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Trip from Concord, NC to Thurmond, 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

1h 49m

Distance

85.6 mi

138 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 41m ★
6 AM
1h 49m
8 AM
2h 5m
10 AM
1h 55m
12 PM
1h 53m
3 PM
1h 55m
5 PM
2h 4m
8 PM
1h 44m

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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city in North Carolina, United States

Concord, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Thurmond, NC, NC

Thurmond, NC

Mark Stebnicki

Trip Overview

This 85.6-mile drive from Concord, NC to Thurmond, NC takes about 1 hour and 49 minutes, making it a perfect day trip. You'll spend most of your time on highways, covering 78% of the route on them, so expect a relatively quick journey. With an estimated fuel cost of around $13, this trip is budget-friendly. The route stays within the Southeast region, offering a straightforward connection between two North Carolina points. Given its short duration and highway focus, you won't need to worry about overnight stays.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

42.8 miles from Concord, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I-77 North 57 mi 1h 4m
US 21 BYP 9 mi 12m
Davidson Highway 8.9 mi 13m
Sam Furr Road 6.4 mi 9m
Church Street Northeast 1.8 mi 3m
I 77 North 0.7 mi <1m
Thurmond Road 0.4 mi <1m
Concord Parkway North 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I-77 North — 57 mi, about 1h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Spring Street Southwest

409 ft · 17 sec · Spring Street Southwest
2

Turn right onto Cabarrus Avenue West

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Cabarrus Avenue West
Use the straight / right lanes.
3

Turn left onto NC 73

1.8 mi · 3 min · Church Street Northeast
Use the left lane.
4

Turn left onto NC 73

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Davidson Drive Northwest
5

Turn left onto US 29; US 601; NC 73

0.4 mi · 35 sec · Concord Parkway North
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
6

Turn right onto NC 73

2.9 mi · 4 min · Davidson Highway
Use the right lane.
7

Continue on NC 73

6.1 mi · 8 min · Davidson Highway
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on NC 73

6.4 mi · 9 min · Sam Furr Road
Use the straight lane.
9

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Toward I 77 North: Statesville Use the right lane.
10

Merge onto I 77

0.7 mi · 49 sec · I 77 North
11

Continue on I 77

2.6 mi · 3 min · I-77 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 77; US 21

54 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I-77 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto US 21 BYP

9.0 mi · 12 min · US 21 BYP
Toward US 21 Bypass North: Sparta, Roaring Gap Use the slight left / straight lanes.
14

Turn right onto North Center Church Road

0.2 mi · 42 sec · North Center Church Road
15

Turn left onto Thurmond Road

0.4 mi · 55 sec · Thurmond Road
16

Turn right onto Billings Lane

65 ft · 2 sec · Billings Lane
17

Arrive at destination

Billings Lane

Trip Plan

Leaving Concord, NC in the morning will allow you to reach Thurmond, NC with plenty of daylight. Since this drive is under two hours and covers 85.6 miles, you have the flexibility to depart at your leisure. The longest stretch of 57 miles on I-77 North means you can easily make up time, but keep an eye out for potential traffic as you approach urban areas. With a fuel cost estimate of just $13, you won't need to worry about frequent refueling stops on this short trip.

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 42.8 miles from Concord, NC, or about 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57 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 19 miles or 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 42.8 miles or 57m 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 30m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Thurmond, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Concord, NC

This is one driving day of about 85.6 miles and 1h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Concord, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I-77 North for about 57 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Davidson, NC

43 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

Cornelius, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Troutman, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42.8 miles from Concord, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

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

Best meal stop · early in the drive

Waterbean Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Huntersville, North Carolina

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch · 23min in 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17044798888

Visit website

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

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

Waterbean Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Huntersville, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17044798888

Visit website

Patisserie Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Mooresville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+17047993355

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

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17049604013

Visit website

Verb Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17049604163

Visit website

Defined Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Mooresville, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

French Express Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17049325282

Visit website

Editions - Coffee and Bookstore

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17049251406

Visit website

Coffee & Cream

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19807778222

Visit website

Smithville Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Cornelius, North Carolina

Hours: 7:30 am–8:30 pm

+17048926031

Visit website

Alex Cooper Park

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Statesville, North Carolina

+17048783429

Visit website

North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+17049342320

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 76 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
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.
6
0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in | NC 73 / Church Street Northeast

Turn left onto NC 73 / Church Street Northeast

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
18 mi into trip | ~28m in

Take the ramp toward I 77 North: Statesville

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 77 North: Statesville
6
21.6 mi into trip | ~33m in | I 77; US 21 / I-77 North

Keep slight right at fork onto I 77; US 21 / I-77 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
76 mi into trip | ~1h 34m in | US 21 BYP

Keep slight left at fork onto US 21 BYP toward US 21 Bypass North: Sparta, Roaring Gap

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

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward US 21 Bypass North: Sparta, Roaring Gap

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.39 one way

$26.77 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $14.64 $29.27
premium $4.70 $15.84 $31.69
diesel $5.61 $18.90 $37.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 29.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.7 0 $8.99 $4.11
Efficient EV 21.4 0 $7.49 $3.42
EV Truck/SUV 34.2 0 $11.98 $5.48

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (67% 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

Concord, NC

Morning in Concord on Tuesday

Local time

6:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Thurmond, NC

Morning in Thurmond on Tuesday

Local time

6:34 AM

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

28 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

1h 49m 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?

This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with a substantial 78% of the 85.6 miles taking place on interstates and major roads like I-77 North. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 57 miles on I-77 North, allowing for consistent progress. While the majority is highway, the route also incorporates sections of US 21 BYP and Davidson Highway, offering a slight variation in pace and road type. Expect a practical, efficient journey rather than a winding, scenic exploration.

78% 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: 57 mi on I-77 North.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I-77 North and US 21 BYP. 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 85.6 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Cabarrus Avenue West): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles (NC 73 / Church Street Northeast): Lane positioning matters here; at 18 miles: 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 Concord, NC to Thurmond, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Roaring Gap along the way.

Roaring Gap

76 mi in | ~1h 34m | via US 21 BYP

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 1h 49m. Total distance: 85.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 57 miles on I-77 North. 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 Thurmond, NC before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

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 0.1 miles (Cabarrus Avenue West): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles (NC 73 / Church Street Northeast): Lane positioning matters here; at 18 miles: Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Thurmond, 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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