Richlands, NC to Wilmington, NC is 338.4 miles and takes about 7h 16m via Andrew Jackson Highway and I-40, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within North Carolina, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. The route features a mix of highway driving and surface roads, offering a practical way to connect these two points. With a drive time under eight hours, it's a manageable one-day trip, though you'll want to be mindful of potential traffic as you approach Wilmington.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
169.2 miles from Richlands, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Andrew Jackson Highway
91 mi
1h 50m
I 40
35.7 mi
40m
American Indian Highway
33.6 mi
36m
US 321
32 mi
37m
Monroe Expressway
18.7 mi
21m
US 221
15.3 mi
21m
G R Kindley Freeway
14.9 mi
16m
W. Cliff Martin Highway
12.8 mi
17m
Longest stretch:
Andrew Jackson Highway
— 91 mi, about 1h 50m
Traffic on I-85
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~5,222 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~638 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.2×
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 Richlands, NC and Wilmington, NC.
1
Start on Byrd Creek Road
1.9 mi·7 min·Byrd Creek Road
2
Turn right onto Pigeon Roost Road
1.3 mi·1 min·Pigeon Roost Road
3
Turn left onto NC 197
4.1 mi·7 min·NC 197
4
Turn right onto NC 197
2.8 mi·4 min·NC 197
5
Continue on NC 226
2.2 mi·3 min·NC 226
6
Turn right onto NC 226A
3.7 mi·6 min·NC 226A
7
At end of road, turn right onto NC 226
6.5 mi·9 min·South NC Highway 226
8
At end of road, turn left onto US 19E; NC 226
1.3 mi·2 min·US 19E; NC 226
9
Turn right onto Altapass Highway
4.5 mi·8 min·Altapass Highway
10
Turn left onto Peppers Creek Road
0.1 mi·24 sec·Peppers Creek Road
11
Continue on Peppers Creek Road
4.4 mi·9 min·Peppers Creek Road
12
Turn right onto US 221
15 mi·21 min·US 221
13
Continue on NC 226
1.0 mi·1 min·NC 226
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
15
Merge onto I 40
36 mi·40 min·I 40
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 123A-BToward US 321: Lenoir, Lincolnton, Hickory
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 321 South: Lincolnton
18
Merge onto US 321
32 mi·37 min·US 321
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 85 North: Charlotte
20
Merge onto I 85
10 mi·12 min·Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on I 85
8.5 mi·10 min·Cameron Morrison Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 36Toward NC 16: Brookshire Boulevard, Downtown CharlotteUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork
386 ft·11 sec
Toward NC 16 South: Downtown Charlotte, Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte, Bank of America StadiumUse the left / right lanes.
24
Merge onto NC 16
0.3 mi·21 sec·Brookshire Boulevard
25
Continue on NC 16
3.6 mi·5 min·Brookshire Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 2BToward US 74 East, NC 27 East: Independence BoulevardUse the slight left / straight lanes.
27
Merge onto US 74; NC 27
3.3 mi·4 min·East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
357 ft·4 sec·East Independence Boulevard
Toward US 74 East
29
Continue on US 74
2.1 mi·2 min·East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on US 74
2.4 mi·3 min·East Independence Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Continue on US 74
4.5 mi·6 min·Independence Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
32
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.
33
Merge onto US 74
0.3 mi·27 sec·Carroll M. Edwards Highway
Use the straight lane.
34
Continue on US 74
2.9 mi·5 min·West Marshville Boulevard
35
Continue on US 74
2.5 mi·3 min·Carroll M. Edwards Highway
36
Continue on US 74
6.1 mi·8 min·W. Cliff Martin Highway
Use the straight lane.
