Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Matthews, NC to City of Greenville, NC

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 48m

Distance

238.6 mi

384 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 35m ★
6 AM
4h 48m
8 AM
5h 15m
10 AM
4h 57m
12 PM
4h 55m
3 PM
4h 59m
5 PM
5h 14m
8 PM
4h 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
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
town in North Carolina, United States

Matthews, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown City of Greenville, NC, NC

City of Greenville, NC

Alex Borelli

Trip Overview

This 229.7-mile journey from Matthews, NC, to the City of Greenville, NC, is estimated to take about 3 hours and 57 minutes of driving time. With a fuel cost estimated at $37, it's an economical trip for a single day. The route is characterized by frequent turns, making it a more involved local drive rather than a straightforward highway cruise. Since it's entirely within North Carolina, you'll stay within the Southeast region for the entire trip. Given the duration and the nature of the drive, this route is best suited for a single day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

119.3 miles from Matthews, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 33m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 264 55.9 mi 59m
US 1 45.7 mi 52m
Fayetteville Road 43.4 mi 52m
I 87 20 mi 21m
Monroe Expressway 18.7 mi 21m
W. Cliff Martin Highway 12.8 mi 17m
Andrew Jackson Highway 10.2 mi 13m
US 74 BUS 5.3 mi 7m
Longest stretch: US 264 — 55.9 mi, about 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Matthews, NC and City of Greenville, NC.

1

Start on North Freemont Street

13 ft · 5 sec · North Freemont Street
2

Turn left onto West John Street

489 ft · 24 sec · West John Street
3

Turn left onto North Trade Street

0.2 mi · 25 sec · North Trade Street
Use the left lane.
4

Turn right onto East Matthews Street

0.1 mi · 13 sec · East Matthews Street
5

Continue on Matthews-Mint Hill Road

1.2 mi · 2 min · Matthews-Mint Hill Road
6

Turn right onto US 74

2.0 mi · 2 min · East Independence Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP

19 mi · 21 min · Monroe Expressway
Exit 255 Toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, Wilmington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto US 74

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Carroll M. Edwards Highway
Use the straight lane.
9

Continue on US 74

2.9 mi · 5 min · West Marshville Boulevard
10

Continue on US 74

2.5 mi · 3 min · Carroll M. Edwards Highway
11

Continue on US 74

6.1 mi · 8 min · W. Cliff Martin Highway
Use the straight lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto US 74

6.7 mi · 9 min · W. Cliff Martin Highway
13

Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742

0.7 mi · 1 min · Salisbury Street
14

Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742

2.4 mi · 4 min · West Caswell Street
15

Continue on US 74

10 mi · 13 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 BUS

5.3 mi · 7 min · US 74 BUS
Exit 306 Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business East: Rockingham, Asheboro Use the slight right lane.
17

Turn left onto West Green Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · West Green Street
18

At end of road, turn left onto US 1

43 mi · 52 min · Fayetteville Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 42 sec
20

Merge onto US 1

46 mi · 52 min · US 1
Use the straight lane.
21

Take the exit onto US 64

0.6 mi · 1 min · US 64
Exit 1A Toward I 40 East, US 64 East: Benson, Rocky Mount Use the slight right lane.
22

Merge onto I 40; US 64

4.6 mi · 5 min · Dan K Moore Freeway
23

Continue on I 40; US 64

3.2 mi · 3 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Keep slight left at fork onto I 87; I 440; US 64

2.8 mi · 3 min · I 87; I 440; US 64
Toward I 87 North, I 440 East, US 64 East: Rocky Mount
25

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87; US 64

17 mi · 18 min · I 87; US 64
Toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville Use the slight right lane.
26

Keep slight right at fork onto US 264

56 mi · 59 min · US 264
27

Turn straight onto Stantonsburg Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · Stantonsburg Road
Toward Greenville, Downtown
28

Turn right onto West Arlington Boulevard

2.4 mi · 4 min · West Arlington Boulevard
29

Turn left onto South Evans Street

0.4 mi · 35 sec · South Evans Street
30

Arrive at destination

South Evans Street

Trip Plan

Starting your 229.7-mile drive from Matthews to Greenville early in the morning can help you avoid potential traffic congestion, especially as you navigate the numerous turns. With a driving time of nearly 4 hours and a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, even though the estimated fuel cost is only $37. Pay close attention to your navigation, as the frequent turns will require your full attention. Given that this route is entirely within North Carolina, you'll have plenty of opportunities for quick breaks at local businesses along the way; just be mindful of the need to stay on course.

