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Trip from Kenly, NC to High Point, 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 38m

Distance

134.6 mi

217 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 31 min
4 AM
2h 28m ★
6 AM
2h 38m
8 AM
2h 59m
10 AM
2h 46m
12 PM
2h 44m
3 PM
2h 47m
5 PM
2h 58m
8 PM
2h 32m

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 Kenly, NC, NC

Kenly, NC

R9 Media Photo Collective

Trip Overview

This 134.6-mile drive from Kenly, NC, to High Point, NC, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-40, US-29, and I-95, the journey is a highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, it's an economical option for exploring within North Carolina. The route offers a straightforward connection between two points in the Southeast region, making it a practical choice for those looking to travel between these areas without significant detours. Plan for a single, efficient transit day.

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

67.3 miles from Kenly, NC

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 89.8 mi 1h 44m
US 29 12.5 mi 13m
I 95 10 mi 11m
Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway 10 mi 11m
US 70 9 mi 11m
South Main Street 1.6 mi 2m
North Church Street 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 89.8 mi, about 1h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kenly, NC and High Point, NC.

1

Start on this road

43 ft · 8 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto US 301

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Church Street
3

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec
4

Merge onto I 95

10 mi · 11 min · I 95
5

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Toward US 70: Selma, Pine Level, Goldsboro
6

Turn right onto US 70

9.0 mi · 11 min · US 70
7

Continue on I 42

10.0 mi · 11 min · Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
8

Merge onto I 40

82 mi · 1 hr 34 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

7.7 mi · 9 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto US 29

5.4 mi · 5 min · US 29
Toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70 West: Charlotte Use the left lane.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 29

7.1 mi · 7 min · US 29
Toward US 29 South Use the slight right lane.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward South Main Street, Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Turn right onto South Main Street

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
14

Arrive at destination

South Main Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 38 minutes, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day, perhaps leaving Kenly in the morning to arrive in High Point by midday. The drive has only one recommended stop, so consider filling up your fuel tank before departing to minimize any necessary interruptions. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on I-40 is nearly 90 miles. A concrete tip for this route: since it's a direct highway drive, aim for an early departure to avoid any potential midday traffic congestion on I-40.

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 67.3 miles from Kenly, NC, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.8 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 30 miles or 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 67.3 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 High Point, NC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Kenly, 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 Kenly, NC

This is one driving day of about 134.6 miles and 2h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Kenly, 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 89.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Carrboro, NC

67 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

Carrboro, NC to High Point, NC

60.5 mi · 1h 18m

Pacing Suggestions

Raleigh, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Carrboro, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.3 miles from Kenly, 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 89.8 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 48.1

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

2.6 mi

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cary, North Carolina

2.6 mi

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.1

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.5

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.1

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

1922

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 67.3

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm

+19849994195

Visit website

Triangle Coffee House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 67.3

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+19842191215

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 96.1

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 96.1

Haw River, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 67.3

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

+18889982546

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 105.7

Burlington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13365840201

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 86.5

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 76.9

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 96.1

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 76.9

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Piedmont Wildlife Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 67.3

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19194890900

Visit website

Children's Museum of Alamance County

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 96.1

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13362287997

Visit website

Washington Terrace Community Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 134.6

High Point, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13368838599

Visit website

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 48.1

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+19199963141

Visit website

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 125

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

Graham Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 96.1

Haw River, North Carolina

+13365706718

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 38.5

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

Visit website

Lake Crabtree County Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 57.7

Morrisville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+19194603390

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 11.1 and 132.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
11.1 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the exit toward US 70: Selma, Pine Level, Goldsboro

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 70: Selma, Pine Level, Goldsboro
6
112.5 mi into trip | ~2h 11m 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.
8
120.2 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in | US 29

Keep slight left at fork onto US 29 toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70 West: Charlotte

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

Use the left lane. Toward I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70...
7
125.6 mi into trip | ~2h 27m in | US 29

Keep slight right at fork onto US 29 toward US 29 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 29 South
7
132.7 mi into trip | ~2h 34m in

Take the exit toward South Main Street, Downtown

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. Toward South Main Street, Downtown

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.05 one way

$42.10 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $23.01 $46.03
premium $4.70 $24.91 $49.82
diesel $5.61 $29.72 $59.44

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: 47.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40.4 0 $14.13 $6.46
Efficient EV 33.7 0 $11.78 $5.38
EV Truck/SUV 53.8 0 $18.84 $8.61

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 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 16, 2026

Origin

Kenly, NC

Morning in Kenly on Sunday

Local time

10:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

High Point, NC

Morning in High Point on Sunday

Local time

10:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

88°F

Sunny

SW 8 to 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 6:18AM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 5:50AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC

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

39 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

2h 38m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-intensive experience, with 90% of the route comprising major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 89.8 miles on I-40, suggesting extended periods of consistent speed. This profile indicates a drive that prioritizes direct travel over winding scenic byways. While primarily interstate, the transition to US-29 will likely offer a slight change in scenery and pace before potentially rejoining other major highways. It’s a route designed for efficient movement rather than leisurely exploration.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.8 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 29. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.1 miles in.

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 11 significant decision points across 134.6 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 11.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.2 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Kenly, NC and High Point, NC, road signs point toward Pine Level and Goldsboro.

Pine Level

11.1 mi in | ~13m

Goldsboro

11.1 mi in | ~13m

About the Cities

Arriving in High Point, NC

Full guide →

High Point is part of the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina, along with Greensboro and Winston-Salem. High Point is often referred to as the furniture capital of the world due not only to the large number of furniture manufactures in the area, but also because of the International Home Furnishings Markets held each spring and fall. Over 8 million square feet of showroom space is used to draw over 70,000 people from all over the world to each market. This nearly doubles the population of High Point resulting in an economic boom to the entire Triad Area as hotel and motel rooms sell out and many residents rent out rooms, floors, or even their entire home for all or part of the 7 to 10 days during the market period.

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 38m. Total distance: 134.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 89.8 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 High Point, 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 11.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.2 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at High Point, 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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