Traveling from Wallace to Concord covers 189.8 miles across North Carolina, typically taking about 4 hours and 13 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey fits comfortably into a single day, you won't need to worry about booking overnight accommodations unless you prefer a slower pace. Plan for a fuel budget of approximately $30 to cover the trip, which keeps costs manageable for a solo traveler or a small group. You will transition from the Southeast region toward the heart of the state, experiencing a straightforward route that relies on a mix of local and state roads. Whether you are heading out for business or a weekend getaway, this drive offers a practical connection between these two points without the complexity of a multi-day expedition.
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
94.9 miles from Wallace, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Andrew Jackson Highway
31.8 mi
38m
NC 742
24.9 mi
35m
Tomahawk Highway
19.2 mi
27m
American Indian Highway
18.5 mi
19m
NC 41
16.9 mi
25m
G R Kindley Freeway
14.4 mi
15m
East Main Street
13.3 mi
19m
US 601
9.6 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
Andrew Jackson Highway
— 31.8 mi, about 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wallace, NC and Concord, NC.
1
Start on North College Street
230 ft·12 sec·North College Street
2
Turn right onto NC 41
13 mi·19 min·East Main Street
3
Continue on NC 41; NC 411
19 mi·27 min·Tomahawk Highway
4
Keep slight right at fork onto NC 41
239 ft·6 sec·NC 41
5
At end of road, turn left onto US 701; NC 41
7.3 mi·10 min·US 701; NC 41
6
Turn right onto NC 41; NC 87 Business
0.7 mi·1 min·West Broad Street
7
Turn left onto Peanut Road
1.9 mi·2 min·Peanut Road
8
Turn right onto NC 87
4.5 mi·5 min·NC 87
9
Turn left onto NC 41
1.7 mi·2 min·NC 41
10
Enter roundabout onto NC 41
143 ft·2 sec·NC 41
11
Continue on NC 41
15 mi·22 min·NC 41
12
Turn right onto NC 211
1.6 mi·2 min·North Roberts Avenue
13
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·22 sec
14
Merge onto I 95; US 301
6.1 mi·7 min·I 95; US 301
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Toward I 74, US 74: Wilmington, Rockingham
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 74 West, US 74 West: Rockingham
17
Merge onto I 74; US 74
18 mi·19 min·American Indian Highway
18
Continue on US 74
20 mi·23 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
14 mi·15 min·G R Kindley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
12 mi·14 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Exit 306BToward US 74 West: MonroeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on US 74
2.4 mi·4 min·East Caswell Street
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
0.7 mi·1 min·Salisbury Street
23
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
0.4 mi·24 sec·W. Cliff Martin Highway
24
Turn right onto US 52; NC 742
0.3 mi·36 sec·US 52; NC 742
25
Continue on NC 742
25 mi·35 min·NC 742
26
Continue on NC 205
1.7 mi·3 min·NC 205
27
Turn left onto NC 24; NC 27
8.7 mi·13 min·NC 24; NC 27
Use the straight lane.
28
Turn right onto US 601
9.6 mi·10 min·US 601
29
Take the exit onto Union Street South
0.6 mi·58 sec·Union Street South
30
Continue on NC 3
2.3 mi·3 min·Branchview Drive Southeast
Use the straight lane.
31
Turn left onto NC 73
0.6 mi·1 min·Corban Avenue Southeast
Use the left lane.
32
Continue on Corban Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi·26 sec·Corban Avenue Southeast
33
Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest
0.1 mi·16 sec·Spring Street Southwest
34
Arrive at destination
Spring Street Southwest
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 13-minute drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid midday traffic fluctuations. Since the itinerary includes one recommended stop, use that time to stretch your legs and refuel your vehicle, keeping your $30 fuel budget in mind. Because the route relies heavily on state roads like NC 742 rather than just high-speed interstates, keep a close eye on your navigation to ensure you remain on the correct path during transitions. Flexibility is your greatest advantage here, as the manageable duration allows you to adjust your departure or rest stops based on real-time traffic conditions. Prioritize consistent pacing throughout the 189.8-mile journey to ensure you arrive in Concord feeling refreshed.
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 94.9 miles from Wallace, NC, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.8 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 42 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.9 miles or 2h 7m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Concord, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wallace, 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 Wallace, NC
This is one driving day of about 189.8 miles and 4h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Wallace, 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 31.8 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 48.7 and 125.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
48.7 mi into trip|~1h 9m in|NC 41
Enter roundabout onto NC 41
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
71.8 mi into trip|~1h 41m in
Take the exit toward I 74, US 74: Wilmington, Rockingham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 74, US 74: Wilmington, Rockingham
6
72.2 mi into trip|~1h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 74 West, US 74 West: Rockingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 74 West, US 74 West: Rockingham
6
111.4 mi into trip|~2h 26m in|US 74 / G R Kindley Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74 / G R Kindley Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
125.8 mi into trip|~2h 42m in|US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74 / Andrew Jackson Highway toward US 74 West: Monroe
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 306B
Toward US 74 West: Monroe
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.68 one way
$59.36 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg66 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$32.45
$64.91
premium
$4.70
$35.13
$70.26
diesel
$5.61
$41.91
$83.81
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
56.9
0
$19.93
$9.11
Efficient EV
47.5
0
$16.61
$7.59
EV Truck/SUV
75.9
0
$26.57
$12.15
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 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
Wallace, NC
Late night
in Wallace on Sunday
Local time
3:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Concord, NC
Late night
in Concord on Sunday
Local time
3:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Rockingham, NC
95 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
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
4h 13m 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...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
Free
near mile 13.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip features a mixed drive profile, balancing highway travel with local road navigation. You will spend about 50% of your time on highways, utilizing a combination of the Andrew Jackson Highway, NC 742, and Tomahawk Highway to navigate the 189.8-mile distance. Expect a varied experience behind the wheel, as the route transitions between faster, more direct stretches and slower, more technical sections. Your longest uninterrupted segment occurs on the Andrew Jackson Highway, where you can settle in for a 31.8-mile stretch. The road's personality shifts as you move between these distinct thoroughfares, requiring you to remain alert as the driving environment changes.
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: 31.8 mi on Andrew Jackson Highway.
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 around 48.7 miles in near NC 41.
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 20 significant decision points across 189.8 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 48.7 miles (NC 41): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 71.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
684 ft50 ft
Total Climb
757 ft
Total Descent
123 ft
Highest Point
684 ft
~189.8 mi in
Elevation Range
634 ft
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 Wallace, NC to Concord, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Rockingham along the way.
Concord is a city in North Carolina and fast-growing bedroom community of the major city of Charlotte. In 2020, the population was around 107,000, making it the second largest city of the Charlotte Metro.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 13m. Total distance: 189.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 31.8 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway. 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 Concord, 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 48.7 miles (NC 41): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 71.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Concord, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.