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 119.3 miles from Matthews, NC, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.9 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 52 miles or 1h 10m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 119.3 miles or 2h 33m 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 58m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Matthews, 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 Matthews, NC

This is one driving day of about 238.6 miles and 4h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Matthews, 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 US 264 for about 55.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Cumberland County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Fayetteville, NC

119 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

Rockingham, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Apex, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 119.3 miles from Matthews, 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

Farmhouse Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Wendell, North Carolina

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.4

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+19193747227

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

2.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Brakeman's Coffee & Supply

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Matthews, North Carolina

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+17048417867

Visit website

Farmhouse Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.4

Wendell, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+19193747227

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 153.4

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 153.4

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 153.4

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Brakeman's Coffee & Supply

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Matthews, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+17048417867

Visit website

Crossroads Coffee Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 102.2

Vass, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+19102454504

Visit website

Sorella Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 17

Monroe, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Hdmona Cafe Coffee Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Matthews, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17046285072

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 51.1

Lilesville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Hyundai Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 238.6

Greenville, North Carolina

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 238.6

Greenville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 238.6

Greenville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 238.6

Greenville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 119.3

Sanford, North Carolina

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 119.3

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 85.2

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776642738

Visit website

Town Common

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 238.6

Greenville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12523294567

Visit website

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 153.4

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+19199963141

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 153.4

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

Visit website

Kiwanis Family Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 119.3

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+19197758247

Visit website

Turnipseed Nature Preserve - Hunt Valley Trail Entrance

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 170.4

Wendell, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+19196049326

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 161.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Trade Street

Turn left onto North Trade Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
9
3.6 mi into trip | ~6m in | US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, Wilmington

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 255 Toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, Wilm...
9
54.1 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in | US 74 BUS

Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 BUS toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business East: Rockingham, Asheboro

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 306 Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business Ea...
8
150 mi into trip | ~3h 8m in | US 64

Take the exit onto US 64 toward I 40 East, US 64 East: Benson, Rocky Mount

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 1A Toward I 40 East, US 64 East: Benson, Rocky Mou...
8
161.2 mi into trip | ~3h 21m in | I 87; US 64

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87; US 64 toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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

$37.31 one way

$74.62 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 84 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $40.80 $81.59
premium $4.70 $44.16 $88.32
diesel $5.61 $52.68 $105.36

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 83.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 71.6 0 $25.05 $11.45
Efficient EV 59.7 0 $20.88 $9.54
EV Truck/SUV 95.4 1 $33.40 $15.27

Gas CO2

83 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Matthews, NC

Late night in Matthews on Sunday

Local time

12:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

City of Greenville, NC

Late night in City of Greenville on Sunday

Local time

12:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

57°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

6 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

4h 48m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route, with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating a series of local roads for the entire 229.7 miles, rather than cruising on interstates. The absence of long highway stretches means you'll be engaging with the road more actively, with frequent adjustments to your course. While there's no specified longest uninterrupted stretch, the profile suggests a continuous series of turns that will keep you focused on navigation and the immediate surroundings. This isn't a route for zoning out; it's one where you'll be actively managing your direction.

65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.9 mi on US 264.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 264 and US 1. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near North Trade Street.

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 20 significant decision points across 238.6 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 0.1 miles (North Trade Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.6 miles (US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 54.1 miles (US 74 BUS): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Matthews, NC and City of Greenville, NC, road signs point toward Asheboro, Rocky Mount, Wilson and Greenville.

Asheboro

54.1 mi in | ~1h 13m | via US 74 BUS

Rocky Mount

150 mi in | ~3h 8m | via US 64

Wilson

161.2 mi in | ~3h 21m | via I 87; US 64

Greenville

161.2 mi in | ~3h 21m | via I 87; US 64

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 48m. Total distance: 238.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 55.9 miles on US 264. 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 City of Greenville, 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 0.1 miles (North Trade Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.6 miles (US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 54.1 miles (US 74 BUS): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at City of Greenville, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From City of Greenville, NC

Mills River, NC 335.8 mi · 6h 36m Asheville, NC 324.7 mi · 6h 18m Charlotte, NC 241.9 mi · 4h 41m Concord, NC 223.4 mi · 4h 19m

More from Matthews, NC

Chapel Hill, NC 171.7 mi · 3h 48m Raleigh, NC 156.6 mi · 3h 19m Winston-Salem, NC 89.5 mi · 1h 44m Charlotte, NC 12 mi · 18m

More trips to City of Greenville, NC

Albemarle, NC 330.4 mi Kings Mountain, NC 276.1 mi Lincolnton, NC 275.6 mi Lenoir, NC 267.3 mi Newton, NC 250.8 mi Davidson, NC 236.9 mi
Escape planner: Matthews, NC Scenic drives in NC

Explore more options from Matthews, NC or browse trips ending in City of Greenville, NC.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NC road trips.