Origin
Roxboro, NC
Late night in Roxboro on Sunday
Local time
2:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Roxboro, NC to Wilmington, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 44m
Distance
186.3 mi
300 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 32m
★
6 AM
3h 44m
8 AM
4h 10m
10 AM
3h 53m
12 PM
3h 51m
3 PM
3h 54m
5 PM
4h 8m
8 PM
3h 37m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Roxboro, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Roxboro, NC to Wilmington, NC is 186.3 miles and takes about 3h 44m via I 40 and Thomas Bradshaw Freeway, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive primarily traverses North Carolina's Southeast region, offering a straightforward journey between two points within the state. With a recommended one-day trip duration, this route is ideal if you're looking for efficiency and minimal fuss. Expect a mostly uninterrupted drive with limited stops needed, making it a practical choice for a quick transition from inland to the coast.
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
93.1 miles from Roxboro, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 58m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 127.5 mi | 2h 18m |
| Thomas Bradshaw Freeway | 11.3 mi | 12m |
| Durham Road | 10.7 mi | 16m |
| Roxboro Road | 10.7 mi | 15m |
| Durham Freeway | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| North Roxboro Street | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| US 70 | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| North Duke Street | 2.4 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 127.5 mi, about 2h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roxboro, NC and Wilmington, NC.
1
Start on Depot Street
479 ft
·
25 sec
·
Depot Street
2
Turn right onto South Foushee Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
South Foushee Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 158; US 501; NC 57
11 mi
·
16 min
·
Durham Road
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on US 501
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Roxboro Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on US 501
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
North Roxboro Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Turn straight onto US 501
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
North Duke Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Turn slight right onto US 501
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
North Gregson Street
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward I-85 North: Oxford
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Use the straight lane.
10
Merge onto I 85; US 15; US 70
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
I 85; US 15; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 70
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
US 70
Exit 178
Toward I 885 South, US 70 East: Raleigh
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 885
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East End Connector
Toward I 885 South: RDU Airport
13
Merge onto I 885
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Durham Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
57 sec
Exit 5A
Toward I 40 East: RDU Airport, Raleigh
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Merge onto I 40
8.7 mi
·
10 min
·
I 40
Use the straight lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
9.5 mi
·
10 min
·
I 40
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on I 40; US 64
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
8.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Toward I 40 East: Wilmington
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
1.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward SR 42: Fuquay-Varina, Cleveland Rd
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 40
107 mi
·
1 hr 55 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 East: Benson, Wilmington
22
Continue on US 117; NC 132
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
North College Road
23
Turn right onto US 74
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Parkway
24
Turn left onto North Kerr Avenue
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North Kerr Avenue
25
Turn right onto US 17 Business
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Market Street
26
Turn left onto South 16th Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South 16th Street
27
Turn right onto US 17; US 76
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Wooster Street
28
Turn right onto US 17 Business
92 ft
·
2 sec
·
South 3rd Street
29
Arrive at destination
US 17 Business
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 44m duration and 186.3-mile distance, this trip is easily achievable in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure from Roxboro to maximize daylight and take advantage of lighter traffic, especially on I 40. With only one recommended stop, you can be selective about where you choose to refuel or stretch your legs; consider planning this around the halfway point or when you spot a convenient service area. The fuel cost is estimated at $29, so ensure you have enough gas before heading out, particularly before embarking on the 127.5-mile stretch on I 40.
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 93.1 miles from Roxboro, NC, or about 1h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.5 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 41 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 93.1 miles or 1h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 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 Roxboro, 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 Roxboro, NC
This is one driving day of about 186.3 miles and 3h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Roxboro, 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 I 40 for about 127.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
93 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 93.1 miles from Roxboro, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 127.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 215 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 70.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 158; US 501; NC 57 / Durham Road
At end of road, turn left onto US 158; US 501; NC 57 / Durham Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
27.6 mi into trip
|
~44m in
Take the exit toward I-85 North: Oxford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I-85 North: Oxford
9
29.6 mi into trip
|
~47m in
|
US 70
Keep slight right at fork onto US 70 toward I 885 South, US 70 East: Raleigh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 178
Toward I 885 South, US 70 East: Raleigh
8
37.9 mi into trip
|
~57m in
Take the exit toward I 40 East: RDU Airport, Raleigh
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 5A
Toward I 40 East: RDU Airport, Raleigh
8
70.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 34m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SR 42: Fuquay-Varina, Cleveland Rd
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward SR 42: Fuquay-Varina, Cleveland Rd
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.13 one way
$58.27 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
65 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $31.85 | $63.71 |
| premium | $4.70 | $34.48 | $68.96 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $41.13 | $82.27 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 65.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 55.9 | 0 | $19.56 | $8.94 |
| Efficient EV | 46.6 | 0 | $16.30 | $7.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 74.5 | 0 | $26.08 | $11.92 |
Gas CO2
65 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Wilmington, NC
Late night in Wilmington on Sunday
Local time
2:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°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
3 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
3h 44m 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 79% of the journey on major roadways like I 40 and Thomas Bradshaw Freeway. You'll experience the longest uninterrupted stretch of 127.5 miles on I 40, which means sustained higher speeds and minimal traffic delays for a significant portion of the trip. While the majority is interstate, the initial and final segments may involve more local road navigation as you enter and exit your starting and ending points. The overall character is one of consistent forward motion, prioritizing getting you to your destination efficiently.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 127.5 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Thomas Bradshaw Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near US 158; US 501; NC 57 / Durham Road.
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 21 significant decision points across 186.3 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 1 miles (US 158; US 501; NC 57 / Durham Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 27.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.6 miles (US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Roxboro, NC to Wilmington, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Raleigh along the way.
Raleigh
37.9 mi in
|
~57m
About the Cities
Arriving in Wilmington, NC
Full guide →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.
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 44m. Total distance: 186.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 127.5 miles on I 40. 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 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 1 miles (US 158; US 501; NC 57 / Durham Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 27.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.6 miles (US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Wilmington, 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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