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Trip from Maine, NC to Franklinton, 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 40m

Distance

128.7 mi

207 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 30m ★
6 AM
2h 41m
8 AM
3h 2m
10 AM
2h 48m
12 PM
2h 46m
3 PM
2h 49m
5 PM
3h 1m
8 PM
2h 34m

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 Maine, NC, NC

Maine, NC

Mohan Nannapaneni

town in Franklin County, North Carolina

Franklinton, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 128.7-mile journey from Maine, NC to Franklinton, NC is a manageable 2-hour and 40-minute drive, making it an ideal day trip. You'll primarily navigate local roads like Farmington Road, with no significant highway driving, suggesting a more relaxed pace. The estimated fuel cost is around $21, so it's an economical option for a quick getaway. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility in planning your timing. This route stays within the Southeast region, focusing on the local landscape of North Carolina.

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

64.3 miles from Maine, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 83.8 mi 1h 37m
I 85 22.9 mi 26m
NC 56 7.3 mi 11m
West Wilton Avenue 6.7 mi 11m
US 15 5.7 mi 9m
US 158 1.8 mi 2m
Farmington Road 0.3 mi <1m
Oak Grove Church Road <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 83.8 mi, about 1h 37m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Maine, NC and Franklinton, NC.

1

Start on Oak Grove Church Road

48 ft · 3 sec · Oak Grove Church Road
2

Turn right onto US 158

1.8 mi · 2 min · US 158
3

Turn left onto US 158

200 ft · 5 sec · US 158
4

Turn straight onto Farmington Road

0.3 mi · 36 sec · Farmington Road
5

Enter roundabout

64 ft · 2 sec
6

Continue

0.2 mi · 27 sec
7

Merge onto I 40

37 mi · 42 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

7.8 mi · 9 min · I 40
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 40; US 29; US 220

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 40; US 29; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

37 mi · 42 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck

9.4 mi · 10 min · I 85; NC 86 Truck
Toward I 85 North: Durham Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 85; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on I 85; US 15; US 70; US 501

4.3 mi · 5 min · I 85; US 15; US 70; US 501
Use the straight lane.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 15

7.4 mi · 8 min · I 85; US 15
15

Take the exit onto US 15

5.7 mi · 9 min · US 15
Toward US 15 North
16

Turn right onto NC 50; NC 56

6.7 mi · 11 min · West Wilton Avenue
17

Continue on NC 56

7.3 mi · 11 min · NC 56
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Arrive at destination

NC 56

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your time at your destination or for any spontaneous detours. With only one planned stop and a $21 fuel cost, you won't need extensive planning for refueling or lengthy breaks. Pay attention to local road signs and speed limits, as this route is characterized by frequent turns. The flexibility of a shorter drive means you can adjust your schedule as needed.

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 64.3 miles from Maine, NC, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.8 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 28 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.3 miles or 1h 16m 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 4m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Maine, 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 Maine, NC

This is one driving day of about 128.7 miles and 2h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Maine, 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 83.8 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

Graham, NC

64 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

Winston-Salem, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Graham, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.3 miles from Maine, 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 83.8 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

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

Kyles Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 27.6

Kernersville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13364974327

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 64.3

Burlington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13365840201

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 73.5

Haw River, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 73.5

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

EV Connect Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 64.3

Burlington, North Carolina

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 64.3

Burlington, North Carolina

+13365841115

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 73.5

Haw River, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 73.5

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13365782427

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 73.5

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Museum of Life and Science

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 101.1

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19192205429

Visit website

Adventure Landing Winston-Salem

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 18.4

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13367684730

Visit website

Graham Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 73.5

Haw River, North Carolina

+13365706718

Visit website

American Tobacco Campus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 101.1

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+19194331566

Visit website

All A Flutter Farms LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 36.8

High Point, North Carolina

+13364545651

Visit website

Safari Nation Winston-Salem

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 18.4

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+13365233355

Visit website

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 46

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

Children's Museum of Alamance County

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 73.5

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13362287997

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 2.1 and 95.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2.1 mi into trip | ~3m in

Enter roundabout

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

8
39.8 mi into trip | ~46m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
6
49.3 mi into trip | ~58m in | I 40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
86.1 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in | I 85; NC 86 Truck

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck toward I 85 North: Durham

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 85 North: Durham
6
95.5 mi into trip | ~1h 52m 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.13 one way

$40.25 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $22.01 $44.01
premium $4.70 $23.82 $47.64
diesel $5.61 $28.42 $56.83

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 45 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 38.6 0 $13.51 $6.18
Efficient EV 32.2 0 $11.26 $5.15
EV Truck/SUV 51.5 0 $18.02 $8.24

Gas CO2

45 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 17, 2026

Origin

Maine, NC

Late night in Maine on Sunday

Local time

12:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Franklinton, NC

Late night in Franklinton on Sunday

Local time

12:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Graham, NC

64 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 cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 40m 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 turn-heavy local drive for this entire route, as indicated by its 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating through communities and along roads that are more integrated with the local environment rather than high-speed thoroughfares. While there isn't a specified longest uninterrupted stretch, the nature of a local road trip implies frequent intersections and varying speed limits. The experience will likely feel more connected to the towns and countryside you pass through, offering a different feel than a typical interstate cruise.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 83.8 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 85. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 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 128.7 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 2.1 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 39.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Maine, NC to Franklinton, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Martinsville along the way.

Martinsville

39.8 mi in | ~46m | via I 40

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 40m. Total distance: 128.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 83.8 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 Franklinton, 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 2.1 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 39.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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