How far is Durham, NC from Roanoke Rapids, NC?
The driving distance from Durham, NC to Roanoke Rapids, NC is about 86.6 miles (139.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 76.5 miles (123.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 28m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 44m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Vance County, North Carolina
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Durham and Roanoke Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Durham and Roanoke Rapids.
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1
Start on East Main Street
30 m · 10 sec · East Main Street
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2
Turn left onto North Roxboro Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Roxboro Street
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3
Keep slight right to continue on North Roxboro Street
1666 ft · 41 sec · North Roxboro Street
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4
Turn right onto I-85 North Access Road
1036 ft · 29 sec · I-85 North Access Road
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5
Continue straight
1094 ft · 27 sec
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6
Merge slight left
2781 ft · 40 sec
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7
Keep slight left
37.1 mi · 40 min
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8
Turn straight
4.9 mi · 5 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 1, US 158: Norlina
1002 ft · 32 sec
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10
Turn left
8.6 mi · 11 min
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11
Turn right
1.2 mi · 1 min
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12
Continue straight
5 mi · 6 min
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13
At the end of the road, turn left
25.6 mi · 30 min
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14
Turn left onto Roanoke Avenue
1.6 mi · 5 min · Roanoke Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Roanoke Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Durham and Roanoke Rapids.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I-85 North Access Road
Keep slight left
37.1 mi · 00h 40m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Durham and Sunny near Roanoke Rapids.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Durham to Roanoke Rapids?
The road trip is about 86.6 miles (139.4 km) and usually takes 01h 44m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Middleburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.2 miles from Durham and 43.4 miles from Roanoke Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 76.5 miles (123.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:02 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.12 one way or $24.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Durham and Sunny near Roanoke Rapids.
Stop Ideas Near Middleburg
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Middleburg.
Durham
Rocky Mount
Raleigh Union Station
North Carolina State Fair station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Durham and Roanoke Rapids. Straight-line distance: 76.52 mi (123.14 km).
#1 Durham
The third most populous city in North Carolina and the center of the Durham metropolitan area.
| Population | 285,897 |
| Coordinates | 35.9940300, -78.8986200 |
| Altitude | 123 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Roanoke Rapids
City in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 14,186 |
| Coordinates | 36.4615400, -77.6541500 |
| Altitude | 48 |
| Country | United States |
End: Roanoke Rapids (-77.65415, 36.46154)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 139 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $12.12 | $24.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $13.55 | $27.11 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $14.62 | $29.24 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $17.21 | $34.42 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in North Carolina · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.