Davidson, NC to Jacksonville, NC is 266 miles and takes about 5h 28m via I-40, I-85, and US-64, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within North Carolina, moving from the Piedmont region toward the coastal plain. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on major highways, making it a convenient option if you need to get from point A to point B efficiently. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, so plan for typical highway conditions.
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
133 miles from Davidson, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
60.4 mi
1h 4m
I 85
57.2 mi
1h 1m
US 64
32 mi
42m
US 421
26.5 mi
32m
Triangle Expressway
22 mi
23m
NC 111
14.4 mi
21m
NC 152
7 mi
10m
Jackson Store Road
6.3 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 60.4 mi, about 1h 4m
Traffic on I-85
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 26 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~3,849 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,692
Quietest
2 AM
~390 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Davidson, NC and Jacksonville, NC.
1
Start on this road
105 ft·13 sec·this road
2
Turn left
439 ft·34 sec
3
Turn right onto Ridge Road
0.4 mi·1 min·Ridge Road
4
Turn right onto NC 115
0.1 mi·22 sec·North Main Street
5
Continue on NC 115
0.4 mi·42 sec·Mecklenburg Highway
6
Turn right onto Presbyterian Road
2.4 mi·4 min·Presbyterian Road
7
Turn left onto Shearers Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Shearers Road
8
Turn right onto Rocky River Road
1.9 mi·3 min·Rocky River Road
9
At end of road, turn left onto NC 3
0.4 mi·41 sec·Coddle Creek Highway
10
Turn right onto Williford Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Williford Road
11
Turn right onto Linwood Road
2.1 mi·2 min·Linwood Road
12
Continue on Deal Road
4.4 mi·6 min·Deal Road
13
Turn slight right onto NC 152
6.7 mi·10 min·NC 152
14
Turn sharp left onto US 29; NC 152
0.4 mi·54 sec·US 29; NC 152
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 29; NC 152
0.3 mi·32 sec·US 29; NC 152
16
Enter roundabout onto NC 152
91 ft·1 sec·NC 152
17
Continue on NC 152
0.1 mi·11 sec·NC 152
18
Enter roundabout onto NC 152
76 ft·1 sec·NC 152
19
Continue on NC 152
0.1 mi·12 sec·NC 152
20
Enter roundabout
164 ft·2 sec
21
Continue
0.3 mi·41 sec
22
Merge onto I 85; US 601
15 mi·16 min·I 85; US 601
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
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.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85
33 mi·35 min·I 85
Toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High PointUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85
5.7 mi·6 min·I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit onto US 421
0.2 mi·27 sec·US 421
Exit 126Toward US 421: SanfordUse the slight right lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 421
26 mi·32 min·US 421
Exit 126AToward US 421 South: SanfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 171Toward US 64: Siler City, PittsboroUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn left onto US 64
11 mi·15 min·US 64
Use the straight lane.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto US 64
21 mi·27 min·US 64
Use the straight lane.
31
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NC 540 Toll SouthUse the right lane.
32
Merge onto NC 540 Toll
22 mi·23 min·Triangle Expressway
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·49 sec
Toward I 40 East: Wilmington
34
Merge onto I 40
0.8 mi·53 sec·I 40
35
Keep slight right at fork
1.7 mi·1 min
Toward SR 42: Fuquay-Varina, Cleveland RdUse the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Merge onto I 40
60 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 40
Toward I 40 East: Benson, Wilmington
37
Take the exit onto NC 24
0.3 mi·47 sec·NC 24
Toward NC 24 East, NC 903: Magnolia, Kenansville
38
Turn left onto NC 24; NC 903
4.1 mi·5 min·South Kenansville Bypass
39
Turn right onto D S Williams Road
0.9 mi·1 min·D S Williams Road
40
Turn right onto NC 50
5.1 mi·6 min·NC 50
41
Turn left onto Hallsville Road
4.4 mi·5 min·Hallsville Road
42
Turn right onto SR 1800
6.3 mi·8 min·Jackson Store Road
43
At end of road, turn left onto NC 111
14 mi·21 min·NC 111
44
Merge onto US 258; NC 24
5.0 mi·7 min·Richlands Highway
45
Turn left
433 ft·8 sec
46
Turn slight right onto US 258; NC 24 Business
1.3 mi·2 min·Richlands Highway
47
Continue on US 17 Business; NC 24 Business
1.1 mi·1 min·South Marine Boulevard
48
Arrive at destination
US 17 Business; NC 24 Business
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour drive time, departing in the morning is your best bet to complete this trip in a single day. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you approach the end of the longer interstate stretches, as services can sometimes be spaced out. The $40 fuel cost is an estimate, so monitor prices along your route. Since this is a manageable one-day drive, you can afford to be flexible with your departure time and any spontaneous breaks you might want to take.
