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Trip from Locust, NC to Raleigh, 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 46m

Distance

123.1 mi

198 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 36m ★
6 AM
2h 47m
8 AM
3h 8m
10 AM
2h 54m
12 PM
2h 52m
3 PM
2h 55m
5 PM
3h 7m
8 PM
2h 40m

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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Swarming grasshoppers

Locust, NC

Wikimedia Commons

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

Raleigh, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 123.1-mile drive from Locust, NC to Raleigh, NC, is an easy one-day trip, taking about 2 hours and 46 minutes. You'll primarily be on NC 24, Claude E. E. Pope Memorial Highway, and Jefferson Davis Highway, with about 35% of the journey on highways. The fuel cost is estimated at $19, and with only one recommended stop, it's a straightforward route. Since both locations are within North Carolina's Southeast region, you won't be crossing any major geographic divides. This trip offers a mixed driving experience, making it a manageable and efficient journey for a single 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

61.6 miles from Locust, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NC 24 28.7 mi 40m
Claude E. Pope Memorial Highway 24.9 mi 27m
Jefferson Davis Highway 17.3 mi 20m
East Main Street 16.9 mi 24m
US 15 10.3 mi 14m
Troy Road 9.2 mi 12m
Albemarle Road 5.7 mi 7m
NC 22 4.2 mi 6m
Longest stretch: NC 24 — 28.7 mi, about 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Locust, NC and Raleigh, NC.

1

Start on this road

58 ft · 9 sec · this road
2

Turn left

200 ft · 20 sec
3

Turn left

173 ft · 17 sec
4

Turn left onto NC 200

309 ft · 7 sec · South Central Avenue
5

Turn right onto NC 24; NC 27

17 mi · 24 min · East Main Street
Use the straight lane.
6

Turn right onto NC-24; NC-27; NC-73

0.4 mi · 38 sec · Albemarle Road
7

Enter roundabout onto NC-24; NC-27; NC-73

129 ft · 1 sec · Albemarle Road
8

Continue on NC-24; NC-27; NC-73

5.3 mi · 6 min · Albemarle Road
9

Continue on NC 24; NC 27; NC 73

9.2 mi · 12 min · Troy Road
10

Continue on NC 24; NC 27; NC 109

29 mi · 40 min · NC 24; NC 27; NC 109
Use the straight lane.
11

Continue on NC 22; NC 24; NC 27

4.2 mi · 6 min · NC 22; NC 24; NC 27
12

Enter roundabout onto NC 22; NC 24; NC 27

340 ft · 7 sec · Monroe Street
13

Continue on NC 22; NC 24; NC 27

1.4 mi · 2 min · Monroe Street
14

Continue on US 15; US 501; NC 24; NC 27

10 mi · 14 min · US 15; US 501; NC 24; NC 27
15

Turn left onto US 1; US 15; US 501

17 mi · 20 min · Jefferson Davis Highway
Use the straight lane.
16

Continue on US 1

25 mi · 27 min · Claude E. Pope Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward Western Boulevard: NC State Univ, Cary Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight right at fork

446 ft · 9 sec
Toward Western Boulevard: NC State Univ, Cary
19

Turn straight onto Western Boulevard

3.1 mi · 5 min · Western Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
20

Continue on Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
21

Turn left onto South Wilmington Street

0.2 mi · 42 sec · South Wilmington Street
22

Turn left onto East South Street

24 ft · 0 sec · East South Street
23

Arrive at destination

East South Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 2-hour and 46-minute duration for this 123.1-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid rush hour and allow for a relaxed pace. The estimated fuel cost is around $19, so ensure your tank is full before departing Locust, NC. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or before the longest stretch on NC 24. This route is manageable in a single day, so no overnight stay is necessary. Keep an eye out for changing speed limits as you transition between highway and local roads.