37
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
6.7 mi·9 min·W. Cliff Martin Highway
38
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
0.7 mi·1 min·Salisbury Street
39
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
2.4 mi·4 min·West Caswell Street
40
Continue on US 74
10 mi·13 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
41
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
1.1 mi·1 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Toward US 74 East: Lumberton
42
Continue on US 74
15 mi·16 min·G R Kindley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Continue on US 74
9.7 mi·11 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
44
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
10 mi·10 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Continue on US 74
34 mi·36 min·American Indian Highway
46
Continue on US 74; NC 130
60 mi·1 hr 13 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
47
Continue on US 17; US 74; US 76
3.1 mi·4 min·Ocean Highway East
48
Continue on US 17; US 76; US 421
0.8 mi·1 min·Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
49
Turn left onto US 421; US 17 Business
0.1 mi·15 sec·South 3rd Street
50
Arrive at destination
US 17 Business
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7h 16m drive, consider departing in the morning to allow ample daylight for the 338.4-mile trip. With two planned stops, you can break up the drive effectively. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $52, and you'll want to refuel strategically. The longest stretch on Andrew Jackson Highway is 91 miles, so plan your first stop after that segment if needed. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; however, be aware that traffic can increase as you approach Wilmington, especially during peak hours.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 169.2 miles from Richlands, NC, or about 3h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91 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 74 miles or 1h 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 169.2 miles or 3h 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wilmington, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Richlands, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Richlands, NC
This is one driving day of about 338.4 miles and 7h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Richlands, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Andrew Jackson Highway for about 91 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 85.3 and 154.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
85.3 mi into trip|~2h 5m in
Take the exit toward US 321: Lenoir, Lincolnton, Hickory
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 123A-B
Toward US 321: Lenoir, Lincolnton, Hickory
8
137.5 mi into trip|~3h 9m in
Take the exit toward NC 16: Brookshire Boulevard, Downtown Charlotte
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 36
Toward NC 16: Brookshire Boulevard, Downtown Ch...
9
137.7 mi into trip|~3h 9m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NC 16 South: Downtown Charlotte, Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte, Bank of America Stadium
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward NC 16 South: Downtown Charlotte, Brooksh...
8
141.7 mi into trip|~3h 15m in
Take the exit toward US 74 East, NC 27 East: Independence Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 2B
Toward US 74 East, NC 27 East: Independence Bou...
9
154.6 mi into trip|~3h 33m 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...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.96 one way
$99.92 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg118 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$54.90
$109.81
premium
$4.49
$59.85
$119.69
diesel
$4.80
$63.90
$127.79
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$50
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 118.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
101.5
1
$35.53
$16.24
Efficient EV
84.6
0
$29.61
$13.54
EV Truck/SUV
135.4
1
$47.38
$21.66
Gas CO2
118 kg
EV CO2
40 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Richlands, NC
Evening
in Richlands on Saturday
Local time
8:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
N 2 mph39% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:26AM EDT until July 17 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:26AM EDT until July 17 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
Destination
Wilmington, NC
Evening
in Wilmington on Saturday
Local time
8:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 3 to 12 mph13% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:26AM EDT until July 17 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:26AM EDT until July 17 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
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
8 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
7h 16m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
13 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 326.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive involves a 42% highway share, meaning you'll spend a significant portion on surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on highway is 91 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway. Expect to transition from highway cruising to surface roads, indicated by a change in speed limits and exit frequency. The mixed profile means you'll experience both faster travel and more local road conditions.
42% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
50 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 91 mi on Andrew Jackson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 85.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 28 significant decision points across 338.4 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 85.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,187 ft36 ft
Total Climb
0 ft
Total Descent
3,151 ft
Highest Point
3,187 ft
Elevation Range
3,151 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Richlands, NC and Wilmington, NC, road signs point toward Lincolnton, Hickory, Charlotte and Bank Of America Stadium.
Wilmington is a city in the southeastern part of North Carolina. It is the county seat of New Hanover County, and home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Memorial, the Cape Fear Museum, Airlie Gardens, and a large historic district. It is convenient to nearby beaches, and is a relatively short drive from the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill), Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, SC, and the I-95 corridor.
Top landmarks
•USS North Carolina — 1940 North Carolina-class battleship moored in Wilmington, North Carolina
•Fort Fisher — Confederate fort in Wilmington, North Carolina
•Bellamy Mansion — mansion in Wilmington, North Carolina, US
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 16m. Total distance: 338.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 91 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 Wilmington, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 85.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.7 miles: 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Wilmington, NC before the return drive.
