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Trip from Roanoke Rapids, NC to Durham, NC

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 45m

Distance

87.1 mi

140 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 37m ★
6 AM
1h 45m
8 AM
2h 1m
10 AM
1h 51m
12 PM
1h 49m
3 PM
1h 51m
5 PM
2h 0m
8 PM
1h 40m

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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city in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States

Roanoke Rapids, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 87.1-mile drive from Roanoke Rapids, NC, to Durham, NC, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it an ideal day trip. You'll spend about 66% of your time on highways, primarily utilizing I-85. With an estimated fuel cost of $14, this route is quite budget-friendly. The drive sticks to the Southeast region, offering a familiar landscape as you make your way from one North Carolina city to another. It's a practical option when you need to get from point A to point B efficiently, without the need for an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

43.5 miles from Roanoke Rapids, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 85 42.5 mi 46m
Julian R Allsbrook Highway 24.2 mi 28m
US 1 8.7 mi 10m
US 158 Bypass 5.1 mi 5m
Roanoke Avenue 1.6 mi 4m
West Littleton Road 1.4 mi 1m
US 158 1.2 mi 1m
North Mangum Street 1.1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 85 — 42.5 mi, about 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke Rapids, NC and Durham, NC.

1

Start on NC 48

1.6 mi · 4 min · Roanoke Avenue
2

Turn right onto US 158

1.4 mi · 1 min · West Littleton Road
3

Continue on US 158

24 mi · 28 min · Julian R Allsbrook Highway
4

Continue on US 158 Bypass

5.1 mi · 5 min · US 158 Bypass
5

Continue on US 158; US 401

1.2 mi · 1 min · US 158; US 401
6

At end of road, turn left onto US 1; US 158

8.7 mi · 10 min · US 1; US 158
7

Turn right onto Flemingtown Road

0.2 mi · 11 sec · Flemingtown Road
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
9

Merge onto I 85

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 85
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 85

41 mi · 44 min · I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward US 15 Business, US 501 Business, NC 55: Downtown Durham Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on I-85 South Access Road

0.1 mi · 20 sec · I-85 South Access Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
13

Turn left onto US 15 Business; US 501 Business

0.4 mi · 52 sec · North Roxboro Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
14

Continue on US 15 Business; US 50

479 ft · 8 sec · East Markham Avenue
15

Turn slight left onto US 15 Business; US 501 Business

1.1 mi · 2 min · North Mangum Street
Use the slight left / slight right / right lanes.
16

Turn left onto East Main Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · East Main Street
17

Arrive at destination

East Main Street

Trip Plan

Given the short 1 hour and 45-minute duration, this route offers plenty of flexibility. You can leave Roanoke Rapids at your convenience, but aiming to depart mid-morning can help you avoid potential rush hour traffic as you approach Durham. With a fuel cost around $14, you likely won't need to worry about frequent refueling stops, though it's always wise to keep an eye on your gauge. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 42.5 miles on I-85, so plan for a quick stretch break before or after that segment if needed. Consider using US 1 for a slightly different perspective on your way into Durham.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.5 miles from Roanoke Rapids, NC, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.5 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 19 miles or 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 43.5 miles or 54m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 27m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Roanoke Rapids, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Roanoke Rapids, NC

This is one driving day of about 87.1 miles and 1h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Roanoke Rapids, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 85 for about 42.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Vance County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Henderson, NC

44 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

Henderson, NC to Durham, NC

40.3 mi · 48m

Pacing Suggestions

Bracey, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Henderson, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.5 miles from Roanoke Rapids, 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

Restaurant 85

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Henderson, North Carolina

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.5

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

Henderson George's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Henderson, North Carolina

2.1 mi

Taste of Soul Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Henderson, North Carolina

2.4 mi

Restaurant 85

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.5

Henderson, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

Henderson George's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.8

Henderson, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+12524920090

Visit website

Taste of Soul Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.8

Henderson, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+12522046739

Visit website

Verdigris Restaurant and Oxford Oaks Distillery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10 mile 56

Oxford, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19196791002

Visit website

Uptown Bar & Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56

Oxford, North Carolina

Hours: Closed

+19193394174

Visit website

George's Restaurant of Warrenton

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.1

Warrenton, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12528790136

Visit website

Triangle Coffee House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 87.1

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+19842191215

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 49.8

Henderson, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 49.8

Henderson, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 49.8

Henderson, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 49.8

Henderson, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 49.8

Henderson, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18665761495

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 62.2

Oxford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina

+12525379927

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

American Tobacco Campus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 87.1

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+19194331566

Visit website

The Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 18.7

Littleton, North Carolina

Hours: 1–6 pm

+16312201231

Museum of Life and Science

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 87.1

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19192205429

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 33.5 and 85.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
33.5 mi into trip | ~41m in | US 1; US 158

At end of road, turn left onto US 1; US 158

Navigation decision point

4
42.3 mi into trip | ~53m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

6
44.5 mi into trip | ~55m in | I 85

Keep slight right at fork onto I 85

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
85 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in

Take the exit toward US 15 Business, US 501 Business, NC 55: Downtown Durham

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 15 Business, US 501 Business, NC 55:...
4
85.4 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in | US 15 Business; US 501 Business / North Roxboro Street

Turn left onto US 15 Business; US 501 Business / North Roxboro Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.62 one way

$27.24 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 31 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $14.89 $29.79
premium $4.70 $16.12 $32.24
diesel $5.61 $19.23 $38.46

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26.1 0 $9.15 $4.18
Efficient EV 21.8 0 $7.62 $3.48
EV Truck/SUV 34.8 0 $12.19 $5.57

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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

Roanoke Rapids, NC

Late night in Roanoke Rapids on Sunday

Local time

4:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Durham, NC

Late night in Durham on Sunday

Local time

4:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

56°F

Henderson, NC

44 mi in

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

21 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

1h 45m 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 highway-focused experience on this 87.1-mile trip. You'll be on I-85 for a significant portion, including a longest stretch of 42.5 miles, so be prepared for consistent highway speeds. The route also incorporates Julian R Allsbrook Highway and US 1, offering some variation from the interstate but still maintaining a generally fast pace. While not a scenic tour, the drive is direct and efficient, prioritizing getting you to your destination with minimal fuss. The majority of your time will be spent on well-maintained roads designed for steady travel.

66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.5 mi on I 85.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and Julian R Allsbrook Highway. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 33.5 miles in near US 1; US 158.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.1 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 33.5 miles (US 1; US 158): Navigation decision point; at 42.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 44.5 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Roanoke Rapids, NC

Full guide →

Roanoke Rapids is in North Carolina.

Arriving in Durham, NC

Full guide →

Of the three cities that make up North Carolina's Research Triangle, Durham has traditionally been the one with the grittier, more working-class image. A city of just over 300,000 residents in 2026, Durham has moved beyond a "tobacco town" with a prestigious university at its center to become a regionally and nationally recognized symbol of urban renewal, gentrification, technology and diversity. Durham's vibrant African-American community was historically pioneering in United States Black culture, from the arts to finance. These days, the tobacco warehouses and textile mills have been converted to other uses, as Durham has taken on a much more high-profile (and expensive) identity. Thanks to local anchor Duke University, a thriving, research-driven medical and tech industry has taken root.

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 1h 45m. Total distance: 87.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (66%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 42.5 miles on I 85. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 33.5 miles (US 1; US 158): Navigation decision point; at 42.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 44.5 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Durham, NC before heading back.

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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