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 61.6 miles from Locust, NC, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.7 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 27 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61.6 miles or 1h 27m 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 18m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Locust, 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 Locust, NC

This is one driving day of about 123.1 miles and 2h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Locust, 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 NC 24 for about 28.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Seven Lakes, NC, NC

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Seven Lakes, NC

62 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

Badin, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Carthage, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61.6 miles from Locust, 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.

Top Restaurant

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.1

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cary, North Carolina

0.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Greater Grounds Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Locust, North Carolina

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+17047815119

Visit website

7 Brew Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Albemarle, North Carolina

1.2 mi

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.1

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 114.3

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.1

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Greater Grounds Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Locust, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+17047815119

Visit website

7 Brew Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 17.6

Albemarle, North Carolina

Hours: 5:30 am–10 pm

+14793589274

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 96.7

Moncure, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 79.2

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 79.2

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 87.9

Sanford, North Carolina

EV Connect Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 79.2

Sanford, North Carolina

+31880109500

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 79.2

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 52.8

Robbins, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 105.5

Apex, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 123.1

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

Visit website

Locust City Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Locust, North Carolina

+17048885260

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 114.3

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 10:30 am–10:30 pm

+19194380798

Visit website

The Pint Sized Pasture

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 79.2

Sanford, North Carolina

+19194984466

Visit website

Kiwanis Family Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 79.2

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+19197758247

Visit website

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 114.3

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+19199963141

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 123.1

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 12–8 pm

+19199484450

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 0 and 119.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | NC 24; NC 27 / East Main Street

Turn right onto NC 24; NC 27 / East Main Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
64.9 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | NC 22; NC 24; NC 27 / Monroe Street

Enter roundabout onto NC 22; NC 24; NC 27 / Monroe Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

7
118.9 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in

Take the exit toward Western Boulevard: NC State Univ, Cary

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward Western Boulevard: NC State Univ, Cary
6
119.2 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Western Boulevard: NC State Univ, Cary

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Western Boulevard: NC State Univ, Cary

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.25 one way

$38.50 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $21.05 $42.10
premium $4.70 $22.78 $45.57
diesel $5.61 $27.18 $54.36

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 43.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 36.9 0 $12.93 $5.91
Efficient EV 30.8 0 $10.77 $4.92
EV Truck/SUV 49.2 0 $17.23 $7.88

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 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 16, 2026

Origin

Locust, NC

Morning in Locust on Sunday

Local time

10:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Raleigh, NC

Morning in Raleigh on Sunday

Local time

10:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Mostly Clear

SW 3 to 12 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 2:28PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 1:12PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

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

17 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 46m 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 mixed drive on this route, with approximately 35% of the 123.1 miles on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 28.7 miles on NC 24, offering a good opportunity to settle in. The roads will shift between faster highway sections and potentially more local road segments as you progress toward Raleigh. This variety means you won't experience a monotonous interstate grind, but rather a dynamic driving experience that keeps things interesting over the 2 hours and 46 minutes.

35% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.7 mi on NC 24.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 123.1 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (NC 24; NC 27 / East Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 64.9 miles (NC 22; NC 24; NC 27 / Monroe Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.

About the Cities

Arriving in Raleigh, NC

Full guide →

The capital of North Carolina and the largest city of the Research Triangle, Raleigh is the primary political and economic driver of the metro area. Indeed, business and politics are the main draws to Raleigh, which lacks the more trendy feel or active arts scene of Durham or Chapel Hill to the west. However, a concerted effort to expand the residential base and move events downtown has led to significantly expanded retail and restaurant options in the downtown core. Also, visitors will find many of the state's cultural institutions here, namely a major performing arts center downtown and three state museums, and a college town atmosphere in the neighborhood around the campus of North Carolina State University, the state's largest university.

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 46m. Total distance: 123.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (35%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 28.7 miles on NC 24. 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: Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (NC 24; NC 27 / East Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 64.9 miles (NC 22; NC 24; NC 27 / Monroe Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.

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