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Trip from Whiteville, NC to Durham, 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

Distance

152.8 mi

246 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 49m ★
6 AM
3h 0m
8 AM
3h 23m
10 AM
3h 8m
12 PM
3h 6m
3 PM
3h 9m
5 PM
3h 22m
8 PM
2h 53m

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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city in North Carolina, United States

Whiteville, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Planning a trip from Whiteville, NC, to Durham, NC? This 146.6-mile journey will take you about 2 hours and 21 minutes, making it a perfectly manageable day trip. You'll navigate primarily local roads, with a 0% highway share, so expect a more turn-heavy drive. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $23. Since both your origin and destination are within North Carolina in the Southeast region, you won't be crossing state lines or major regional divides. This route is best tackled in one go, so pack some snacks and get ready for a straightforward drive.

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

76.4 miles from Whiteville, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 61.5 mi 1h 9m
I 40 47.7 mi 53m
Andrew Jackson Highway 16.9 mi 18m
American Indian Highway 10.7 mi 12m
Durham Freeway 6.7 mi 8m
Martin Luther King Jr Drive 3.3 mi 6m
Carthage Road 1.1 mi 1m
Powell Boulevard 0.9 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 61.5 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Whiteville, NC and Durham, NC.

1

Start on US 74 Business; US 76 Business

65 ft · 1 sec · Jefferson Street
2

Enter roundabout onto US 74 Business; US 76 Business

205 ft · 3 sec · West Washington Street
3

Continue on US 74 Business; US 76 Business

0.3 mi · 30 sec · West Washington Street
4

Turn right onto US 701 Bypass

0.9 mi · 1 min · Powell Boulevard
Use the straight / left lanes.
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 46 sec
6

Merge onto US 74; US 76

17 mi · 18 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
7

Continue on US 74; NC 130

11 mi · 12 min · American Indian Highway
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward NC 41: Lumberton, Fairmont
9

Turn right onto NC 41

3.3 mi · 6 min · Martin Luther King Jr Drive
10

Continue on Apple Street

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Apple Street
11

At end of road, turn right onto West 5th Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · West 5th Street
12

Turn left onto North Water Street

393 ft · 7 sec · North Water Street
13

Enter roundabout onto North Water Street

219 ft · 3 sec · North Water Street
14

Continue on North Water Street

0.2 mi · 21 sec · North Water Street
15

Turn straight onto Carthage Road

1.1 mi · 1 min · Carthage Road
16

Turn right onto Capuano Street

152 ft · 6 sec · Capuano Street
17

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 16 sec
18

Merge onto I 95; US 301

62 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 95; US 301
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington Use the slight right lane.
20

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 40 West: Raleigh
21

Merge onto I 40

14 mi · 15 min · I 40
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

33 mi · 38 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 44 sec
Exit 279B Toward I 885 North: Downtown Durham Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Merge onto I 885

4.1 mi · 4 min · Durham Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Keep slight left at fork onto NC 147

2.6 mi · 3 min · Durham Freeway
Exit 9 Toward NC 147 North: Durham Downtown Use the slight left lane.
26

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward Jackie Robinson Drive, Roxboro Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Continue on Jackie Robinson Drive

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Jackie Robinson Drive
28

Turn right onto US 15 Business; US 501 Business

0.3 mi · 48 sec · South Roxboro Street
Use the right lane.
29

Turn left onto East Main Street

100 ft · 2 sec · East Main Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
30

Arrive at destination

East Main Street

Trip Plan

For this 2 hour and 21 minute drive, departing in the morning is your best bet to avoid any potential afternoon traffic, especially as you approach Durham. Since it's a shorter, turn-heavy route, you won't need to plan for major overnight stops. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $23 estimated cost is based on the entire 146.6 miles. A good tip for this specific drive is to ensure your GPS or navigation app is fully updated, as the frequent turns on local roads can be tricky to follow without clear directions. Enjoy the flexibility this shorter trip offers!

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 76.4 miles from Whiteville, NC, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.5 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 34 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 76.4 miles or 1h 31m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 27m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Durham, NC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Whiteville, 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 Whiteville, NC

This is one driving day of about 152.8 miles and 3h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Whiteville, 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 95 for about 61.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Harnett County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Dunn, NC

76 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.

