Trip from Concord, NC to Oxford, 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 53m

Distance

149.9 mi

241 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min

4 AM

2h 42m ★

6 AM

2h 53m

8 AM

3h 15m

10 AM

3h 1m

12 PM

2h 59m

3 PM

3h 2m

5 PM

3h 14m

8 PM

2h 46m

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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Concord, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Oxford, NC

Mark Stebnicki

Trip Overview

Concord, NC to Oxford, NC is 149.9 miles and takes about 2h 53m via I 85, I 40, and US 601, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within North Carolina, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Given its mostly highway profile and relatively short duration, it's a straightforward drive. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a practical choice for a quick transit or a segment of a larger journey.

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

74.9 miles from Concord, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 85	75.4 mi	1h 23m
I 40	36.8 mi	42m
US 601	25.3 mi	28m
US 29	5.9 mi	6m
US 15	2.9 mi	3m
Church Street Northeast	2.2 mi	4m
Concord Parkway North	0.6 mi	1m
Hillsboro Street	0.2 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 85 — 75.4 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Spring Street Southwest

409 ft · 17 sec · Spring Street Southwest

Turn right onto Cabarrus Avenue West

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Cabarrus Avenue West

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto NC 73

2.2 mi · 4 min · Church Street Northeast

Use the left lane.

Merge onto US 29; US 601

0.6 mi · 1 min · Concord Parkway North

Use the left / straight lanes.

Take the exit onto US 601

25 mi · 28 min · US 601

Toward I 85 North, US 601 North: Greensboro Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 85; US 29; US 52; US 70

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 85; US 29; US 52; US 70

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85

33 mi · 35 min · I 85

Toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 29

5.9 mi · 6 min · US 29

Toward US 29, US 70 Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

37 mi · 42 min · I 40

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck

9.4 mi · 10 min · I 85; NC 86 Truck

Toward I 85 North: Durham Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 85; US 70

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 85; US 15; US 70; US 501

4.3 mi · 5 min · I 85; US 15; US 70; US 501

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 15

23 mi · 25 min · I 85; US 15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Toward US 15: Oxford, Clarksville

Turn left onto US 15

2.9 mi · 3 min · US 15

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto US 15

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Hillsboro Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Arrive at destination

US 15; NC 96

Trip Plan

With a drive time under 3 hours, this route is easily manageable in a single day. Leaving Concord in the morning should allow you to reach Oxford with plenty of daylight remaining. Consider filling up your fuel tank before you depart, as the estimated cost is $23, and while there are stops, the long highway stretches mean you'll want to be prepared. The route's 98% highway share means you'll encounter numerous exits, so pay close attention to your navigation as you approach your destination in Oxford.

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.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 74.9 miles from Concord, NC, or about 1h 26m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.4 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 33 miles or 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 74.9 miles or 1h 26m 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 22m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Concord, 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 Concord, NC

This is one driving day of about 149.9 miles and 2h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Concord, 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 I 85 for about 75.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Greensboro, NC

75 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

Lexington, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Greensboro, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 74.9 miles from Concord, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 85 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.4 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 · home stretch

Verdigris Restaurant and Oxford Oaks Distillery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oxford, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.1 mi from route $50 to $10

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19196791002

Visit website

Uptown Bar & Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oxford, North Carolina

0.1 mi

Best coffee break

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Koco Java coffee llc

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Salisbury, North Carolina

0.9 mi

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

1.3 mi

Verdigris Restaurant and Oxford Oaks Distillery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $50 to $10

Oxford, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19196791002

Visit website

Uptown Bar & Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Oxford, North Carolina

Hours: Closed

+19193394174

Visit website

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Koco Java coffee llc

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Salisbury, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+19802480633

Visit website

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Oxford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Haw River, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Burlington, North Carolina

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Burlington, North Carolina

+13365841115

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Bell Tower Green

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Salisbury, North Carolina

+17046370511

Visit website

Gold Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Hillsborough, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19197321270

Visit website

Graham Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Haw River, North Carolina

+13365706718

Visit website

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

Museum of Life and Science

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

Final third 3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19192205429

Visit website

Baker's Creek Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Kannapolis, North Carolina

+17049388512

Visit website

American Tobacco Campus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

Final third 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+19194331566

Visit website

Alamance County Historical Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Burlington, NC

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+13362268254

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 107.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Cabarrus Avenue West

Turn right onto Cabarrus Avenue West

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

3 mi into trip | ~6m in | US 601

Take the exit onto US 601 toward I 85 North, US 601 North: Greensboro

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 I 85 North, US 601 North: Greensboro

32.1 mi into trip | ~39m in | I 85

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85 toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point

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: Greensboro, High Point

64.9 mi into trip | ~1h 14m in | US 29

Keep slight right at fork onto US 29 toward US 29, US 70

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 29, US 70

107.6 mi into trip | ~2h 4m in | I 85; NC 86 Truck

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck toward I 85 North: Durham

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 85 North: Durham

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.44 one way

$46.88 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$25.63	$51.26
premium	$4.70	$27.74	$55.49
diesel	$5.61	$33.10	$66.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 52.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	45	$15.74	$7.20
Efficient EV	37.5	$13.12	$6.00
EV Truck/SUV	60	$20.99	$9.59

Gas CO2

52 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (65% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Concord, NC

Late night in Concord on Tuesday

Local time

5:15 AM

EDT

Current temp

91°F

Mostly Sunny

SSW 10 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Oxford, NC

Late night in Oxford on Tuesday

Local time

5:15 AM

EDT

Current temp

75°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

16 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

2h 53m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is overwhelmingly highway driving, with 98% of the 149.9 miles on major roads like I 85 and I 40. You'll experience a long stretch of 75.4 miles on I 85 before transitioning. The highway portion means frequent exits and entrances, typical of interstate travel through populated areas. You'll likely notice the higher speed limits and consistent pavement for the vast majority of your time behind the wheel.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 75.4 mi on I 85.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Cabarrus Avenue West.

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 13 significant decision points across 149.9 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 0.1 miles (Cabarrus Avenue West): Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.1 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Concord, NC to Oxford, NC, road signs begin pointing toward High Point along the way.

High Point

32.1 mi in | ~39m | via I 85

About the Cities

Starting in Concord, NC

Full guide →

Concord is a city in North Carolina and fast-growing bedroom community of the major city of Charlotte. In 2020, the population was around 107,000, making it the second largest city of the Charlotte Metro.

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 53m. Total distance: 149.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 75.4 miles on I 85. 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 Oxford, 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.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Oxford, 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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Explore more options from Concord, NC or browse trips ending in Oxford, NC.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NC road trips.

Trip from Concord, NC to Oxford, NC

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Verdigris Restaurant and Oxford Oaks Distillery

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

Verdigris Restaurant and Oxford Oaks Distillery

Uptown Bar & Restaurant

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

Koco Java coffee llc

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

The Holy Grind Coffee House

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

Verb Coffee

Veni Vidi Vici Cafe

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Kannapolis

Nissan Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

EVgo Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Bell Tower Green

Gold Park

Graham Regional Park

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

Museum of Life and Science

Baker's Creek Park

American Tobacco Campus

Alamance County Historical Museum

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Concord, NC

Oxford, NC

Same local time

16 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 53m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Concord, NC

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

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 Oxford, NC

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