This 329.8-mile journey from Weaverville, NC to Wilmington, NC is a solid day trip, typically taking around 6 hours and 45 minutes. You'll be navigating a mix of local roads, with about 23% of the drive on highways. Given the turn-heavy nature of this route, plan for a steady pace. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is $52. Since both your origin and destination are in the Southeast region, you won't be crossing any major geographical or climate zones, making for a consistent travel experience within North Carolina.
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
164.9 miles from Weaverville, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Andrew Jackson Highway
104.8 mi
2h 7m
American Indian Highway
33.6 mi
36m
Billy Graham Freeway
26.7 mi
33m
Monroe Expressway
18.7 mi
21m
Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway
18.2 mi
19m
Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
17.6 mi
21m
James A. Callahan Highway
15.2 mi
17m
G R Kindley Freeway
14.9 mi
16m
Longest stretch:
Andrew Jackson Highway
— 104.8 mi, about 2h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Weaverville, NC and Wilmington, NC.
1
Start on Merchants Alley
201 ft·10 sec·Merchants Alley
2
Turn right onto Central Avenue
257 ft·16 sec·Central Avenue
3
Turn left onto Alabama Avenue
363 ft·15 sec·Alabama Avenue
4
Turn slight right onto US 19 Business
1.6 mi·3 min·Merrimon Avenue
5
Continue on US 19 Business
0.4 mi·55 sec·Weaverville Road
6
Turn slight right
382 ft·16 sec
7
Turn right onto SR 1740
0.2 mi·15 sec·New Stock Road
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
9
Merge onto I 26; US 19; US 23; US 25; US 70
1.7 mi·2 min·I 26; US 19; US 23; US 25; US 70
10
Continue on I 26; US 19; US 23; US 70
4.2 mi·5 min·I 26; US 19; US 23; US 70
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26; US 19; US 23
0.2 mi·21 sec·I 26; US 19; US 23
Toward I 26 East, US 74A West: West Asheville
12
Merge onto I 26; I 240; US 19; US 23; US 74A
0.5 mi·44 sec·Billy Graham Freeway
Use the straight lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26; I 240; US 19 BUS; US 23 BUS
26 mi·32 min·Billy Graham Freeway
Toward I 240 West, I 26 EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 26; US 74
12 mi·14 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
15
Take the exit onto US 74
0.3 mi·18 sec·Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway
Exit 67Toward US 74 East, NC 108: Columbus, RutherfordtonUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
0.2 mi·10 sec·Sergeant W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway
Toward US 74 East: Forest City, Rutherfordton
17
Continue on US 74
18 mi·19 min·Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway
18
Continue on US 74
15 mi·17 min·James A. Callahan Highway
19
Take the exit onto US 74
12 mi·17 min·West Dixon Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Continue on US 74
1.8 mi·2 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
21
Continue on US 74
6.8 mi·7 min·Senator J. Ollie Harris Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.1 mi·7 sec
Toward I 85, US 29 South: Charlotte, Spartanburg
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·55 sec
Toward I 85 North: Gastonia, CharlotteUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 85
18 mi·21 min·Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on I 85
8.5 mi·10 min·Cameron Morrison Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 36Toward NC 16: Brookshire Boulevard, Downtown CharlotteUse the slight right lane.
27
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.
28
Merge onto NC 16
0.3 mi·21 sec·Brookshire Boulevard
29
Continue on NC 16
3.6 mi·5 min·Brookshire Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 2BToward US 74 East, NC 27 East: Independence BoulevardUse the slight left / straight lanes.
31
Merge onto US 74; NC 27
3.3 mi·4 min·East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
357 ft·4 sec·East Independence Boulevard
Toward US 74 East
33
Continue on US 74
2.1 mi·2 min·East Independence Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Continue on US 74
2.4 mi·3 min·East Independence Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Continue on US 74
4.5 mi·6 min·Independence Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
36
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.
37
Merge onto US 74
0.3 mi·27 sec·Carroll M. Edwards Highway
Use the straight lane.
38
Continue on US 74
2.9 mi·5 min·West Marshville Boulevard
39
Continue on US 74
2.5 mi·3 min·Carroll M. Edwards Highway
40
Continue on US 74
6.1 mi·8 min·W. Cliff Martin Highway
Use the straight lane.
