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Trip from Durham, 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

2h 39m

Distance

132.4 mi

213 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 29m ★
6 AM
2h 40m
8 AM
3h 1m
10 AM
2h 47m
12 PM
2h 45m
3 PM
2h 48m
5 PM
3h 0m
8 PM
2h 33m

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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Downtown Thurmond, NC, NC

Thurmond, NC

Mark Stebnicki

Trip Overview

This 132.4-mile drive from Durham, NC to Thurmond, NC is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes. The journey is primarily on highways, with 98% of the route utilizing major roads like I-85, I-40, and US-421. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, this highway-focused route offers a straightforward path through the Southeast region. You'll find it’s an efficient way to cover the distance, making it ideal for a quick excursion without needing an overnight stay.

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

66.2 miles from Durham, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 85 40.6 mi 46m
I 40 38.2 mi 45m
US 421 27.5 mi 31m
I 77 9.7 mi 10m
US 21 BYP 9 mi 12m
Durham Freeway 5 mi 6m
Thurmond Road 0.4 mi <1m
South Mangum Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 85 — 40.6 mi, about 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on East Main Street

0.1 mi · 24 sec · East Main Street
2

Turn left onto US 15 Business; US 501 Business

0.3 mi · 48 sec · South Mangum Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
3

Turn right onto Jackie Robinson Drive

214 ft · 7 sec · Jackie Robinson Drive
4

Take the ramp

505 ft · 12 sec
5

Merge onto NC 147

5.0 mi · 6 min · Durham Freeway
Use the straight lane.
6

Merge onto I 85; US 70

41 mi · 46 min · I 85; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

7.7 mi · 9 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 220

13 mi · 15 min · I 40; US 220
Use the straight lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

18 mi · 20 min · I 40
Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville Use the slight left lane.
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 188 Toward US 421: Salem Parkway, Yadkinville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward US 421 North: Yadkinville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto US 421

28 mi · 31 min · US 421
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Exit 265A Toward I 77 North: Elkin Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto I 77

9.7 mi · 10 min · I 77
15

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.
16

Turn right onto North Center Church Road

0.2 mi · 42 sec · North Center Church Road
17

Turn left onto Thurmond Road

0.4 mi · 55 sec · Thurmond Road
18

Turn right onto Billings Lane

65 ft · 2 sec · Billings Lane
19

Arrive at destination

Billings Lane

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 39-minute duration for this 132.4-mile trip, you can easily complete it in a single day. Consider an early morning departure to avoid any potential rush hour congestion on I-85 or I-40. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or where you anticipate needing fuel. The fuel cost is estimated at $21, so keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the 40.6-mile stretch on I-85 where services might be less frequent.

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 66.2 miles from Durham, NC, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.6 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 29 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 66.2 miles or 1h 19m 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 9m

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 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 132.4 miles and 2h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Durham, 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 40.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Greensboro, NC

66 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.

Popular next leg

Greensboro, NC to Thurmond, NC

80.7 mi · 1h 39m

Pacing Suggestions

Graham, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

High Point, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 66.2 miles from Durham, 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.

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

Kyles Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Kernersville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13364974327

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

Given Coffee Co

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+13363317291

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Burlington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13365840201

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Haw River, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Burlington, North Carolina

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Burlington, North Carolina

+13365841115

Visit website

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

Adventure Landing Winston-Salem

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13367684730

Visit website

Graham Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Haw River, North Carolina

+13365706718

Visit website

ICY RICH GIRLS MUSEUM

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Greensboro, North Carolina

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13369474244

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

Children's Museum of Alamance County

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13362287997

Visit website

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

All A Flutter Farms LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

High Point, North Carolina

+13364545651

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 66.5 and 122.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
66.5 mi into trip | ~1h 19m in | I 40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
8
84.5 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in

Take the exit toward US 421: Salem Parkway, Yadkinville

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. Exit 188 Toward US 421: Salem Parkway, Yadkinville
7
84.7 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 421 North: Yadkinville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 421 North: Yadkinville
7
112.8 mi into trip | ~2h 14m in

Take the exit toward I 77 North: Elkin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 265A Toward I 77 North: Elkin
8
122.9 mi into trip | ~2h 25m 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

$20.70 one way

$41.41 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $22.64 $45.28
premium $4.70 $24.50 $49.01
diesel $5.61 $29.23 $58.46

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 46.3 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 39.7 0 $13.90 $6.36
Efficient EV 33.1 0 $11.58 $5.30
EV Truck/SUV 53 0 $18.54 $8.47

Gas CO2

46 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 20, 2026

Origin

Durham, NC

Morning in Durham on Tuesday

Local time

8:59 AM

EDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Thurmond, NC

Morning in Thurmond on Tuesday

Local time

8:59 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

27 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 39m 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?

Expect a predominantly highway experience for most of this 132.4-mile drive, as 98% of the route is on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 40.6 miles on I-85, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. While the profile is highway-focused, the transition between I-85, I-40, and US-421 means you'll experience variations in traffic flow and speed limits. This route is designed for efficient travel, minimizing complex turns and maximizing forward momentum.

98% 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: 40.6 mi on I 85.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 66.5 miles in near I 40.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 16 significant decision points across 132.4 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 66.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Durham, NC and Thurmond, NC, road signs point toward Statesville, Yadkinville and Roaring Gap.

Statesville

66.5 mi in | ~1h 19m | via I 40

Yadkinville

84.5 mi in | ~1h 40m

Roaring Gap

122.9 mi in | ~2h 25m | via US 21 BYP

About the Cities

Starting in Durham, NC

Full guide →

Founded 1869

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.

Top landmarks

  • • Bennett Place State Historic Site — historic site in Durham North Carolina, United States
  • • City Garage Yard and Fire Drill Tower — fire drill tower
  • • American Tobacco Trail — Rails-to-Trails project located in North Carolina

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 39m. Total distance: 132.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 39m 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 40.6 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 Thurmond, 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 66.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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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