Origin
Hickory, NC
Night in Hickory on Saturday
Local time
10:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hickory, NC to Raleigh, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 27m
Distance
173.8 mi
280 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 16m
★
6 AM
3h 28m
8 AM
3h 52m
10 AM
3h 36m
12 PM
3h 34m
3 PM
3h 38m
5 PM
3h 51m
8 PM
3h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hickory, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Raleigh, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a straightforward 173.8-mile journey from Hickory, NC, to Raleigh, NC, a drive that typically takes about 3 hours and 27 minutes. This route is an ideal candidate for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. With 94% of the drive on highways, you'll experience a predominantly fast-paced transit. Expect a fuel cost of around $27 for this trip. The route stays within North Carolina, offering a consistent regional experience as you travel east across the state.
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
86.9 miles from Hickory, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 162.8 mi | 3h 7m |
| Wade Avenue | 3.9 mi | 5m |
| Western Boulevard | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Gorman Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| 2nd Avenue Southwest | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| Faircloth Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 162.8 mi, about 3h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hickory, NC and Raleigh, NC.
1
Start on this road
153 ft
·
16 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Trade Alley
446 ft
·
34 sec
·
Trade Alley
3
At end of road, turn right onto 2nd Street Northwest
331 ft
·
14 sec
·
2nd Street Northwest
4
Keep slight left at fork onto 2nd Street Southwest
166 ft
·
10 sec
·
2nd Street Southwest
5
Turn left onto Government Avenue Southwest
210 ft
·
9 sec
·
Government Avenue Southwest
6
Continue on 1st Street Southwest
518 ft
·
19 sec
·
1st Street Southwest
7
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue Southwest
0.6 mi
·
51 sec
·
2nd Avenue Southwest
8
Continue on Tate Boulevard Southeast
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Tate Boulevard Southeast
9
Turn right onto Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
11
Merge onto I 40
86 mi
·
1 hr 37 min
·
I 40
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
7.8 mi
·
9 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 40; US 29; US 220
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40; US 29; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi
·
42 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
30 mi
·
34 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Wade Avenue
Exit 289
Toward Wade Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn right onto Faircloth Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Faircloth Street
18
Continue on Gorman Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Gorman Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Turn left onto Western Boulevard
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Western Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
21
Turn left onto South Wilmington Street
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
·
South Wilmington Street
22
Turn left onto East South Street
24 ft
·
0 sec
·
East South Street
23
Arrive at destination
East South Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 27-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, so consider an early morning departure to maximize your time upon arrival in Raleigh. The longest stretch without a major road change is 162.8 miles on I-40, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you get too far along this extended highway segment. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to take a break. The estimated fuel cost is $27, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before departing Hickory.
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 86.9 miles from Hickory, NC, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 162.8 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 38 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.9 miles or 1h 41m 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 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Raleigh, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hickory, 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 Hickory, NC
This is one driving day of about 173.8 miles and 3h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Hickory, 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 162.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 86.9 miles from Hickory, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 162.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 165.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
2nd Street Northwest
At end of road, turn right onto 2nd Street Northwest
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
8
89 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
6
98.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 56m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
135.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Raleigh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
8
165.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 13m in
|
SR 1728 / Wade Avenue
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728 / Wade Avenue toward Wade Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 289
Toward Wade Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.18 one way
$54.36 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $29.72 | $59.43 |
| premium | $4.70 | $32.17 | $64.33 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.37 | $76.75 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.1 | 0 | $18.25 | $8.34 |
| Efficient EV | 43.5 | 0 | $15.21 | $6.95 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.5 | 0 | $24.33 | $11.12 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Raleigh, NC
Night in Raleigh on Saturday
Local time
10:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°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
5 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
3h 27m 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 drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 94% of the 173.8 miles covered on high-speed roads. You'll primarily navigate I-40, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch of 162.8 miles. This means you can expect a consistent pace for the majority of your journey. As you approach Raleigh, Wade Avenue and Western Boulevard will guide you into the city, marking the transition from open highway to urban thoroughfares. The overall character is one of efficient travel, minimizing time spent on slower, winding roads.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 162.8 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Wade Avenue. 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 2nd Street Northwest.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 173.8 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 (2nd Street Northwest): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 89 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.5 miles (I 40): 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.
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 Hickory, NC to Raleigh, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Martinsville along the way.
Martinsville
89 mi in
|
~1h 43m
|
via I 40
About the Cities
Arriving in Raleigh, NC
Full guide →The capital of North Carolina and the largest city of the Research Triangle, Raleigh is the primary political and economic driver of the metro area. Indeed, business and politics are the main draws to Raleigh, which lacks the more trendy feel or active arts scene of Durham or Chapel Hill to the west. However, a concerted effort to expand the residential base and move events downtown has led to significantly expanded retail and restaurant options in the downtown core. Also, visitors will find many of the state's cultural institutions here, namely a major performing arts center downtown and three state museums, and a college town atmosphere in the neighborhood around the campus of North Carolina State University, the state's largest university.
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 3h 27m. Total distance: 173.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 162.8 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Raleigh, 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 0.1 miles (2nd Street Northwest): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 89 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Raleigh, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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