Trip from Matthews, NC to Raleigh, 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 19m

Distance

156.6 mi

252 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 7m ★

6 AM

3h 19m

8 AM

3h 43m

10 AM

3h 27m

12 PM

3h 25m

3 PM

3h 29m

5 PM

3h 42m

8 PM

3h 12m

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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Matthews, NC

Wikimedia Commons

city in and state capital of North Carolina, United States of America

Raleigh, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Matthews to Raleigh covers a 156.6-mile span through the Southeast, typically taking about 3 hours and 19 minutes behind the wheel. Because this is a relatively straightforward trek, it works perfectly as a one-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $25 for fuel to cover the journey. The route utilizes a mix of roads, including the Monroe Expressway, Fayetteville Road, and US 1, providing a balanced transit between these two North Carolina hubs. Whether you are heading out for business or a visit, the drive is efficient enough to keep your travel day manageable and stress-free.

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

78.3 miles from Matthews, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 1	48 mi	54m
Fayetteville Road	43.4 mi	52m
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
Western Boulevard	3.1 mi	5m
West Marshville Boulevard	2.9 mi	5m

Longest stretch: US 1 — 48 mi, about 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Matthews, NC and Raleigh, NC.

Start on North Freemont Street

13 ft · 5 sec · North Freemont Street

Turn left onto West John Street

489 ft · 24 sec · West John Street

Turn left onto North Trade Street

0.2 mi · 25 sec · North Trade Street

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto East Matthews Street

0.1 mi · 13 sec · East Matthews Street

Continue on Matthews-Mint Hill Road

1.2 mi · 2 min · Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Turn right onto US 74

2.0 mi · 2 min · East Independence Boulevard

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Merge onto US 74

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Carroll M. Edwards Highway

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 74

2.9 mi · 5 min · West Marshville Boulevard

Continue on US 74

2.5 mi · 3 min · Carroll M. Edwards Highway

Continue on US 74

6.1 mi · 8 min · W. Cliff Martin Highway

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 74

6.7 mi · 9 min · W. Cliff Martin Highway

Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742

0.7 mi · 1 min · Salisbury Street

Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742

2.4 mi · 4 min · West Caswell Street

Continue on US 74

10 mi · 13 min · Andrew Jackson Highway

Use the straight lane.

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.

Turn left onto West Green Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · West Green Street

At end of road, turn left onto US 1

43 mi · 52 min · Fayetteville Road

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 42 sec

Merge onto US 1

48 mi · 54 min · US 1

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec

Toward Western Boulevard: NC State Univ, Cary Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

446 ft · 9 sec

Toward Western Boulevard: NC State Univ, Cary

Turn straight onto Western Boulevard

3.1 mi · 5 min · Western Boulevard

Use the straight lane.

Continue on Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

Turn left onto South Wilmington Street

0.2 mi · 42 sec · South Wilmington Street

Turn left onto East South Street

24 ft · 0 sec · East South Street

Arrive at destination

East South Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a roughly 3.5-hour trek, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule rather than worrying about mid-trip lodging. While the drive is short enough to complete in one go, building in at least one stop will help you stay refreshed and attentive throughout the journey. Keep a close watch on your fuel levels when transitioning between the Monroe Expressway and the stretches along US 1 to ensure you aren't caught off guard. To maximize your time, try to avoid peak traffic hours when transitioning into the Raleigh area. Utilizing that single recommended stop effectively will ensure you arrive at your final destination feeling ready for whatever is on your agenda.

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 78.3 miles from Matthews, NC, or about 1h 44m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 48 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 34 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 78.3 miles or 1h 44m 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 Raleigh, 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 156.6 miles and 3h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 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 1 for about 48 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hamlet, NC

78 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.

Popular next leg

Hamlet, NC to Raleigh, NC

95.6 mi · 1h 59m

Pacing Suggestions

Wingate, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hamlet, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78.3 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

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 156.6

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cary, North Carolina

2.8 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

Crossroads Coffee Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Vass, North Carolina

1.7 mi

Creama Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshville, North Carolina

1.7 mi

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 156.6

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 145.4

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 156.6

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

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

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 100.7

Vass, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+19102454504

Visit website

Creama Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 22.4

Marshville, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17048908646

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

Sorella Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11.2

Monroe, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 89.5

Southern Pines, North Carolina

+19106933400

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 111.8

Sanford, North Carolina

+19194984466

Visit website

Kiwanis Family Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 111.8

Sanford, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+19197758247

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 156.6

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 12–8 pm

+19199484450

Visit website

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 156.6

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+19199963141

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 0.1 and 152.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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

Turn left onto North Trade Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

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...

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...

60.4 mi into trip | ~1h 22m in | US 1 / Fayetteville Road

At end of road, turn left onto US 1 / Fayetteville Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

152.3 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in

Take the exit toward Western Boulevard: NC State Univ, Cary

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 Western Boulevard: NC State Univ, Cary

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.49 one way

$48.98 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$26.78	$53.55
premium	$4.70	$28.98	$57.97
diesel	$5.61	$34.58	$69.15

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$24

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$49–$74

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 54.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	47	$16.44	$7.52
Efficient EV	39.2	$13.70	$6.26
EV Truck/SUV	62.6	$21.92	$10.02

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

18 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 15, 2026

Origin

Matthews, NC

Late night in Matthews on Sunday

Local time

3:46 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Raleigh, NC

Late night in Raleigh on Sunday

Local time

3:46 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 19m 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 mixed drive that shifts in personality as you navigate the 156.6 miles between Matthews and Raleigh. With a highway share of 46%, the journey offers a blend of faster, controlled-access roads like the Monroe Expressway and more conventional thoroughfares. You will encounter varying road conditions, including a longest uninterrupted stretch of 48 miles on US 1 that allows you to settle into a steady rhythm. The transition from local roads to major highways keeps the experience from feeling like a monotonous interstate grind. By the time you arrive, you will have navigated a diverse set of road types that reflect the changing landscape of the region.

46% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 48 mi on US 1.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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 9/10

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 156.6 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.

On the drive from Matthews, NC to Raleigh, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Asheboro along the way.

Asheboro

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

About the Cities

Arriving in Raleigh, NC

Full guide →

The capital of North Carolina and the largest city of the Research Triangle, Raleigh is the primary political and economic driver of the metro area. Indeed, business and politics are the main draws to Raleigh, which lacks the more trendy feel or active arts scene of Durham or Chapel Hill to the west. However, a concerted effort to expand the residential base and move events downtown has led to significantly expanded retail and restaurant options in the downtown core. Also, visitors will find many of the state's cultural institutions here, namely a major performing arts center downtown and three state museums, and a college town atmosphere in the neighborhood around the campus of North Carolina State University, the state's largest university.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 19m. Total distance: 156.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 48 miles on US 1. 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 Raleigh, 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.

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 Raleigh, 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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Explore more options from Matthews, NC or browse trips ending in Raleigh, NC.

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Trip from Matthews, NC to Raleigh, NC

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Sosta Cafe

Brakeman's Coffee & Supply

Sosta Cafe

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

Brakeman's Coffee & Supply

Crossroads Coffee Co.

Creama Cafe

Hdmona Cafe Coffee Shop

Sorella Coffee

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

Nature Research Center

The Pint Sized Pasture

Kiwanis Family Park

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Lake Johnson Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Matthews, NC

Raleigh, NC

Same local time

Very similar conditions

3h 19m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Arriving in Raleigh, NC

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Raleigh, NC

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