Tryon, NC to Wilmington, NC is 231.1 miles and takes about 4h 48m via Andrew Jackson Highway, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within North Carolina, taking you from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. It's a manageable drive that primarily utilizes surface roads, making it a good option if you prefer to avoid extensive highway time. You'll experience a consistent pace for most of the 4h 48m, with a clear destination in mind. Plan for a single day, as the duration is well within typical driving limits.
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
115.5 miles from Tryon, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Andrew Jackson Highway
91 mi
1h 50m
American Indian Highway
33.6 mi
36m
Monroe Expressway
18.7 mi
21m
G R Kindley Freeway
14.9 mi
16m
Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
14.4 mi
17m
W. Cliff Martin Highway
12.8 mi
17m
Cameron Morrison Bridge
8.5 mi
10m
East Independence Expressway
5.4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Andrew Jackson Highway
— 91 mi, about 1h 50m
Traffic on I-85
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~5,222 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~638 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tryon, NC and Wilmington, NC.
1
Start on Tryon School Road
70 ft·3 sec·Tryon School Road
2
Turn left onto NC 274
3.6 mi·6 min·Tryon Courthouse Road
3
Continue on NC 274
1.0 mi·2 min·North 14th Street
4
Turn left onto NC 274
0.7 mi·1 min·West Virginia Avenue
5
Turn right onto South 8th Street
0.1 mi·18 sec·South 8th Street
6
Turn left onto 1307
0.3 mi·28 sec·East Alabama Avenue
7
Continue on 1307
0.3 mi·27 sec·Athenia Place
8
Continue on 1307
1.1 mi·1 min·Edgewood Road
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 85 North: Charlotte
10
Merge onto I 85
14 mi·17 min·Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on I 85
8.5 mi·10 min·Cameron Morrison Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 36Toward NC 16: Brookshire Boulevard, Downtown CharlotteUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
386 ft·11 sec
Toward NC 16 South: Downtown Charlotte, Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte, Bank of America StadiumUse the left / right lanes.
14
Merge onto NC 16
0.3 mi·21 sec·Brookshire Boulevard
15
Continue on NC 16
3.6 mi·5 min·Brookshire Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 2BToward US 74 East, NC 27 East: Independence BoulevardUse the slight left / straight lanes.
17
Merge onto US 74; NC 27
3.3 mi·4 min·East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
357 ft·4 sec·East Independence Boulevard
Toward US 74 East
19
Continue on US 74
2.1 mi·2 min·East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Continue on US 74
2.4 mi·3 min·East Independence Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on US 74
4.5 mi·6 min·Independence Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP
19 mi·21 min·Monroe Expressway
Exit 255Toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, WilmingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto US 74
0.3 mi·27 sec·Carroll M. Edwards Highway
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 74
2.9 mi·5 min·West Marshville Boulevard
25
Continue on US 74
2.5 mi·3 min·Carroll M. Edwards Highway
26
Continue on US 74
6.1 mi·8 min·W. Cliff Martin Highway
Use the straight lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
6.7 mi·9 min·W. Cliff Martin Highway
28
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
0.7 mi·1 min·Salisbury Street
29
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
2.4 mi·4 min·West Caswell Street
30
Continue on US 74
10 mi·13 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
1.1 mi·1 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Toward US 74 East: Lumberton
32
Continue on US 74
15 mi·16 min·G R Kindley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on US 74
9.7 mi·11 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
34
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
10 mi·10 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on US 74
34 mi·36 min·American Indian Highway
36
Continue on US 74; NC 130
60 mi·1 hr 13 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
37
Continue on US 17; US 74; US 76
3.1 mi·4 min·Ocean Highway East
38
Continue on US 17; US 76; US 421
0.8 mi·1 min·Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
39
Turn left onto US 421; US 17 Business
0.1 mi·15 sec·South 3rd Street
40
Arrive at destination
US 17 Business
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 48m duration, departing in the morning from Tryon, NC, will allow ample time to reach Wilmington, NC, before evening. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $36, this trip is budget-friendly. The longest stretch of 91 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway means you can settle in for a significant portion of the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move onto the predominantly surface road sections, to ensure you don't need to make an unplanned stop. The 18% highway share means you'll be dealing with varying speed limits, so stay alert.
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 115.5 miles from Tryon, NC, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91 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 51 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.5 miles or 2h 32m 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 57m
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 Tryon, 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 Tryon, NC
This is one driving day of about 231.1 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Tryon, 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 Andrew Jackson Highway for about 91 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 30.2 and 123.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
30.2 mi into trip|~41m in
Take the exit toward NC 16: Brookshire Boulevard, Downtown Charlotte
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 36
Toward NC 16: Brookshire Boulevard, Downtown Ch...
9
30.4 mi into trip|~42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NC 16 South: Downtown Charlotte, Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte, Bank of America Stadium
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward NC 16 South: Downtown Charlotte, Brooksh...
8
34.5 mi into trip|~47m in
Take the exit toward US 74 East, NC 27 East: Independence Boulevard
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 2B
Toward US 74 East, NC 27 East: Independence Bou...
9
47.3 mi into trip|~1h 5m in|US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 BYP / Monroe Expressway toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, Wilmington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 255
Toward US 74 Toll Bypass East: Rockingham, Wilm...
6
123.4 mi into trip|~2h 42m in|US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.12 one way
$68.24 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$37.49
$74.99
premium
$4.49
$40.87
$81.74
diesel
$4.80
$43.64
$87.27
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.3
0
$24.27
$11.09
Efficient EV
57.8
0
$20.22
$9.24
EV Truck/SUV
92.4
1
$32.35
$14.79
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Tryon, NC
Late night
in Tryon on Monday
Local time
1:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 10 mph37% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:18PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 1:11PM EDT until July 18 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
Destination
Wilmington, NC
Late night
in Wilmington on Monday
Local time
1:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 3 to 14 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:18PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 1:11PM EDT until July 18 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
90°F
Monroe, NC
116 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
1 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 48m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Moores Creek National Battlefield
National Battlefield
In the early morning hours of February 27, 1776, Loyalist forces charged across a partially dismantled Moores Creek Bridge. Beyond the bridge, nearly 1,000 North Carolina Patriots waited quietly with...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 215.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly surface roads, with only 18% on the highway. You'll encounter the longest stretch on Andrew Jackson Highway, covering 91 miles. After the highway portion concludes, expect a more consistent pace on local roads. The profile suggests a drive with fewer exits and more direct travel through communities. Be prepared for a gradual transition from highway speeds to those typical of surface streets.
Only 18% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 91 mi on Andrew Jackson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 30.2 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 18 significant decision points across 231.1 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: at 30.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 34.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
995 ft36 ft
Total Climb
18 ft
Total Descent
977 ft
Highest Point
995 ft
Elevation Range
959 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tryon, NC and Wilmington, NC, road signs point toward Charlotte and Bank Of America Stadium.
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.
Top landmarks
•USS North Carolina — 1940 North Carolina-class battleship moored in Wilmington, North Carolina
•Fort Fisher — Confederate fort in Wilmington, North Carolina
•Bellamy Mansion — mansion in Wilmington, North Carolina, US
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 48m. Total distance: 231.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 91 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 4 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 4 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 30.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 34.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Moores Creek National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Wilmington, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.
