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Trip from Maine, NC to Nashville, 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 16m

Distance

169.3 mi

273 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 5m ★
6 AM
3h 17m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 25m
12 PM
3h 23m
3 PM
3h 27m
5 PM
3h 40m
8 PM
3h 10m

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

city in North Carolina, United States

Nashville, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Maine, NC to Nashville, NC covers 169.3 miles across the Southeast, making for a straightforward trip that typically takes 3 hours and 16 minutes. Because this journey is easily manageable in a single day, you likely won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $27 on fuel for the trek, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. You will primarily navigate via I-40, US 64, and I-87 to reach your destination. This route is designed for efficiency rather than sightseeing, serving as a practical connector between these two North Carolina locations. If you prefer a relaxed pace, you have the flexibility to complete the entire drive in one sitting without feeling rushed.

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

84.7 miles from Maine, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 114.1 mi 2h 12m
US 64 21.8 mi 23m
I 87 16.8 mi 17m
I 440 9.2 mi 11m
Wade Avenue 3.1 mi 3m
US 158 1.8 mi 2m
NC 58 0.6 mi 1m
Farmington Road 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 114.1 mi, about 2h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Maine, NC and Nashville, 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 right at fork onto I 40

30 mi · 34 min · I 40
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728

3.1 mi · 3 min · Wade Avenue
Exit 289 Toward Wade Avenue Use the slight right lane.
13

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 440 East, US 1 North: Wake Forest
14

Merge onto I 440; US 1

9.2 mi · 11 min · I 440; US 1
Use the straight lane.
15

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 57 sec
Toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville Use the slight right lane.
16

Merge onto I 87; US 64; US 264

17 mi · 17 min · I 87; US 64; US 264
17

Keep slight left at fork onto US 64

22 mi · 23 min · US 64
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward NC 58: Nashville, Castalia
19

Turn right onto NC 58

0.6 mi · 1 min · NC 58
20

Turn left onto North Alston Street

40 ft · 1 sec · North Alston Street
21

Arrive at destination

North Alston Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the benefit of a flexible departure schedule, though leaving early can help you avoid peak traffic congestion. With only one recommended stop planned, try to time your break around the midpoint to keep your energy levels steady throughout the 3-hour and 16-minute duration. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the long 114.1-mile segment on I-40, as you will want to ensure you have enough range to reach your next exit comfortably. Given the high highway percentage, staying alert during the long, repetitive stretches is essential for a safe arrival. Use your single allotted stop to stretch your legs and reset before the final push into Nashville.

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 84.7 miles from Maine, NC, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 114.1 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 37 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 84.7 miles or 1h 39m 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 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nashville, 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 169.3 miles and 3h 16m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 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 114.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in and county seat of Orange County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hillsborough, NC

85 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

High Point, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hillsborough, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.7 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 114.1 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

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.9

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Waraji Japanese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

3 mi

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.9

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Waraji Japanese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 120.9

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+19197831883

Visit website

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.9

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.2

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

Farmhouse Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 133

Wendell, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+19193747227

Visit website

Triangle Coffee House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 96.8

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+19842191215

Visit website

Vollmer Farm - Farm Market & Cafe'

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 157.2

Bunn, North Carolina

+19194963076

Visit website

1922

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 96.8

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm

+19849994195

Visit website

Given Coffee Co

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.2

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+13363317291

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 72.6

Haw River, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 96.8

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

+18889982546

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 96.8

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 72.6

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 96.8

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 96.8

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 72.6

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 169.3

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Graham Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 72.6

Haw River, North Carolina

+13365706718

Visit website

Children's Museum of Alamance County

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 72.6

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13362287997

Visit website

All A Flutter Farms LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 36.3

High Point, North Carolina

+13364545651

Visit website

Gold Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 84.7

Hillsborough, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19197321270

Visit website

Lake Lynn Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 120.9

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19199962911

Visit website

Piedmont Wildlife Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 96.8

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19194890900

Visit website

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 48.4

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 120.9

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 39.8 and 129.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Raleigh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
8
116.4 mi into trip | ~2h 16m in | SR 1728 / Wade Avenue

Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728 / Wade Avenue toward Wade Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 289 Toward Wade Avenue
7
129.2 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Take the exit toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville

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 I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Roc...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.47 one way

$52.95 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $28.95 $57.90
premium $4.70 $31.33 $62.67
diesel $5.61 $37.38 $74.76

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.8 0 $17.78 $8.13
Efficient EV 42.3 0 $14.81 $6.77
EV Truck/SUV 67.7 0 $23.70 $10.84

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 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 17, 2026

Origin

Maine, NC

Late night in Maine on Sunday

Local time

12:25 AM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Nashville, NC

Late night in Nashville on Sunday

Local time

12:25 AM

EDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

56°F

Hillsborough, NC

85 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

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

3h 16m 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?

This highway-focused drive is dominated by high-speed transit, with 97% of your travel occurring on major roads. You should prepare for a significant amount of time behind the wheel on interstates, notably a 114.1-mile stretch on I-40 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the trip. The road personality here is functional and direct, favoring speed and steady cruising over winding backroads or technical maneuvers. As you transition between the interstate segments and the US 64 and I-87 portions, the rhythm of the drive remains consistent. You will spend the vast majority of your time focused on maintaining highway speeds as you cross the state.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 114.1 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 39.8 miles in near I 40.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 169.3 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 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; at 86.1 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.

Between Maine, NC and Nashville, NC, road signs point toward Martinsville, Wilson and Greenville.

Martinsville

39.8 mi in | ~46m | via I 40

Wilson

129.2 mi in | ~2h 32m

Greenville

129.2 mi in | ~2h 32m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 16m. Total distance: 169.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 114.1 miles on I 40. 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 Nashville, 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 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; at 86.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Nashville, 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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