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 133 miles from Davidson, NC, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.4 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 59 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133 miles or 2h 48m 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 Jacksonville, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Davidson, 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 Davidson, NC
This is one driving day of about 266 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Davidson, 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 40 for about 60.4 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 36
5 decision points cluster between mile 40.6 and 161.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
40.6 mi into trip|~57m 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
7
79.2 mi into trip|~1h 39m in|US 421
Take the exit onto US 421 toward US 421: Sanford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 126
Toward US 421: Sanford
8
79.4 mi into trip|~1h 39m in|US 421
Keep slight right at fork onto US 421 toward US 421 South: Sanford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 126A
Toward US 421 South: Sanford
8
105.7 mi into trip|~2h 11m in
Take the exit toward US 64: Siler City, Pittsboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 171
Toward US 64: Siler City, Pittsboro
8
161.7 mi into trip|~3h 21m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SR 42: Fuquay-Varina, Cleveland Rd
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward SR 42: Fuquay-Varina, Cleveland Rd
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.45 one way
$76.91 round trip
$3.67/gal25.4 MPG avg93 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$43.40
$86.80
premium
$4.55
$47.67
$95.34
diesel
$5.65
$59.21
$118.42
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.1 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.8
0
$27.93
$12.77
Efficient EV
66.5
0
$23.28
$10.64
EV Truck/SUV
106.4
1
$37.24
$17.02
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Davidson, NC
Morning
in Davidson on Sunday
Local time
7:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Rain Showers Likely then Partly Sunny
N 13 to 17 mph71% chanceLive forecast
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 17 at 5:51AM EDT until October 20 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 5:41AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Destination
Jacksonville, NC
Morning
in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
7:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Rain Showers
N 9 to 18 mph98% chanceLive forecast
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 17 at 5:51AM EDT until October 20 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 5:41AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 28m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 85% of the trip on major roads like I-40 and I-85. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 60.4 miles on I-40 without a major highway change. Expect a consistent cruising experience with frequent exits as you navigate through populated areas. The transition to non-highway roads will occur later in the drive, so be prepared for a change in pace and traffic patterns.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60.4 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 85. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 40.6 miles in near I 85.
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 36 significant decision points across 266 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 40.6 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.2 miles (US 421): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.4 miles (US 421): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
850 ft305 ft
Total Climb
189 ft
Total Descent
588 ft
Highest Point
850 ft
~57 mi in
Elevation Range
545 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Davidson, NC and Jacksonville, NC, road signs point toward High Point, Pittsboro, Wilmington and Kenansville.
Davidson is a small college town in North Carolina. It is known primarily for its association with Davidson College, and is a suburb of Charlotte. It has 15,106 residents (2020), of whom some 1,800 are students at the college.
Though Davidson has been swallowed by the suburban growth of Charlotte, it has made an intentional effort to retain its small-town identity. As a result, the downtown and campus area do not have the characteristic sprawl of most American suburbs.
Top landmarks
•Eumenean Hall — historic college building in Davidson, North Carolina
•Philanthropic Hall, Davidson College — historic university building in Davidson, North Carolina
Jacksonville is the county seat of Onslow County, North Carolina. The home of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. Jacksonville is in North Carolina's Inner Banks region, approximately a one hour away from the "Port City" Wilmington.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 28m. Total distance: 266 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 60.4 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 12 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 Jacksonville, 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 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 40.6 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.2 miles (US 421): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.4 miles (US 421): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jacksonville, NC before the return drive.
