Spanning 228.2 miles across North Carolina, this trip from Richlands to Charlotte takes approximately 4 hours and 54 minutes. Because the drive is under five hours, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day journey, though you will want to account for a fuel budget of roughly $37. You will navigate a mix of roads, primarily utilizing NC 24, the Fayetteville Outer Loop, and US 1 to transition between the southeastern part of the state and the Charlotte region. Whether you are traveling for business or a weekend getaway, the route offers a straightforward path that avoids the need for an overnight stay. It is a reliable connection that bridges the coastal plain and the urban heart of the Piedmont.
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
114.1 miles from Richlands, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NC 24
31.6 mi
34m
Fayetteville Outer Loop
21.8 mi
25m
US 1
21 mi
24m
Beulaville Highway
20.8 mi
29m
Monroe Expressway
18.4 mi
21m
Broad Avenue
15.5 mi
20m
Plank Road
13.1 mi
18m
W. Cliff Martin Highway
12.8 mi
17m
Longest stretch:
NC 24
— 31.6 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richlands, NC and Charlotte, NC.
1
Start on South Wilmington Street
189 ft·10 sec·South Wilmington Street
2
Turn right onto West Franck Street
0.4 mi·57 sec·West Franck Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto US 258; NC 24
2.2 mi·3 min·Richlands Highway
4
Continue on US 258; NC 24
21 mi·29 min·Beulaville Highway
5
Turn left onto NC 24; NC 903
5.8 mi·8 min·South Kenansville Bypass
6
Take the exit onto NC 24
32 mi·34 min·NC 24
Use the right lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward NC 50, NC 55: Newton Grove
8
Turn left onto NC 50; NC 55
0.9 mi·1 min·Harnett-Dunn Highway
9
Turn left onto SR 1647
1.3 mi·1 min·Warren Mill Road
10
Keep slight left at fork onto Warren Mill Road
0.5 mi·44 sec·Warren Mill Road
11
Turn right onto US 13
5.6 mi·7 min·Newton Grove Highway
12
Merge onto US 13
9.2 mi·10 min·Fayetteville Highway
13
Continue on US 13
6.9 mi·8 min·Goldsboro Road
14
Turn left onto US 13
108 ft·2 sec·US 13
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 13
0.7 mi·1 min·Goldsboro Road
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on I 295
22 mi·25 min·Fayetteville Outer Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·21 sec
Exit 12Toward US 401: Raeford, Fayetteville
18
Keep slight right at fork
348 ft·8 sec
Exit 12Toward US 401 South: RaefordUse the right lane.
19
Merge onto US 401
2.6 mi·3 min·South Raeford Road
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 401
0.7 mi·1 min·Fayetteville Road
21
Turn right onto Wayside Road
1.6 mi·2 min·Wayside Road
22
At end of road, turn left onto Plank Road
13 mi·18 min·Plank Road
23
Continue on Army Road
3.6 mi·5 min·Army Road
24
Continue on Ashemont Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Ashemont Road
25
Keep slight left at fork onto Ashemont Road
0.9 mi·1 min·Ashemont Road
26
Enter roundabout onto Ashemont Road
138 ft·2 sec·Ashemont Road
27
Continue on Ashemont Road
0.4 mi·45 sec·Ashemont Road
28
Turn right onto Addor Road
4.1 mi·5 min·Addor Road
29
Turn left onto US 1
21 mi·24 min·US 1
Use the straight lane.
30
Turn right onto East Green Street
0.9 mi·1 min·East Green Street
31
At end of road, turn right onto US 74 BUS
16 mi·20 min·Broad Avenue
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 74
2.4 mi·4 min·East Caswell Street
Use the straight lane.
33
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
0.7 mi·1 min·Salisbury Street
34
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
6.5 mi·8 min·W. Cliff Martin Highway
35
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
6.3 mi·8 min·W. Cliff Martin Highway
36
Continue on US 74
2.5 mi·3 min·Carroll M. Edwards Highway
37
Continue on US 74
2.9 mi·5 min·East Marshville Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
38
Continue on US 74
0.4 mi·34 sec·Carroll M. Edwards Highway
39
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP
18 mi·21 min·Monroe Expressway
Toward US 74 Toll Bypass West: CharlotteUse the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Merge onto US 74
7.1 mi·9 min·Independence Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Continue on US 74
5.4 mi·6 min·East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
42
Continue on US 74; NC 27
0.4 mi·27 sec·East Independence Boulevard
43
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward Sixth Street, McDowell StreetUse the slight right lane.