41
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
6.7 mi·9 min·W. Cliff Martin Highway
42
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
0.7 mi·1 min·Salisbury Street
43
Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742
2.4 mi·4 min·West Caswell Street
44
Continue on US 74
10 mi·13 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
45
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
1.1 mi·1 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Toward US 74 East: Lumberton
46
Continue on US 74
15 mi·16 min·G R Kindley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Continue on US 74
9.7 mi·11 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
48
Keep slight right at fork onto US 74
10 mi·10 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
49
Continue on US 74
34 mi·36 min·American Indian Highway
50
Continue on US 74; NC 130
60 mi·1 hr 13 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
51
Continue on US 17; US 74; US 76
3.1 mi·4 min·Ocean Highway East
52
Continue on US 17; US 76; US 421
0.8 mi·1 min·Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
53
Turn left onto US 421; US 17 Business
0.1 mi·15 sec·South 3rd Street
54
Arrive at destination
US 17 Business
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour, 45-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Weaverville to maximize daylight. While it's feasible as a single-day trip, be mindful of the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile; plan for one primary stop to break up the 329.8 miles. The longest stretch without a significant break is over 100 miles, so ensure you're fueled up before heading into that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $52, it's a budget-friendly excursion. Keep an eye on your navigation, especially as you transition between the Andrew Jackson Highway, American Indian Highway, and Billy Graham Freeway.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 164.9 miles from Weaverville, NC, or about 3h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.8 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 73 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 164.9 miles or 3h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 32m
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 Weaverville, 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 Weaverville, NC
This is one driving day of about 329.8 miles and 6h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 miles from Weaverville, 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 104.8 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 9.2 and 146 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
9.2 mi into trip|~14m in|I 26; I 240; US 19 BUS; US 23 BUS / Billy Graham Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26; I 240; US 19 BUS; US 23 BUS / Billy Graham Freeway toward I 240 West, I 26 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 240 West, I 26 East
8
47.3 mi into trip|~1h 1m in|US 74 / Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway
Take the exit onto US 74 / Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway toward US 74 East, NC 108: Columbus, Rutherfordton
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 67
Toward US 74 East, NC 108: Columbus, Rutherford...
8
102 mi into trip|~2h 6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 85 North: Gastonia, Charlotte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 85 North: Gastonia, Charlotte
9
129.2 mi into trip|~2h 39m 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...
9
146 mi into trip|~3h 2m 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...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.57 one way
$103.15 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg115 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$56.39
$112.78
premium
$4.70
$61.04
$122.08
diesel
$5.61
$72.82
$145.63
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 115.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
98.9
1
$34.63
$15.83
Efficient EV
82.5
0
$28.86
$13.19
EV Truck/SUV
131.9
1
$46.17
$21.11
Gas CO2
115 kg
EV CO2
39 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Weaverville, NC
Night
in Weaverville on Saturday
Local time
9:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Wilmington, NC
Night
in Wilmington on Saturday
Local time
9:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Sunny
W 8 mph0% chanceLive 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
38 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
6h 45m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 318.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the majority of this route, rather than a fast-paced interstate cruise. Only about 23% of your journey will be on highways, meaning you'll be engaging with local roads frequently. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 104.8 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway. This suggests a drive that requires consistent attention to navigation and road conditions, with varied scenery as you transition between rural and more populated areas.
Only 23% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
54 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.8 mi on Andrew Jackson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 9.2 miles in near I 26; I 240; US 19 BUS; US 23 BUS / Billy Graham Freeway.
Driving Effort10/10
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 27 significant decision points across 329.8 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 9.2 miles (I 26; I 240; US 19 BUS; US 23 BUS / Billy Graham Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.3 miles (US 74 / Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 102 miles: 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.
Between Weaverville, NC and Wilmington, NC, road signs point toward Rutherfordton, Spartanburg, 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 45m. Total distance: 329.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 45m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 104.8 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 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 9.2 miles (I 26; I 240; US 19 BUS; US 23 BUS / Billy Graham Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.3 miles (US 74 / Sgt W Dean Arledge Memorial Highway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 102 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Wilmington, NC before the return drive.
