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Trip from Rolesville, NC to Jacksonville, NC

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

Drive Time

2h 34m

Distance

123.1 mi

198 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 24m ★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 55m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 54m
8 PM
2h 29m

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 Rolesville, NC, NC

Rolesville, NC

Mark Stebnicki

city in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States

Jacksonville, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 123.1-mile drive from Rolesville, NC, to Jacksonville, NC, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes. You'll navigate primarily using US 264 and I-795, with about 50% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $20, making it an economical option. You'll encounter a mixed driving profile, so expect some variety along the way. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 23.2 miles on US 264, this route offers a straightforward journey within the Southeast region.

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

61.5 miles from Rolesville, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 264 23.2 mi 24m
I 795 18.5 mi 19m
Goldsboro Bypass 14.6 mi 15m
US 258 12.6 mi 17m
Richlands Highway 11.8 mi 17m
Smith-Grady Road 5.6 mi 7m
NC 11 5.4 mi 7m
Jonestown Road 5.2 mi 7m
Longest stretch: US 264 — 23.2 mi, about 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Rolesville, NC and Jacksonville, NC.

1

Start on US 401 BUS

37 ft · 6 sec · South Main Street
2

Turn right onto East Young Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Young Street
3

Merge onto US 401

0.1 mi · 9 sec · Louisburg Road
4

Take the exit

191 ft · 15 sec
5

Turn left onto US 401

0.1 mi · 9 sec · Louisburg Road
6

Turn right onto East Young Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Young Street
7

Continue on Rolesville Road

0.3 mi · 28 sec · Rolesville Road
8

Turn left onto Fowler Road

4.8 mi · 6 min · Fowler Road
9

Turn right onto NC 96

3.4 mi · 3 min · Zebulon Road
10

Continue on NC 96

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Arendell Avenue
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward US 64 East, US 264 East
12

Merge onto US 64; US 264

0.5 mi · 32 sec · US 64; US 264
13

Keep slight right at fork onto US 264

23 mi · 24 min · US 264
14

Take the exit onto I 795

0.8 mi · 54 sec · I 795
Exit 23
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 795

18 mi · 18 min · I 795
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
17

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
18

Merge onto I 42

15 mi · 15 min · Goldsboro Bypass
19

Continue on US 70

1.5 mi · 1 min · US 70
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
21

Turn right onto NC 903

3.4 mi · 4 min · Jenny Lind Road
22

At end of road, turn right onto Hardy Bridge Road

3.5 mi · 4 min · Hardy Bridge Road
23

Continue on Smith-Grady Road

3.6 mi · 4 min · Smith-Grady Road
24

Continue on Smith-Grady Road

1.9 mi · 2 min · Smith-Grady Road
25

Turn right onto NC 11

5.4 mi · 7 min · NC 11
26

Turn left onto Jonestown Road

5.2 mi · 7 min · Jonestown Road
27

At end of road, turn right onto US 258

13 mi · 17 min · US 258
28

At end of road, turn right onto NC 24

364 ft · 12 sec · Beulaville Highway
29

Turn sharp left onto Koonce Fork Road

3.2 mi · 4 min · Koonce Fork Road
30

Turn right onto US 258; NC 24

11 mi · 15 min · Richlands Highway
31

Turn left

433 ft · 8 sec
32

Turn slight right onto US 258; NC 24 Business

1.3 mi · 2 min · Richlands Highway
33

Continue on US 17 Business; NC 24 Business

1.1 mi · 1 min · South Marine Boulevard
34

Arrive at destination

US 17 Business; NC 24 Business

Trip Plan

With a total duration of just 2 hours and 34 minutes for the 123.1 miles, this trip is perfect for a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one stop to break up the journey, perhaps around the halfway point or when you transition onto I-795. The estimated fuel cost is around $20, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before leaving Rolesville. Keep an eye on your GPS as you navigate the transitions between US 264, I-795, and the Goldsboro Bypass to ensure you stay on the most efficient path towards Jacksonville.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 61.5 miles from Rolesville, NC, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.2 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 27 miles or 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61.5 miles or 1h 10m 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 2m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Rolesville, 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 Rolesville, NC

This is one driving day of about 123.1 miles and 2h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Rolesville, 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 264 for about 23.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Kinston, NC, NC

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Kinston, NC

62 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

Wilson, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Goldsboro, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61.5 miles from Rolesville, 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.

The Pickled Onion Restaurant & Bar

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+19192951411

Visit website

Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $100 or ab

Wake Forest, North Carolina

Hours: 5–9 pm

+19842370002

Visit website

The Factory

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Wake Forest, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+19194531839

Visit website

The Lemon Tree Cafe and Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Wake Forest, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+19198239300

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 123.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 123.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 26.4

Wilson, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Circle K Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 26.4

Wilson, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12522377200

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 123.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hampton Inn Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 123.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 123.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Universal Charging Station

2.7 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 123.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663502738

Visit website

Wayne County Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 52.7

Goldsboro, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+19197345023

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 23

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 106.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | East Young Street

Turn right onto East Young Street

Navigation decision point

4
0.8 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 401 / Louisburg Road

Merge onto US 401 / Louisburg Road

Merge point - match speed before joining

5
1 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 401 / Louisburg Road

Turn left onto US 401 / Louisburg Road

Navigation decision point

6
11.2 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit toward US 64 East, US 264 East

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

Toward US 64 East, US 264 East
5
106.9 mi into trip | ~2h 10m in | Koonce Fork Road

Turn sharp left onto Koonce Fork Road

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.25 one way

$38.50 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $21.05 $42.10
premium $4.70 $22.78 $45.57
diesel $5.61 $27.18 $54.36

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 43.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 36.9 0 $12.93 $5.91
Efficient EV 30.8 0 $10.77 $4.92
EV Truck/SUV 49.2 0 $17.23 $7.88

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 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

Rolesville, NC

Late night in Rolesville on Sunday

Local time

4:53 AM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Jacksonville, NC

Late night in Jacksonville on Sunday

Local time

4:53 AM

EDT

Current temp

73°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

2h 34m 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 driving experience on this 123.1-mile route, with approximately 50% of your time spent on highways. The drive progresses through a blend of road types, moving from US 264 to I-795 and the Goldsboro Bypass. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 23.2 miles on US 264, offering a good period of consistent travel. This route avoids being a monotonous interstate grind, providing a more varied feel behind the wheel as you transition between different road classifications over the 2-hour and 34-minute duration.

50% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 23.2 mi on US 264.

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 early in the drive near East Young 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 23 significant decision points across 123.1 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: near the start (East Young Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (US 401 / Louisburg Road): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 1 miles (US 401 / Louisburg Road): Navigation decision point.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

443 ft 14 ft

Total Climb

83 ft

Total Descent

511 ft

Highest Point

443 ft

Elevation Range

429 ft

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 34m. Total distance: 123.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (50%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 23.2 miles on US 264. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Jacksonville, 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: near the start (East Young Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (US 401 / Louisburg Road): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 1 miles (US 401 / Louisburg Road): Navigation decision point.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Jacksonville, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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