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
Traffic on I-40
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~5,646 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~369 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
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 255Toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, WilmingtonUse 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 306Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business East: Rockingham, AsheboroUse 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 1AToward I 40 East, US 64 East: Benson, Rocky MountUse 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, GreenvilleUse 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.
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
$35.23 one way
$70.45 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$38.71
$77.42
premium
$4.49
$42.20
$84.39
diesel
$4.80
$45.05
$90.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
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, 2026-07-13.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Matthews, NC
Late night
in Matthews on Sunday
Local time
2:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
96°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 7 to 12 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:41AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Destination
City of Greenville, NC
Late night
in City of Greenville on Sunday
Local time
2:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
99°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 12 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:41AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
89°F
Aberdeen, NC
119 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
3 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.
More Details
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 Effort8/10
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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
730 ft34 ft
Total Climb
139 ft
Total Descent
836 ft
Highest Point
730 ft
Elevation Range
696 ft
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.
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.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
