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Trip from Laurinburg, NC to Wilmington, 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 4m

Distance

104.4 mi

168 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
1h 56m ★
6 AM
2h 5m
8 AM
2h 23m
10 AM
2h 11m
12 PM
2h 9m
3 PM
2h 12m
5 PM
2h 22m
8 PM
1h 59m

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 and county seat of Scotland County, North Carolina, United States

Laurinburg, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Laurinburg, NC to Wilmington, NC is 104.4 miles and takes about 2h 4m via Andrew Jackson Highway, American Indian Highway, and Ocean Highway East, with a fuel budget near $16 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within North Carolina, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. Expect a route with numerous turns, typical of local drives, rather than long stretches of highway. It's a straightforward trip, making it a good option if you're looking for a relatively quick and uncomplicated journey.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

52.2 miles from Laurinburg, NC

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Andrew Jackson Highway 64.8 mi 1h 19m
American Indian Highway 33.6 mi 36m
Ocean Highway East 3.1 mi 4m
East Church Street 1.7 mi 2m
Cape Fear Memorial Bridge 0.8 mi 1m
South 3rd Street 0.1 mi <1m
South Main Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Andrew Jackson Highway — 64.8 mi, about 1h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Laurinburg, NC and Wilmington, NC.

1

Start on US 15 Business; US 401 Business; US 501 Business

39 ft · 5 sec · South Main Street
2

Turn right onto US 74 Business

1.7 mi · 2 min · East Church Street
3

Continue on US 74 BUS

1.2 mi · 1 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec
5

Merge onto US 74

3.7 mi · 4 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
6

Continue on US 74

34 mi · 36 min · American Indian Highway
7

Continue on US 74; NC 130

60 mi · 1 hr 13 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 17; US 74; US 76

3.1 mi · 4 min · Ocean Highway East
9

Continue on US 17; US 76; US 421

0.8 mi · 1 min · Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
10

Turn left onto US 421; US 17 Business

0.1 mi · 15 sec · South 3rd Street
11

Arrive at destination

US 17 Business

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour drive time and 104.4-mile distance, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Consider leaving in the morning to allow ample time for any unexpected delays or spontaneous stops along the way. With a fuel cost estimated at $16, you won't need to worry about frequent refueling, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Pay close attention to road signs as you navigate the numerous turns, especially on Andrew Jackson Highway, which accounts for the longest stretch of your drive.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 52.2 miles from Laurinburg, NC, or about 1h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.8 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 23 miles or 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 52.2 miles or 1h in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 41m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Laurinburg, 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 Laurinburg, NC

This is one driving day of about 104.4 miles and 2h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Laurinburg, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Andrew Jackson Highway for about 64.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Whiteville, NC

52 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

Fairmont, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Whiteville, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 52.2 miles from Laurinburg, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Andrew Jackson Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.8 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.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Laurinburg, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 104.4

Wilmington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Laurinburg, NC

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 104.4

Wilmington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 52.2

Chadbourn, North Carolina

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 104.4

Wilmington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Laurinburg, North Carolina

+19499452000

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 59.7

Whiteville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

North Carolina Rural Heritage Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Laurinburg, North Carolina

Hours: Closed

+19102772456

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

3 of 3

3 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 104.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 74 Business / East Church Street

Turn right onto US 74 Business / East Church Street

Navigation decision point

3
3.2 mi into trip | ~5m in | US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway

Merge onto US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining

3
104.3 mi into trip | ~2h 4m in | US 421; US 17 Business / South 3rd Street

Turn left onto US 421; US 17 Business / South 3rd Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.33 one way

$32.65 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 37 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $17.85 $35.70
premium $4.70 $19.32 $38.64
diesel $5.61 $23.05 $46.10

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 36.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 31.3 0 $10.96 $5.01
Efficient EV 26.1 0 $9.14 $4.18
EV Truck/SUV 41.8 0 $14.62 $6.68

Gas CO2

37 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (68% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Laurinburg, NC

Morning in Laurinburg on Sunday

Local time

6:21 AM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Mostly Clear

S 3 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Wilmington, NC

Morning in Wilmington on Sunday

Local time

6:21 AM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Mostly Clear

SW 3 mph 0% chance 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

2 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 4m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Moores Creek National Battlefield

Moores Creek National Battlefield

National Battlefield

In the early morning hours of February 27, 1776, Loyalist forces charged across a partially dismantled Moores Creek Bridge. Beyond the bridge, nearly 1,000 North Carolina Patriots waited quietly with...

12 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 86.4
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is characterized by frequent turns, indicating a local driving experience rather than a high-speed interstate journey, as it has a 0% highway share. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 64.8 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway. The road will likely feel more like navigating through towns and rural areas, with varied speed limits and intersections. Be prepared for a driving pace that requires consistent attention to navigation and road signs.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
11 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 64.8 mi on Andrew Jackson Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

1/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 74 Business / East Church Street.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Laurinburg, NC to Wilmington, NC is easy. At 2h 4m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 74 Business / East Church Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.2 miles (US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 104.3 miles (US 421; US 17 Business / South 3rd Street): Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

Starting in Laurinburg, NC

Full guide →

Laurinburg is a town in North Carolina. In many ways, Laurinburg is your typical rural North Carolina town, trying to find ways to evolve in the 21st century. There are some examples of historic Carolinan architecture here.

Arriving in Wilmington, NC

Full guide →

Wilmington is a city in the southeastern part of North Carolina. It is the county seat of New Hanover County, and home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Memorial, the Cape Fear Museum, Airlie Gardens, and a large historic district. It is convenient to nearby beaches, and is a relatively short drive from the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill), Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, SC, and the I-95 corridor.

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 4m. Total distance: 104.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 64.8 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 74 Business / East Church Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.2 miles (US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 104.3 miles (US 421; US 17 Business / South 3rd Street): Navigation decision point.

Yes — Moores Creek National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Wilmington, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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