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Trip from Knightdale, NC to Gastonia, 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 46m

Distance

192.9 mi

311 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 34m ★
6 AM
3h 46m
8 AM
4h 12m
10 AM
3h 55m
12 PM
3h 53m
3 PM
3h 57m
5 PM
4h 11m
8 PM
3h 39m

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 Knightdale, NC, NC

Knightdale, NC

Mark Stebnicki

city in North Carolina, United States

Gastonia, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 192.9-mile journey from Knightdale, NC, to Gastonia, NC, is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 3 hours and 46 minutes. With 90% of the route on major highways, it's an efficient trip, perfect for a single day. You'll be looking at an estimated fuel cost of around $30 for this drive. The route stays within the Southeast region, making it a simple point-to-point trip without significant regional shifts. It's a practical option if you need to get from one part of North Carolina to another without much fuss.

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

96.5 miles from Knightdale, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 85 141.7 mi 2h 41m
Northern Wake Expressway 19 mi 20m
South Miami Boulevard 9.3 mi 12m
I 40 7.7 mi 9m
US 29 5.4 mi 5m
New Raleigh Highway 2.5 mi 3m
Glenwood Avenue 1.9 mi 2m
Knightdale Boulevard 1.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 85 — 141.7 mi, about 2h 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Knightdale, NC and Gastonia, NC.

1

Start on Railroad Street

442 ft · 21 sec · Railroad Street
2

Turn right onto South Smithfield Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Smithfield Road
3

Turn left onto US 64 Business

1.5 mi · 2 min · Knightdale Boulevard
4

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 540 West
5

Merge onto I 540

19 mi · 20 min · Northern Wake Expressway
Use the straight lane.
6

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward US 70 West: Durham Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Merge onto US 70

1.9 mi · 2 min · Glenwood Avenue
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 70

2.5 mi · 3 min · New Raleigh Highway
9

Continue on US 70

9.3 mi · 12 min · South Miami Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70

42 mi · 48 min · I 85; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

7.7 mi · 9 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12

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.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85

99 mi · 1 hr 52 min · I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 19 Toward NC 7: East Gastonia Use the right lane.
15

Turn right onto NC 7

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Ozark Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Continue on NC 7

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Long Avenue
17

Turn left onto North Broad Street

0.2 mi · 28 sec · North Broad Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Turn right onto US 29; US 74; NC 274

0.5 mi · 54 sec · East Franklin Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
19

Arrive at destination

US 29; US 74; NC 274

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 46-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in one day. Consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach urban areas. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 141.7 miles, you can decide on your break timing based on your own comfort. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $30 estimated cost is based on consistent highway speeds. A specific tip for this route: since the majority is on I-85, ensure your vehicle is in good condition for sustained highway driving before you set out.

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 96.5 miles from Knightdale, NC, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 141.7 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 42 miles or 52m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 96.5 miles or 1h 55m 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 5m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Knightdale, 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 Knightdale, NC

This is one driving day of about 192.9 miles and 3h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Knightdale, 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 141.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Greensboro, NC

96 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

Hillsborough, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Archdale, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 96.5 miles from Knightdale, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 85 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 141.7 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

The Piper's Restaurant and Tavern

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Raleigh, North Carolina

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 13.8

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+19196767413

Visit website

Falls River Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

2.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Verb Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 151.6

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17049604163

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House University

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Charlotte, North Carolina

0.6 mi

French Express Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kannapolis, North Carolina

1.9 mi

The Piper's Restaurant and Tavern

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 13.8

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+19196767413

Visit website

Falls River Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 13.8

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+19199177277

Visit website

Farmhouse Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Wendell, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+19193747227

Visit website

Verb Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 151.6

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17049604163

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House University

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 165.4

Charlotte, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+19802072888

Visit website

French Express Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 151.6

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17049325282

Visit website

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 151.6

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 151.6

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Editions - Coffee and Bookstore

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 151.6

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17049251406

Visit website

Veni Vidi Vici Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 151.6

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm

+17043039008

Visit website

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Kannapolis

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 151.6

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17049251740

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 55.1

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 68.9

Burlington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13365840201

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 55.1

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 13.8

Raleigh, North Carolina

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 55.1

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

EV Connect Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 68.9

Burlington, North Carolina

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 68.9

Burlington, North Carolina

+13365841115

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 55.1

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Kersey Valley Escape

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 96.5

Archdale, North Carolina

+13364311700

Visit website

North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 151.6

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+17049342320

Visit website

American Tobacco Campus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 27.6

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+19194331566

Visit website

Lake Lynn Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 13.8

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19199962911

Visit website

Alamance County Historical Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 68.9

Burlington, NC

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+13362268254

Visit website

Bell Tower Green

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 137.8

Salisbury, North Carolina

+17046370511

Visit website

Baker's Creek Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 151.6

Kannapolis, North Carolina

+17049388512

Visit website

Washington Terrace Community Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 96.5

High Point, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13368838599

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 21.8 and 190.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
21.8 mi into trip | ~26m in

Take the exit toward US 70 West: Durham

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 70 West: Durham
6
36 mi into trip | ~45m in | I 85; US 70

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
78.3 mi into trip | ~1h 34m 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
86 mi into trip | ~1h 44m 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
190.7 mi into trip | ~3h 42m in

Take the exit toward NC 7: East Gastonia

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

Use the right lane. Exit 19 Toward NC 7: East Gastonia

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.17 one way

$60.33 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $32.98 $65.97
premium $4.70 $35.70 $71.40
diesel $5.61 $42.59 $85.18

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 67.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 57.9 0 $20.25 $9.26
Efficient EV 48.2 0 $16.88 $7.72
EV Truck/SUV 77.2 0 $27.01 $12.35

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

23 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

Knightdale, NC

Night in Knightdale on Saturday

Local time

10:50 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gastonia, NC

Night in Gastonia on Saturday

Local time

10:50 PM

EDT

Current temp

56°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

7 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 46m 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-focused drive, with 90% of the 192.9 miles on major interstates and expressways. The bulk of your travel, a continuous stretch of 141.7 miles, will be on I-85. This means you'll experience long, uninterrupted periods of driving at highway speeds. The Northern Wake Expressway and South Miami Boulevard will get you onto the main artery, but the character remains consistently that of a fast-paced interstate transit.

90% 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: 141.7 mi on I 85.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and Northern Wake Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.8 miles in.

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 13 significant decision points across 192.9 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 21.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 36 miles (I 85; US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 78.3 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 3h 46m. Total distance: 192.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 46m 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 141.7 miles on I 85. 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 Gastonia, 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 21.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 36 miles (I 85; US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 78.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Gastonia, 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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