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Trip from Princeton, NC to Concord, NC

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 29m

Distance

156.7 mi

252 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 17m ★
6 AM
3h 29m
8 AM
3h 54m
10 AM
3h 38m
12 PM
3h 35m
3 PM
3h 39m
5 PM
3h 53m
8 PM
3h 22m

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 Princeton, NC, NC

Princeton, NC

Mark Stebnicki

city in North Carolina, United States

Concord, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Covering 156.7 miles and taking about 3 hours and 29 minutes, this drive from Princeton, NC, to Concord, NC, is a straightforward trip through the Southeast region. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, it's an economical option for a single-day excursion. The route primarily utilizes major roads like US 64 and NC 49, with a significant portion on the Triangle Expressway, making it a highway-focused journey. This makes it perfectly manageable as a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Expect a relatively efficient drive with minimal need for overnight stays.

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 Princeton, NC

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 64 50.8 mi 1h 10m
NC 49 40.7 mi 53m
Triangle Expressway 21.4 mi 22m
US 70 BYP 10.1 mi 12m
Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway 9.4 mi 10m
NC 73 7.5 mi 11m
US 70 7 mi 9m
East Dixie Drive 3.5 mi 6m
Longest stretch: US 64 — 50.8 mi, about 1h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Princeton, NC and Concord, NC.

1

Start on South Pine Street

24 ft · 6 sec · South Pine Street
2

Turn left onto West Edwards Street

1.2 mi · 2 min · West Edwards Street
3

Turn left onto US 70

5.0 mi · 7 min · US 70
Use the straight lane.
4

Continue on US 70

2.0 mi · 2 min · US 70
Use the straight lane.
5

Keep slight left at fork onto US 70 BYP

10 mi · 12 min · US 70 BYP
6

Continue on I 42

9.4 mi · 10 min · Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
7

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 43 sec
Exit 318 Toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward NC 540 Toll West
9

Merge onto NC 540 Toll

21 mi · 22 min · Triangle Expressway
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Exit 59A-B Toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 46 sec
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 59B Toward US 64 West: Pittsboro Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto US 64

51 mi · 1 hr 10 min · US 64
Use the straight lane.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto US 64 BUS; NC 49

1.8 mi · 2 min · Richard K. Pugh Highway
Toward US 64 Business West, NC 49 South: Asheboro Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on US 64 BUS; NC 49

3.5 mi · 6 min · East Dixie Drive
Use the straight lane.
16

Turn slight right

312 ft · 11 sec
17

Turn slight right onto Brookway Road

314 ft · 12 sec · Brookway Road
18

Turn sharp left onto Albemarle Road

0.3 mi · 23 sec · Albemarle Road
19

Continue on NC 49

9.9 mi · 13 min · NC 49
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Continue on NC 49

31 mi · 39 min · NC 49
Use the straight lane.
21

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
22

Turn right onto NC 73

7.5 mi · 11 min · NC 73
23

Continue on Corban Avenue Southeast

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Corban Avenue Southeast
24

Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Spring Street Southwest
25

Arrive at destination

Spring Street Southwest

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 29-minute duration, departing in the morning allows ample time to reach Concord without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop and an estimated fuel cost of $25, this trip is budget-friendly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 50.8 miles on US 64, as services can be spaced out. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to depart when convenient, but an earlier start will maximize your time upon arrival in Concord.

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 Princeton, NC, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.8 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 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 78.3 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 50m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Princeton, 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 Princeton, NC

This is one driving day of about 156.7 miles and 3h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Princeton, 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 64 for about 50.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Greensboro, 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Raleigh, NC

Fuel and coffee

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

Graham, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78.3 miles from Princeton, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best coffee break · home stretch

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

1.3 mi

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

1.8 mi

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17049604013

Visit website

Verb Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17049604163

Visit website

French Express Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17049325282

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Pittsboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Pittsboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Pittsboro, North Carolina

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Pittsboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Final third 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Asheboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Final third 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Asheboro, North Carolina

+18333994638

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Pittsboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Pittsboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Lake Benson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Garner, North Carolina

+19197734442

Visit website

East Clayton Community Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

First break 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Clayton, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+19195531550

Visit website

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 10:30 am–10:30 pm

+19194380798

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 27.8 and 107.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
27.8 mi into trip | ~35m in

Take the exit toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington

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

Exit 318 Toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington
6
50.5 mi into trip | ~1h in

Take the exit toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro

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

Exit 59A-B Toward US 64: Apex, Pittsboro
8
51.1 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 64 West: Pittsboro

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 59B Toward US 64 West: Pittsboro
8
102.1 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | US 64 BUS; NC 49 / Richard K. Pugh Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 64 BUS; NC 49 / Richard K. Pugh Highway toward US 64 Business West, NC 49 South: Asheboro

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 64 Business West, NC 49 South: Ashebo...
6
107.5 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in | Albemarle Road

Turn sharp left onto Albemarle Road

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.50 one way

$49.01 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $26.79 $53.59
premium $4.70 $29.00 $58.00
diesel $5.61 $34.60 $69.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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 Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47 0 $16.45 $7.52
Efficient EV 39.2 0 $13.71 $6.27
EV Truck/SUV 62.7 0 $21.94 $10.03

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 21, 2026

Origin

Princeton, NC

Morning in Princeton on Tuesday

Local time

7:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Concord, NC

Morning in Concord on Tuesday

Local time

7:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

78°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 29m 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 route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 88% of the journey on high-speed roads. You'll experience long stretches of efficient travel, including one segment of 50.8 miles solely on US 64. While the majority is on main highways like US 64 and NC 49, the inclusion of the Triangle Expressway suggests a modern, well-maintained driving experience for much of the trip. The character is less about winding backroads and more about covering ground effectively, making it a practical commute or transit.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 50.8 mi on US 64.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 64 and NC 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 27.8 miles in.

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 15 significant decision points across 156.7 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 27.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.1 miles: 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.

On the drive from Princeton, NC to Concord, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Pittsboro along the way.

Pittsboro

50.5 mi in | ~1h

About the Cities

Arriving in Concord, NC

Full guide →

Concord is a city in North Carolina and fast-growing bedroom community of the major city of Charlotte. In 2020, the population was around 107,000, making it the second largest city of the Charlotte Metro.

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 29m. Total distance: 156.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 50.8 miles on US 64. 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 Concord, 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 27.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Concord, 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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