodyard Road
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward MD 5 North: WashingtonUse the left lane.
4
Merge onto MD 5
3.7 mi·4 min·Branch Avenue
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South, I 495 South: Richmond, AlexandriaUse the slight right lane.
6
Merge onto I 95; I 495
3.6 mi·4 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495
9.6 mi·12 min·Capital Beltway (Local)
Toward I 95 Local, I 495 LocalUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
37 mi·43 min·I 95
Use the slight left lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Merge onto I 295
42 mi·45 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 95
89 mi·1 hr 35 min·I 95
Toward I 95 South: Emporia, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 138Toward US 64: Nashville, Rocky Mount, Raleigh
14
Keep slight right at fork
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward US 64 West: Nashville, Raleigh
15
Merge onto US 64
31 mi·32 min·US 64
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
17
Turn left onto Lizard Lick Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Lizard Lick Road
18
Continue on Marshburn Road
2.1 mi·3 min·Marshburn Road
19
Turn slight left onto US 64 Business
503 ft·8 sec·Wendell Boulevard
20
Turn right onto Wendell Falls Parkway
0.4 mi·57 sec·Wendell Falls Parkway
21
Turn left onto West 1st Street
365 ft·10 sec·West 1st Street
22
Turn right onto Meadow Lane
0.3 mi·38 sec·Meadow Lane
23
Turn left onto Landing Place Drive
0.2 mi·22 sec·Landing Place Drive
24
Turn right onto West Haywood Street
326 ft·7 sec·West Haywood Street
25
Continue on Lake Glad Road
1.8 mi·2 min·Lake Glad Road
26
At end of road, turn left onto Eagle Rock Road
0.7 mi·57 sec·Eagle Rock Road
27
Continue on Buffalo Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Buffalo Road
28
Turn right onto Lake Wendell Road
0.1 mi·11 sec·Lake Wendell Road
29
Turn left onto Medlin Road
3.2 mi·4 min·Medlin Road
30
Turn right onto Covered Bridge Road
1.9 mi·2 min·Covered Bridge Road
31
Continue on North O'Neil Street
2.0 mi·4 min·North O'Neil Street
32
Turn left onto West Front Street
0.1 mi·19 sec·West Front Street
33
Turn right onto North Church Street
413 ft·21 sec·North Church Street
34
Turn left onto East Main Street
0.2 mi·38 sec·East Main Street
35
Turn left onto North Lombard Street
86 ft·3 sec·North Lombard Street
36
Arrive at destination
North Lombard Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 27-minute estimated drive time, starting your trip before the morning rush hour in Maryland is a good idea to maximize daylight. There's only one recommended stop, but with the longest stretch being over 170 miles, you might want to plan for a quick break around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially after leaving the main I 95 corridor, as services might become less frequent. Budgeting around $48 for fuel is a reasonable estimate for this 284.3-mile trip.
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 142.2 miles from Clinton, MD, or about 2h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 174.6 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 63 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.2 miles or 2h 43m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clayton, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clinton, MD 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 Clinton, MD
This is one driving day of about 284.3 miles and 5h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Clinton, MD.
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 95 for about 174.6 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.8 and 148.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
4.8 mi into trip|~6m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria
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 95 South, I 495 South: Richmond, Alexa...
8
8.9 mi into trip|~12m in|I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local) toward I 95 Local, I 495 Local
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95 Local, I 495 Local
6
18.5 mi into trip|~25m in|I 95
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
8
104.3 mi into trip|~2h 2m in
Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 84A
Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...
7
148.4 mi into trip|~2h 50m in|I 95
Merge onto I 95 toward I 95 South: Emporia, Rocky Mount NC
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 95 South: Emporia, Rocky Mount NC
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.28 one way
$100.56 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$55.07
$110.14
premium
$5.24
$58.70
$117.39
diesel
$5.35
$59.88
$119.76
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$50
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.3
1
$29.85
$13.65
Efficient EV
71.1
0
$24.88
$11.37
EV Truck/SUV
113.7
1
$39.80
$18.20
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jun 3, 2026
Origin
Clinton, MD
Afternoon
in Clinton on Wednesday
Local time
2:58 PM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Mostly Clear
N 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 2 at 1:20PM EDT until June 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Clayton, NC
Afternoon
in Clayton on Wednesday
Local time
2:58 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Clear
E 0 to 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 2 at 3:15PM EDT until June 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 2 at 3:15PM EDT until June 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
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
2 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 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potoma...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
$20
near mile 19.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 72% of this 284.3-mile drive on highways, including a long stretch of 174.6 miles on I 95. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway is also part of your main route. Expect the transition from highway to surface roads to happen around mile 175, where you'll likely notice a change in traffic patterns and potentially more frequent exits as you approach your destination. The bulk of your travel will be on high-speed, limited-access roads.
72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 174.6 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.8 miles in.
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 29 significant decision points across 284.3 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 4.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.9 miles (I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.5 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
342 ft74 ft
Total Climb
402 ft
Total Descent
309 ft
Highest Point
342 ft
~284.3 mi in
Elevation Range
268 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clinton, MD and Clayton, NC, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach, Rocky Mount and Raleigh.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 27m. Total distance: 284.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 174.6 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 27 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Clayton, 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. There are 27 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.9 miles (I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.5 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Clayton, NC before the return drive.
