How far is Southport, NC from Wilmington, NC?
The driving distance from Southport, NC to Wilmington, NC is about 28.1 miles (45.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 21.4 miles (34.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 07m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 33m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Southport and Wilmington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Southport and Wilmington.
-
1
Start on North Howe Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Howe Street
-
2
Turn straight
116 m · 14 sec
-
3
Turn slight right onto River Road Southeast
3.3 mi · 5 min · River Road Southeast
-
4
Continue on River Road Southeast
20.3 mi · 29 min · River Road Southeast
-
5
Take the ramp slight right
1409 ft · 35 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Ocean Highway East
2 mi · 3 min · Ocean Highway East
-
7
Continue on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
1.2 km · 1 min · Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
-
8
Turn left onto South 3rd Street
551 ft · 15 sec · South 3rd Street
-
9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Southport and Wilmington.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
River Road Southeast
Continue on River Road Southeast
20.3 mi · 00h 29m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Southport and Mostly Sunny near Wilmington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Southport to Wilmington?
The road trip is about 28.1 miles (45.3 km) and usually takes 00h 33m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Sea Breeze is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14 miles from Southport and 14.1 miles from Wilmington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 21.4 miles (34.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.7 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:22 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.92 one way or $7.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Southport and Mostly Sunny near Wilmington.
Stop Ideas Near Sea Breeze
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Founders Park
Kure Beach Community Center
Brunswick County Government Complex
Leland Police-Animal Control
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Sea Breeze.
Wilmington, NC
Jacksonville, NC
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Southport and Wilmington. Straight-line distance: 21.46 mi (34.53 km).
#1 Southport
City in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 4,088 |
| Coordinates | 33.9215600, -78.0202700 |
| Altitude | 5 |
| 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: 45 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $3.92 | $7.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $4.38 | $8.77 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $4.73 | $9.46 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $5.57 | $11.14 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.