How far is Wilmington, NC from Carolina Shores, NC?
The driving distance from Wilmington, NC to Carolina Shores, NC is about 48.3 miles (77.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42.8 miles (68.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 10m 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 05m.
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 and county seat of Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States
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 Wilmington and Carolina Shores.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wilmington and Carolina Shores.
-
1
Start on South 3rd Street
113 m · 14 sec · South 3rd Street
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2
Continue on South 3rd Street
155 m · 23 sec · South 3rd Street
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3
Turn right
3.5 mi · 5 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right
2844 ft · 41 sec
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5
Continue straight
43.2 mi · 57 min
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6
Turn left onto Country Club Drive
3052 ft · 1 min · Country Club Drive
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7
Turn left onto Carolina Shores Parkway
1371 ft · 1 min · Carolina Shores Parkway
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Carolina Shores Parkway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wilmington and Carolina Shores.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
South 3rd Street
Continue straight
43.2 mi · 00h 57m
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 Wilmington and Mostly Sunny near Carolina Shores.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wilmington to Carolina Shores?
The road trip is about 48.3 miles (77.7 km) and usually takes 01h 05m 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?
Bolivia is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.1 miles from Wilmington and 24.2 miles from Carolina Shores.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42.8 miles (68.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.5 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 4:20 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.73 one way or $13.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Wilmington and Mostly Sunny near Carolina Shores.
Stop Ideas Near Bolivia
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 Bolivia.
Wilmington, NC
Jacksonville, NC
Dillon
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wilmington and Carolina Shores. Straight-line distance: 42.76 mi (68.81 km).
#1 Wilmington
The largest city in the state of North Carolina.
| Population | 124,794 |
| Coordinates | 34.2257300, -77.9447100 |
| Altitude | 9 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carolina Shores
Town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 4,802 |
| Coordinates | 33.9010100, -78.5805700 |
| Altitude | 14 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carolina Shores (-78.58057, 33.90101)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 78 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $6.73 | $13.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $7.53 | $15.06 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $8.12 | $16.25 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $9.56 | $19.12 |
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.