How far is Elizabethtown, NC from Wilmington, NC?
The driving distance from Elizabethtown, NC to Wilmington, NC is about 49.8 miles (80.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.9 miles (75.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 50m 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 00h 55m.
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.
Human settlement in Columbus County, North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elizabethtown and Wilmington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elizabethtown and Wilmington.
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1
Start on North Poplar Street
86 m · 8 sec · North Poplar Street
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2
Turn right onto East Queen Street
902 ft · 40 sec · East Queen Street
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3
Continue on North Lower Street
146 m · 26 sec · North Lower Street
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4
Turn left onto East Broad Street
1.8 mi · 4 min · East Broad Street
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5
Turn left
30.3 mi · 41 min
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6
Merge slight right onto Andrew Jackson Highway
13.3 mi · 18 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
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7
Continue on Ocean Highway East
3.1 mi · 4 min · Ocean Highway East
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8
Continue on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
1.2 km · 1 min · Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
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9
Turn left onto South 3rd Street
551 ft · 15 sec · South 3rd Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elizabethtown and Wilmington.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
30.3 mi · 00h 41m
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 Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers leaving Elizabethtown and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Wilmington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elizabethtown to Wilmington?
The road trip is about 49.8 miles (80.2 km) and usually takes 00h 55m 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?
Sandyfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.9 miles from Elizabethtown and 25 miles from Wilmington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.9 miles (75.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.9 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 4:40 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.97 one way or $13.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers around Elizabethtown and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Wilmington.
Stop Ideas Near Sandyfield
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 Sandyfield.
Wilmington, NC
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Dillon
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elizabethtown and Wilmington. Straight-line distance: 46.85 mi (75.4 km).
#1 Elizabethtown
City in Bladen County, North Carolina, United States of America
| Population | 3,378 |
| Coordinates | 34.6293400, -78.6052900 |
| Altitude | 33 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Wilmington
The largest city in the state of North Carolina.
| Population | 124,794 |
| Coordinates | 34.2257300, -77.9447100 |
| Altitude | 9 |
| Country | United States |
End: South 3rd Street (-77.944833, 34.225717)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 80 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $6.97 | $13.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $7.80 | $15.59 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $8.41 | $16.82 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $9.90 | $19.80 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.