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Trip from Spring Lake, 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 29m

Distance

116.1 mi

187 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 19m ★
6 AM
2h 30m
8 AM
2h 50m
10 AM
2h 37m
12 PM
2h 35m
3 PM
2h 38m
5 PM
2h 49m
8 PM
2h 23m

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 Spring Lake, NC, NC

Spring Lake, NC

Michael Ken

city in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States

Jacksonville, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 116.1 miles, your journey from Spring Lake to Jacksonville, NC, is a straightforward trek across the Southeast that typically takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, it is perfectly suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $19 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Navigating this route involves a combination of the Fayetteville Outer Loop, I-40, and NC 111. Whether you are heading to the coast or visiting family, this drive offers a manageable pace that avoids the exhaustion of cross-country travel.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

58.1 miles from Spring Lake, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 31.3 mi 33m
NC 111 14.4 mi 21m
Fayetteville Outer Loop 11.1 mi 12m
Fayetteville Highway 9.3 mi 10m
Goldsboro Road 7.9 mi 9m
Jackson Store Road 6.3 mi 8m
Richlands Highway 6.3 mi 9m
Newton Grove Highway 5.6 mi 7m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 31.3 mi, about 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on NC 210

0.3 mi · 1 min · Lillington Highway
2

Continue on NC 210

0.3 mi · 35 sec · Lillington Highway
3

Turn slight left onto NC 24; NC 87; NC 210

0.5 mi · 49 sec · South Bragg Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
4

Continue on NC 24; NC 87; NC 210

3.6 mi · 5 min · Murchison Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward NC 295 North
6

Merge onto I 295

11 mi · 12 min · Fayetteville Outer Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on US 13

0.9 mi · 1 min · Goldsboro Road
Toward US 13 North: Newton Grove, Goldsboro
8

Keep slight right at fork onto US 13

6.9 mi · 8 min · Goldsboro Road
9

Continue on US 13

9.3 mi · 10 min · Fayetteville Highway
10

Continue on US 13

5.6 mi · 7 min · Newton Grove Highway
11

Turn left onto Warren Mill Road

1.9 mi · 2 min · Warren Mill Road
12

Turn right onto NC 55

0.7 mi · 1 min · Harnett-Dunn Highway
13

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec
14

Merge onto I 40

31 mi · 33 min · I 40
15

Take the exit onto NC 24

0.3 mi · 47 sec · NC 24
Toward NC 24 East, NC 903: Magnolia, Kenansville
16

Turn left onto NC 24; NC 903

4.1 mi · 5 min · South Kenansville Bypass
17

Turn right onto D S Williams Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · D S Williams Road
18

Turn right onto NC 50

5.1 mi · 6 min · NC 50
19

Turn left onto Hallsville Road

4.4 mi · 5 min · Hallsville Road
20

Turn right onto SR 1800

6.3 mi · 8 min · Jackson Store Road
21

At end of road, turn left onto NC 111

14 mi · 21 min · NC 111
22

Merge onto US 258; NC 24

5.0 mi · 7 min · Richlands Highway
23

Turn left

433 ft · 8 sec
24

Turn slight right onto US 258; NC 24 Business

1.3 mi · 2 min · Richlands Highway
25

Continue on US 17 Business; NC 24 Business

1.1 mi · 1 min · South Marine Boulevard
26

Arrive at destination

US 17 Business; NC 24 Business

Trip Plan

Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to plan your departure time based on your own schedule rather than rushing to beat nightfall. With no mandatory stops required by the length of the journey, you can easily drive the full 116.1 miles in one sitting if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the road conditions vary between the interstate and local segments, so stay alert during the transition points on NC 111. To make the most of your $19 fuel budget, ensure your vehicle is prepped before leaving Spring Lake, as this will prevent unnecessary detours for gas. Ultimately, the lack of required stops gives you the freedom to set your own pace and reach Jacksonville exactly when you intend.

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 58.1 miles from Spring Lake, NC, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.3 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 26 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.1 miles or 1h 11m 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 58m

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 Spring Lake, 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 Spring Lake, NC

This is one driving day of about 116.1 miles and 2h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Spring Lake, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 31.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

place in North Carolina, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wallace, NC

58 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

Dunn, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mount Olive, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.1 miles from Spring Lake, 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.

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 116.1

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 116.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 116.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hampton Inn Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 116.1

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 116.1

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 116.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663502738

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 116.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 116.1

Jacksonville, North Carolina

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.6 and 73.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
4.6 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the exit toward NC 295 North

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward NC 295 North
5
5.2 mi into trip | ~8m in | I 295 / Fayetteville Outer Loop

Merge onto I 295 / Fayetteville Outer Loop

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
17.2 mi into trip | ~23m in | US 13 / Goldsboro Road

Keep slight right at fork onto US 13 / Goldsboro Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
73.2 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in | NC 24

Take the exit onto NC 24 toward NC 24 East, NC 903: Magnolia, Kenansville

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

Toward NC 24 East, NC 903: Magnolia, Kenansvill...
4
73.5 mi into trip | ~1h 28m in | NC 24; NC 903 / South Kenansville Bypass

Turn left onto NC 24; NC 903 / South Kenansville Bypass

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.16 one way

$36.31 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $19.85 $39.70
premium $4.70 $21.49 $42.98
diesel $5.61 $25.63 $51.27

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 34.8 0 $12.19 $5.57
Efficient EV 29 0 $10.16 $4.64
EV Truck/SUV 46.4 0 $16.25 $7.43

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Spring Lake, NC

Late night in Spring Lake on Sunday

Local time

4:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Jacksonville, NC

Late night in Jacksonville on Sunday

Local time

4:48 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

22 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

2h 29m 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 trip features a mixed drive profile, balancing fast-paced highway segments with local road travel. You will spend about 44% of your time on highways, providing a blend of speed and more deliberate driving through the region. The most significant stretch of interstate occurs on I-40, where you can expect an uninterrupted 31.3-mile run. As you transition between these road types, the character of the drive shifts from the efficiency of the Fayetteville Outer Loop to the more varied conditions found on NC 111. Expect a steady, predictable experience behind the wheel that keeps you moving efficiently toward your goal.

44% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.3 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 116.1 miles you will encounter 18 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 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 5.2 miles (I 295 / Fayetteville Outer Loop): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.2 miles (US 13 / Goldsboro Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Spring Lake, NC and Jacksonville, NC, road signs point toward Goldsboro and Kenansville.

Goldsboro

16.3 mi in | ~21m | via US 13

Kenansville

73.2 mi in | ~1h 27m | via NC 24

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 29m. Total distance: 116.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (44%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 31.3 miles on I 40. 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 5.2 miles (I 295 / Fayetteville Outer Loop): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.2 miles (US 13 / Goldsboro Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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