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Trip from King, NC to Fayetteville, 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 48m

Distance

131.6 mi

212 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 33 min
4 AM
2h 38m ★
6 AM
2h 49m
8 AM
3h 11m
10 AM
2h 56m
12 PM
2h 54m
3 PM
2h 57m
5 PM
3h 9m
8 PM
2h 42m

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 Stokes and Forsyth counties, North Carolina, United States

King, NC

Wikimedia Commons

city in Cumberland County, North Carolina, United States

Fayetteville, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 131.6-mile drive from King, NC to Fayetteville, NC is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes. With 88% of the drive on highways, you'll experience a consistent pace for most of the trip. The estimated fuel cost is around $21, making it an economical option for a quick regional excursion within North Carolina. This route primarily utilizes US 421 and NC 87, with a portion on NC 74, offering a practical way to travel between these two Southeast region locations. Plan for one stop along the way, keeping in mind the longest stretch without a break is 57.1 miles on US 421.

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

65.8 miles from King, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 421 57.1 mi 1h 8m
NC 87 29.5 mi 43m
NC 74 13.3 mi 15m
Sanford Bypass (Don Buie Highway) 12.4 mi 14m
Salem Parkway 11.4 mi 13m
John Gold Memorial Expressway 3.9 mi 4m
North Main Street 1.6 mi 3m
Hay Street 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 421 — 57.1 mi, about 1h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between King, NC and Fayetteville, NC.

1

Start on North Main Street

1.6 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
2

Turn left

0.3 mi · 37 sec
3

Merge onto US 52

3.9 mi · 4 min · John Gold Memorial Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Keep slight left at fork onto NC 74

13 mi · 15 min · NC 74
Toward NC 74 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight left at fork

1.1 mi · 2 min
Exit 53B Toward US 421 South: Greensboro
6

Merge onto US 421; NC 150

11 mi · 13 min · Salem Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto US 421

12 mi · 13 min · US 421
Toward I 73 South, US 421 South: Asheboro, Durham Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit onto US 421

0.2 mi · 27 sec · US 421
Exit 126 Toward US 421: Sanford Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto US 421

45 mi · 54 min · US 421
Exit 126A Toward US 421 South: Sanford Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on US 421

12 mi · 14 min · Sanford Bypass (Don Buie Highway)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on NC 87

30 mi · 43 min · NC 87
Use the straight lane.
12

Continue on Bragg Boulevard

0.4 mi · 59 sec · Bragg Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
13

Turn left onto Hay Street

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Hay Street
Use the left lane.
14

Enter roundabout onto Market Square

369 ft · 5 sec · Market Square
15

Arrive at destination

Market Square

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 2-hour and 48-minute duration for this 131.6-mile trip, you have flexibility in when you depart. Leaving King, NC in the morning will allow you to reach Fayetteville, NC with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and the longest stretch being 57.1 miles on US 421, consider making your break around the halfway point to stretch your legs. The $21 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially before embarking on the 57.1-mile stretch on US 421. This route is designed for efficiency, so focus on steady progress and enjoy the direct connection between these North Carolina towns.

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 65.8 miles from King, NC, or about 1h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.1 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 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 65.8 miles or 1h 20m 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 13m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving King, 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 King, NC

This is one driving day of about 131.6 miles and 2h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from King, 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 US 421 for about 57.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Lee County, North Carolina, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Sanford, 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

Sanford, NC to Fayetteville, NC

36.1 mi · 54m

Pacing Suggestions

High Point, NC

Fuel and coffee

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

Sanford, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 65.8 miles from King, 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.

Nearby Places

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

Kyles Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 18.8

Kernersville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13364974327

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 94

Sanford, North Carolina

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 94

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 131.6

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 94

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 131.6

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 103.4

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18776642738

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 65.8

Siler City, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 94

Sanford, North Carolina

+31880109500

Visit website

Fayetteville Area CVB

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 131.6

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+19104835311

Visit website

Cape Fear Botanical Garden

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 131.6

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19104860221

Visit website

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 37.6

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

All A Flutter Farms LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 28.2

High Point, North Carolina

+13364545651

Visit website

Kiwanis Family Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 94

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+19197758247

Visit website

ICY RICH GIRLS MUSEUM

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 37.6

Greensboro, North Carolina

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13369474244

Visit website

The Pint Sized Pasture

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 94

Sanford, North Carolina

+19194984466

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 5.8 and 44.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
5.8 mi into trip | ~9m in | NC 74

Keep slight left at fork onto NC 74 toward NC 74 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward NC 74 East
6
19.2 mi into trip | ~24m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 421 South: Greensboro

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 53B Toward US 421 South: Greensboro
8
31.6 mi into trip | ~40m in | US 421

Keep slight left at fork onto US 421 toward I 73 South, US 421 South: Asheboro, Durham

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 73 South, US 421 South: Asheboro, Durh...
7
43.8 mi into trip | ~53m in | US 421

Take the exit onto US 421 toward US 421: Sanford

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 126 Toward US 421: Sanford
8
44.1 mi into trip | ~54m in | US 421

Keep slight right at fork onto US 421 toward US 421 South: Sanford

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 126A Toward US 421 South: Sanford

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.58 one way

$41.16 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $22.50 $45.00
premium $4.70 $24.36 $48.71
diesel $5.61 $29.06 $58.11

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 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 39.5 0 $13.82 $6.32
Efficient EV 32.9 0 $11.51 $5.26
EV Truck/SUV 52.6 0 $18.42 $8.42

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 15, 2026

Origin

King, NC

Late night in King on Sunday

Local time

12:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fayetteville, NC

Late night in Fayetteville on Sunday

Local time

12:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

48°F

Sanford, NC

66 mi in

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

2h 48m 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 highway-focused drive for the majority of this route, with 88% of your journey on high-speed roads. This means you'll be covering ground efficiently for much of the 131.6 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 57.1 miles on US 421, so plan your stops accordingly. While the profile is predominantly highway, the use of US 421 and NC 87 suggests you might experience a mix of faster-paced sections and slightly more varied road conditions as you transition between these main arteries. The overall feel is one of practical, direct travel rather than a winding scenic tour.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 57.1 mi on US 421.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 421 and NC 87. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.8 miles in near NC 74.

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 10 significant decision points across 131.6 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 5.8 miles (NC 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 31.6 miles (US 421): 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.

On the drive from King, NC to Fayetteville, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Durham along the way.

Durham

31.6 mi in | ~40m | via US 421

About the Cities

Arriving in Fayetteville, NC

Full guide →

Fayetteville is a city in Cumberland County, in the western part of the North Carolina Coastal Plain region. It is the county seat of Cumberland County, and is best known as the home of Fort Bragg/Liberty/Bragg (the name of which changed thrice in as many years,) a major U.S. Army installation northwest of the city. Fayetteville has received the prestigious All-America City Award from the National Civic League three times. According to the 2020 United States Census estimate, the city has a population of 208,501. It ranks as the sixth-largest municipality in North Carolina. With an estimated population of 529,252, the Fayetteville metropolitan area is the largest in southeastern North Carolina, and the fifth-largest in the state.

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 48m. Total distance: 131.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 57.1 miles on US 421. 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 Fayetteville, 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 5.8 miles (NC 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 31.6 miles (US 421): 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 Fayetteville, 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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