Trip from Jacksonville, NC to Kernersville, NC

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 14m

Distance

212.6 mi

342 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 1m ★

6 AM

4h 14m

8 AM

4h 41m

10 AM

4h 23m

12 PM

4h 21m

3 PM

4h 25m

5 PM

4h 39m

8 PM

4h 6m

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 Onslow County, North Carolina, United States

Jacksonville, NC

Wikimedia Commons

town in North Carolina, United States of America

Kernersville, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 212.6-mile journey from Jacksonville, NC to Kernersville, NC is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 4 hours and 14 minutes. With a fuel cost projected at $34, it's an economical option for exploring more of North Carolina. The route predominantly utilizes local roads, with no highway driving, suggesting a more intimate and potentially slower-paced experience. As both your origin and destination are within the Southeast region, you'll be staying within a familiar geographical and cultural area. This drive is well-suited for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.

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

106.3 miles from Jacksonville, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 40	106.4 mi	2h 3m
NC 24	59.8 mi	1h 4m
Catherine Lake Road	14.4 mi	21m
Richlands Highway	6.4 mi	9m
Jackson Store Road	6.3 mi	8m
NC 50	5.1 mi	6m
Hallsville Road	4.4 mi	5m
South Kenansville Bypass	3.9 mi	5m

Longest stretch: I 40 — 106.4 mi, about 2h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jacksonville, NC and Kernersville, NC.

Start on US 17 Business; NC 24 Business

1.1 mi · 1 min · Marine Boulevard

Keep slight right at fork onto US 258; NC 24 Business

1.4 mi · 2 min · Richlands Highway

Continue on US 258; NC 24

5.0 mi · 7 min · Richlands Highway

Turn left onto NC 111

14 mi · 21 min · Catherine Lake Road

Turn right onto SR 1800

6.3 mi · 8 min · Jackson Store Road

At end of road, turn left onto Hallsville Road

4.4 mi · 5 min · Hallsville Road

At end of road, turn right onto NC 50

5.1 mi · 6 min · NC 50

Turn left onto D S Williams Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · D S Williams Road

Turn left onto NC 24; NC 903

3.9 mi · 5 min · South Kenansville Bypass

Take the exit onto NC 24

60 mi · 1 hr 4 min · NC 24

Use the right lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

86 mi · 1 hr 38 min · I 40

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

7.7 mi · 9 min · I 40

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 220

13 mi · 15 min · I 40; US 220

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 421

3.2 mi · 3 min · Salem Parkway

Exit 206 Toward US 421 North: Kernersville Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

441 ft · 15 sec

Exit 222 Toward NC 66: Kernersville, Walkertown Use the slight right lane.

Turn left onto NC 66

0.2 mi · 26 sec · NC 66

Use the straight lane.

Turn slight left onto East Mountain Street

0.5 mi · 46 sec · East Mountain Street

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

West Mountain Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 14-minute duration, leaving Jacksonville, NC in the morning is your best bet to arrive in Kernersville, NC with ample daylight. With only one stop recommended and no significant highway stretches, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as local roads can sometimes be more spread out between services than interstates, and the estimated $34 fuel cost is a good benchmark. A practical tip for this turn-heavy route is to ensure your GPS is set to avoid highways and to pre-download offline maps in case of spotty service.

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 106.3 miles from Jacksonville, NC, or about 2h 10m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.4 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 47 miles or 1h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 106.3 miles or 2h 10m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 28m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, NC

This is one driving day of about 212.6 miles and 4h 14m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Jacksonville, 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 106.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and state capital of North Carolina, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Raleigh, NC

106 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

Raleigh, NC to Kernersville, NC

93.9 mi · 1h 54m

Pacing Suggestions

Wallace, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Raleigh, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 106.3 miles from Jacksonville, 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 106.4 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

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 121.5

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cary, North Carolina

2.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Kyles Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kernersville, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 212.6

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13364974327

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 121.5

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 121.5

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 121.5

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Kyles Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 212.6

Kernersville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13364974327

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 167.1

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 167.1

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 167.1

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 197.4

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

Graham Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 167.1

Haw River, North Carolina

+13365706718

Visit website

ICY RICH GIRLS MUSEUM

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 197.4

Greensboro, North Carolina

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13369474244

Visit website

Lake Benson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 106.3

Garner, North Carolina

+19197734442

Visit website

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 121.5

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 10:30 am–10:30 pm

+19194380798

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 121.5

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

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 42.4 and 211.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

42.4 mi into trip | ~1h in | NC 24

Take the exit onto NC 24

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

Use the right lane.

102.2 mi into trip | ~2h 5m 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.

188.4 mi into trip | ~3h 44m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

208.6 mi into trip | ~4h 9m in | US 421 / Salem Parkway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 421 / Salem Parkway toward US 421 North: Kernersville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Exit 206 Toward US 421 North: Kernersville

211.8 mi into trip | ~4h 12m in

Take the exit toward NC 66: Kernersville, Walkertown

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 222 Toward NC 66: Kernersville, Walkertown

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.25 one way

$66.49 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$36.35	$72.70
premium	$4.70	$39.35	$78.70
diesel	$5.61	$46.94	$93.88

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 74.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	63.8	0	$22.32	$10.20
Efficient EV	53.2	0	$18.60	$8.50
EV Truck/SUV	85	1	$29.76	$13.61

Gas CO2

74 kg

EV CO2

25 kg (66% 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

Jacksonville, NC

Late night in Jacksonville on Sunday

Local time

12:45 AM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kernersville, NC

Late night in Kernersville on Sunday

Local time

12:45 AM

EDT

Current temp

70°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

3 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

4h 14m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, as indicated by its 0% highway share. You'll be navigating roads like Richlands Highway, Catherine Lake Road, and Jackson Store Road for the majority of the 212.6 miles. The absence of long highway stretches means you'll likely encounter more varied scenery and potentially encounter local traffic. Without a 'longest stretch' noted, anticipate frequent turns and changes in road conditions as you make your way through North Carolina's local network.

82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 106.4 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and NC 24. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 42.4 miles in near NC 24.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 212.6 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 42.4 miles (NC 24): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 188.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 14m. Total distance: 212.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 106.4 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 Kernersville, 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Kernersville, 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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Explore more options from Jacksonville, NC or browse trips ending in Kernersville, NC.

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Trip from Jacksonville, NC to Kernersville, NC

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

Kyles Coffee

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

Sosta Cafe

Kyles Coffee

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Lake Johnson Park

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

Graham Regional Park

ICY RICH GIRLS MUSEUM

Lake Benson Park

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

Nature Research Center

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Jacksonville, NC

Kernersville, NC

Same local time

3 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 14m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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