Matthews, NC to Jacksonville, NC is 229.4 miles and takes about 4h 51m via Andrew Jackson Highway, American Indian Highway, and Jacksonville Highway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within North Carolina, connecting two points in the Southeast region. You'll be spending most of your time on surface roads, so expect a more relaxed pace than a pure interstate drive. It's a straightforward trip that's easy to manage in a single day.
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
114.7 miles from Matthews, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Andrew Jackson Highway
73.3 mi
1h 26m
American Indian Highway
33.6 mi
36m
Jacksonville Highway
30.6 mi
43m
Monroe Expressway
18.7 mi
21m
G R Kindley Freeway
14.9 mi
16m
W. Cliff Martin Highway
12.8 mi
17m
NC 210
8.7 mi
13m
Malpass Corner Road
8.2 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Andrew Jackson Highway
— 73.3 mi, about 1h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Matthews, NC and Jacksonville, 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 left at fork onto US 74
1.1 mi·1 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Toward US 74 East: Lumberton
17
Continue on US 74
15 mi·16 min·G R Kindley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on US 74
9.7 mi·11 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
19
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
10 mi·10 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on US 74
34 mi·36 min·American Indian Highway
21
Continue on US 74; NC 130
42 mi·48 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
22
Take the exit onto NC 11
2.2 mi·2 min·General Howe Road
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on NC 11
0.2 mi·20 sec·General Howell Road
24
Continue on NC 11
7.9 mi·10 min·Gen Howe Road
25
Turn right onto NC 210
8.7 mi·13 min·NC 210
26
Continue on Malpass Corner Road
8.2 mi·11 min·Malpass Corner Road
27
At end of road, turn right onto NC 53
3.2 mi·5 min·NC 53
28
Turn left onto US 117 Business; NC 53
0.1 mi·15 sec·North Walker Street
29
Turn right onto US 117 Business; NC 53
0.2 mi·25 sec·East Bridges Street
30
Turn straight onto NC 53
31 mi·43 min·Jacksonville Highway
31
Continue on this road
433 ft·8 sec·this road
32
Turn slight right onto US 258; NC 24 Business
1.3 mi·2 min·Richlands Highway
33
Continue on US 17 Business; NC 24 Business
1.1 mi·1 min·South Marine Boulevard
34
Arrive at destination
US 17 Business; NC 24 Business
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 51m estimated drive time, leaving in the morning is your best bet to complete this 229.4-mile trip comfortably in one day. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated around $35, you have flexibility in how you pace yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer 73.3-mile stretches on Andrew Jackson Highway, as services might be more spread out on surface roads. Since this is a single-day drive, you can adjust your departure time based on your schedule.
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 114.7 miles from Matthews, NC, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.3 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 50 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.7 miles or 2h 20m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jacksonville, 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 229.4 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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 Andrew Jackson Highway for about 73.3 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 79.7 — 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.
5
1.6 mi into trip|~3m in|US 74 / East Independence Boulevard
Turn right onto US 74 / East Independence Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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...
5
22.3 mi into trip|~27m in|US 74 / Carroll M. Edwards Highway
Merge onto US 74 / Carroll M. Edwards Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
79.7 mi into trip|~1h 42m in|US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.87 one way
$67.74 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$37.22
$74.44
premium
$4.49
$40.57
$81.14
diesel
$4.80
$43.32
$86.63
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.8
0
$24.09
$11.01
Efficient EV
57.4
0
$20.07
$9.18
EV Truck/SUV
91.8
1
$32.12
$14.68
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 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
2:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
96°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 12 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 1:50PM EDT until July 18 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:40PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Destination
Jacksonville, NC
Late night
in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
2:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 to 14 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 1:50PM EDT until July 18 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:40PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
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
1 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
4h 51m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Moores Creek National Battlefield
National Battlefield
In the early morning hours of February 27, 1776, Loyalist forces charged across a partially dismantled Moores Creek Bridge. Beyond the bridge, nearly 1,000 North Carolina Patriots waited quietly with...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With only 20% of this route on highways, you'll primarily be on surface roads for the 229.4-mile drive. Your longest continuous stretch on a main road, Andrew Jackson Highway, is 73.3 miles. Expect a cruising pace with fewer exits and more local traffic as you transition away from any highway sections. The profile is mostly surface roads, indicating a steady, non-interstate driving experience.
Only 20% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.3 mi on Andrew Jackson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. 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 Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 229.4 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 1.6 miles (US 74 / East Independence Boulevard): 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.
Jacksonville is the county seat of Onslow County, North Carolina. The home of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. Jacksonville is in North Carolina's Inner Banks region, approximately a one hour away from the "Port City" Wilmington.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 229.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.3 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway. 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 Jacksonville, 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 1.6 miles (US 74 / East Independence Boulevard): 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.
Yes — Moores Creek National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Jacksonville, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.
