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Trip from Durham, NC to Burgaw, NC

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 24m

Distance

129.1 mi

208 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 15m ★
6 AM
2h 25m
8 AM
2h 45m
10 AM
2h 32m
12 PM
2h 30m
3 PM
2h 33m
5 PM
2h 44m
8 PM
2h 19m

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 Pender County, North Carolina, United States of America

Burgaw, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 129.1-mile drive from Durham, NC, to Burgaw, NC, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. The journey is heavily highway-focused, with 97% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-40, Thomas Bradshaw Freeway, and Durham Freeway. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, this trip offers an efficient way to travel between these two points within North Carolina's Southeast region. It's a straightforward drive, ideal for those looking to reach their destination with minimal fuss. Consider this a practical option for a quick transit, rather than an extensive scenic tour.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

64.5 miles from Durham, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 105.6 mi 1h 54m
Thomas Bradshaw Freeway 11.3 mi 12m
Durham Freeway 6.5 mi 8m
NC 53 1.8 mi 2m
East Bridges Street 0.2 mi <1m
East Main Street 0.2 mi <1m
South Dillard Street 0.2 mi <1m
East Pettigrew Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 105.6 mi, about 1h 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Durham, NC and Burgaw, NC.

1

Start on East Main Street

0.2 mi · 42 sec · East Main Street
2

Turn right onto South Dillard Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · South Dillard Street
3

Turn left onto East Pettigrew Street

0.2 mi · 24 sec · East Pettigrew Street
4

Turn right onto Fayetteville Road

472 ft · 21 sec · Fayetteville Road
Use the right lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Use the left lane.
6

Merge onto NC 147

6.5 mi · 8 min · Durham Freeway
Use the straight lane.
7

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 57 sec
Exit 5A Toward I 40 East: RDU Airport, Raleigh Use the slight left / straight lanes.
8

Merge onto I 40

8.7 mi · 10 min · I 40
Use the straight lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

9.5 mi · 10 min · I 40
Use the straight lane.
10

Continue on I 40; US 64

3.2 mi · 3 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

8.1 mi · 9 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Toward I 40 East: Wilmington
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork

1.7 mi · 1 min
Toward SR 42: Fuquay-Varina, Cleveland Rd Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 40

85 mi · 1 hr 31 min · I 40
Toward I 40 East: Benson, Wilmington
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward NC 53: Burgaw, Jacksonville
16

Turn left onto NC 53

1.8 mi · 2 min · NC 53
17

Turn straight onto US 117 Business; NC 53

0.2 mi · 37 sec · East Bridges Street
18

Turn left onto US 117 Business; NC 53

307 ft · 7 sec · North Walker Street
19

Arrive at destination

US 117 Business; NC 53

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 24 minutes, this drive is easily manageable in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. With no specific stops recommended, you can plan your journey to suit your schedule. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 105.6 miles on I-40, so factor in potential fuel needs before embarking on this segment. The estimated fuel cost is $21, which is a reasonable budget for this distance. A practical tip for this route: ensure your vehicle is adequately fueled before entering the longest stretch on I-40 to avoid any unnecessary delays.

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 64.5 miles from Durham, NC, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.6 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 28 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.5 miles or 1h 13m 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 58m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Durham, 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 Durham, NC

This is one driving day of about 129.1 miles and 2h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Durham, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 105.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in the United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Coats, NC

65 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

Raleigh, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dunn, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.5 miles from Durham, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 105.6 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 27.7

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

1.9 mi

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 27.7

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Waraji Japanese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 18.4

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+19197831883

Visit website

Triangle Coffee House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+19842191215

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 129.1

Burgaw, North Carolina

+31880109500

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 110.6

Wallace, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 110.6

Wallace, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 129.1

Burgaw, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 129.1

Burgaw, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 110.6

Wallace, North Carolina

+31880109500

American Tobacco Campus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+19194331566

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 27.7

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

Visit website

Museum of Life and Science

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19192205429

Visit website

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 18.4

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+19199963141

Visit website

Duplin Winery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 110.6

Rose Hill, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19102893888

Visit website

Lake Benson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 36.9

Garner, North Carolina

+19197734442

Visit website

Lake Crabtree County Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 18.4

Morrisville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+19194603390

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 27.7

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 12–8 pm

+19199484450

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 39.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | Fayetteville Road

Turn right onto Fayetteville Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in

Take the ramp

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
7.3 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the exit toward I 40 East: RDU Airport, Raleigh

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 5A Toward I 40 East: RDU Airport, Raleigh
6
16.8 mi into trip | ~21m in | I 40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
8
39.7 mi into trip | ~47m 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

$20.19 one way

$40.38 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $22.07 $44.15
premium $4.70 $23.89 $47.79
diesel $5.61 $28.50 $57.01

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 45.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.7 0 $13.56 $6.20
Efficient EV 32.3 0 $11.30 $5.16
EV Truck/SUV 51.6 0 $18.07 $8.26

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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 15, 2026

Origin

Durham, NC

Late night in Durham on Sunday

Local time

12:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Burgaw, NC

Late night in Burgaw on Sunday

Local time

12:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

48°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

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

2h 24m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Moores Creek National Battlefield

Moores Creek National Battlefield

National Battlefield

In the early morning hours of February 27, 1776, Loyalist forces charged across a partially dismantled Moores Creek Bridge. Beyond the bridge, nearly 1,000 North Carolina Patriots waited quietly with...

12 mi from route ~31 min detour Free near mile 129.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 97% of the drive occurring on major roads. The character of this trip is defined by its efficiency, largely unfolding on I-40. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 105.6 miles on I-40, indicating long periods of consistent speed. While the overall profile is highway-centric, the initial and final segments may involve transitioning onto or off these main arteries via freeways like Thomas Bradshaw Freeway and Durham Freeway, offering a clear sense of progression through different road types.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105.6 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Thomas Bradshaw Freeway. 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 Fayetteville Road.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 15 significant decision points across 129.1 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 (Fayetteville Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

Between Durham, NC and Burgaw, NC, road signs point toward Raleigh and Wilmington.

Raleigh

7.3 mi in | ~10m

Wilmington

41.4 mi in | ~49m | via I 40

About the Cities

Starting in Durham, NC

Full guide →

Of the three cities that make up North Carolina's Research Triangle, Durham has traditionally been the one with the grittier, more working-class image. A city of just over 300,000 residents in 2026, Durham has moved beyond a "tobacco town" with a prestigious university at its center to become a regionally and nationally recognized symbol of urban renewal, gentrification, technology and diversity. Durham's vibrant African-American community was historically pioneering in United States Black culture, from the arts to finance. These days, the tobacco warehouses and textile mills have been converted to other uses, as Durham has taken on a much more high-profile (and expensive) identity. Thanks to local anchor Duke University, a thriving, research-driven medical and tech industry has taken root.

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 24m. Total distance: 129.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 105.6 miles on I 40. 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 Burgaw, 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 (Fayetteville Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Moores Creek National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

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

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