44
Continue on East 6th Street
0.7 mi·1 min·East 6th Street
45
Turn left onto North Tryon Street
0.2 mi·19 sec·North Tryon Street
46
Arrive at destination
South Tryon Street
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth trip, aim to depart early in the morning to bypass potential congestion as you approach the busier roads near Charlotte. Given the total duration of nearly five hours, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh your fuel supply. Since this is a one-day trip, your schedule remains flexible, but keeping an eye on the 31.6-mile stretch of NC 24 will help you time your breaks effectively. Keep your navigation system ready as you transition between the primary highways, as the route requires attention during the switch from state roads to the Fayetteville Outer Loop. Prioritize consistent pacing to stay comfortable throughout the drive.
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 114.1 miles from Richlands, NC, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.6 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 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.1 miles or 2h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Charlotte, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Richlands, NC
This is one driving day of about 228.2 miles and 4h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Richlands, 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 NC 24 for about 31.6 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 29.2 and 227.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
29.2 mi into trip|~42m in|NC 24
Take the exit onto NC 24
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
85.7 mi into trip|~1h 47m in|US 13 / Goldsboro Road
Keep slight right at fork onto US 13 / Goldsboro Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
9
108.5 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 401 South: Raeford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 12
Toward US 401 South: Raeford
7
195.8 mi into trip|~4h 13m in|US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway toward US 74 Toll Bypass West: Charlotte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 74 Toll Bypass West: Charlotte
7
227.2 mi into trip|~4h 52m in
Take the exit toward Sixth Street, McDowell Street
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 Sixth Street, McDowell Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.69 one way
$71.37 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$39.02
$78.04
premium
$4.70
$42.23
$84.47
diesel
$5.61
$50.38
$100.77
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.5
0
$23.96
$10.95
Efficient EV
57.1
0
$19.97
$9.13
EV Truck/SUV
91.3
1
$31.95
$14.60
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 Apr 13, 2026
Origin
Richlands, NC
Late night
in Richlands on Sunday
Local time
12:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Mostly Clear
S 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Charlotte, NC
Late night
in Charlotte on Sunday
Local time
12:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Partly Cloudy
S 8 mph0% chanceLive 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
4 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 54m 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?
Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition from local roads to higher-speed corridors. With a highway share of about 33%, you will encounter a blend of steady cruising and slower, more localized stretches. Your longest uninterrupted segment spans 31.6 miles on NC 24, providing a decent rhythm before the road character shifts. The route keeps you alert by alternating between these open stretches and the more complex navigation required by the transition onto the Fayetteville Outer Loop and US 1. You should prepare for a varied pace that keeps the drive engaging without feeling like a monotonous interstate haul.
33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.6 mi on NC 24.
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 29.2 miles in near NC 24.
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 27 significant decision points across 228.2 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 29.2 miles (NC 24): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.7 miles (US 13 / Goldsboro Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 108.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
763 ft61 ft
Total Climb
900 ft
Total Descent
197 ft
Highest Point
763 ft
~228.2 mi in
Elevation Range
702 ft
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 Richlands, NC to Charlotte, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Fayetteville along the way.
Charlotte is an ambitious and rapidly growing city in the southern part of the Piedmont of North Carolina. It is also developing its fledgling tourist industry; its central core is one of the most visitor-friendly districts in the Carolinas.
Charlotte's most popular attractions include the Carolina Panthers (NFL), the Charlotte Hornets (NBA), the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Charlotte Ballet, Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Mint Museum, Harvey B. Gantt Center, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Billy Graham Library, Levine Museum of the New South, Charlotte Museum of History, Carowinds amusement park, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 54m. Total distance: 228.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 31.6 miles on NC 24. 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 Charlotte, 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 29.2 miles (NC 24): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.7 miles (US 13 / Goldsboro Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 108.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Charlotte, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.