Popular next leg

Dunn, NC to Durham, NC

65.1 mi · 1h 17m

Pacing Suggestions

Lumberton, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Eastover, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 76.4 miles from Whiteville, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.5 miles.

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.

Top Restaurant

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 131

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cary, North Carolina

2.2 mi

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 131

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 131

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Triangle Coffee House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 152.8

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+19842191215

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Whiteville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ViaLynk Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Whiteville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15186913119

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 54.6

Hope Mills, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 32.7

Lumberton, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Circle K Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 54.6

Hope Mills, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18335052291

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 32.7

Lumberton, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 54.6

Hope Mills, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 32.7

Lumberton, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

American Tobacco Campus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 152.8

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+19194331566

Visit website

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 131

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+19199963141

Visit website

Museum of Life and Science

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 152.8

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19192205429

Visit website

Lake Crabtree County Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 141.9

Morrisville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+19194603390

Visit website

Lake Benson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 120.1

Garner, North Carolina

+19197734442

Visit website

Cape Fear Botanical Garden

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 65.5

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19104860221

Visit website

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 131

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 10:30 am–10:30 pm

+19194380798

Visit website

Fayetteville Area CVB

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 65.5

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+19104835311

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 96.1 and 152.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
96.1 mi into trip | ~1h 54m in

Take the exit toward I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington
7
144.9 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in

Take the exit toward I 885 North: Downtown Durham

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 279B Toward I 885 North: Downtown Durham
8
149.6 mi into trip | ~2h 55m in | NC 147 / Durham Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto NC 147 / Durham Freeway toward NC 147 North: Durham Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 9 Toward NC 147 North: Durham Downtown
7
152.2 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in

Take the exit toward Jackie Robinson Drive, Roxboro Street

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Jackie Robinson Drive, Roxboro Street
7
152.5 mi into trip | ~2h 59m in | US 15 Business; US 501 Business / South Roxboro Street

Turn right onto US 15 Business; US 501 Business / South Roxboro Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.89 one way

$47.79 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 54 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $26.13 $52.25
premium $4.70 $28.28 $56.56
diesel $5.61 $33.74 $67.47

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$24

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$49–$74

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 53.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.8 0 $16.04 $7.33
Efficient EV 38.2 0 $13.37 $6.11
EV Truck/SUV 61.1 0 $21.39 $9.78

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 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

Whiteville, NC

Late night in Whiteville on Sunday

Local time

12:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Durham, NC

Late night in Durham on Sunday

Local time

12:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 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 drive is characterized as a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll be making frequent turns rather than cruising on long stretches of highway. With a 0% highway share, you'll be on local roads for the entire 146.6 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch data is not available, but the profile suggests a road network that requires constant attention to navigation. Expect a driving experience that feels more connected to the landscape, with more opportunities to see local life unfold as you pass through various communities.

76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.5 mi on I 95.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 96.1 miles in.

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 152.8 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 96.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 144.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 149.6 miles (NC 147 / Durham Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Whiteville, NC and Durham, NC, road signs point toward Fairmont and Wilmington.

Fairmont

29.2 mi in | ~33m

Wilmington

96.1 mi in | ~1h 54m

About the Cities

Arriving in Durham, NC

Full guide →

Of the three cities that make up North Carolina's Research Triangle, Durham has traditionally been the one with the grittier, more working-class image. A city of just over 300,000 residents in 2026, Durham has moved beyond a "tobacco town" with a prestigious university at its center to become a regionally and nationally recognized symbol of urban renewal, gentrification, technology and diversity. Durham's vibrant African-American community was historically pioneering in United States Black culture, from the arts to finance. These days, the tobacco warehouses and textile mills have been converted to other uses, as Durham has taken on a much more high-profile (and expensive) identity. Thanks to local anchor Duke University, a thriving, research-driven medical and tech industry has taken root.

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. Total distance: 152.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 61.5 miles on I 95. 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 Durham, 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 96.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 144.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 149.6 miles (NC 147 / Durham Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Durham, 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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