How far is Wilmington, NC from James City, NC?
The driving distance from Wilmington, NC to James City, NC is about 98.5 miles (158.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.9 miles (127 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 20m 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 02h 10m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The most populous city in Onslow County, North Carolina.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wilmington and James City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wilmington and James City.
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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
1.3 km · 1 min
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4
Take the exit slight right
4.3 mi · 6 min
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5
Take the exit right toward I 140 East: Topsail Island, Jacksonville, New Bern
1888 ft · 46 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto John Jay Burney Jr Freeway
11.8 mi · 13 min · John Jay Burney Jr Freeway
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7
Continue on Market Street
9.1 mi · 14 min · Market Street
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8
Continue straight
29.8 mi · 42 min
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9
Continue on South Marine Boulevard
4 mi · 7 min · South Marine Boulevard
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10
Keep slight right to continue on North Marine Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · North Marine Boulevard
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11
Continue on New Bern Highway
28.6 mi · 35 min · New Bern Highway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 17 North, US 70 East: New Bern, Morehead City
6.8 mi · 8 min
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13
Keep slight left to continue on Freedom Memorial Bridge
1.5 mi · 2 min · Freedom Memorial Bridge
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14
Continue straight
2897 ft · 52 sec
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wilmington and James City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Market Street
Continue straight
29.8 mi · 00h 42m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Wilmington and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near James City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wilmington to James City?
The road trip is about 98.5 miles (158.6 km) and usually takes 02h 10m 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?
Jacksonville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.3 miles from Wilmington and 49.3 miles from James City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.9 miles (127 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.6 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 2:10 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.78 one way or $27.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Wilmington and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near James City.
Stop Ideas Near Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville.
Jacksonville, NC
Havelock, NC
New Bern, NC
Kinston, NC
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wilmington and James City. Straight-line distance: 78.93 mi (127.02 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 James City
Census designated place
| Population | 5,899 |
| Coordinates | 35.0887700, -77.0349500 |
| Altitude | 4 |
| Country | United States |
End: James City (-77.03495, 35.08877)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 159 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $13.78 | $27.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $15.41 | $30.83 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $16.63 | $33.25 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $19.57 | $39.14 |
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 · May 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.