Concord, NC → Washington, DC
311 mi · 6h 13m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Concord
53°
Danville
54°
Cumberland County
51°
Washington
44°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 311 mi · 6h 13m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
54°F, wind 13 mph
Incidents
5
5 critical
Rest Stops
21
Truck svc, Restrooms
Cameras
4 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● I-85 Cabarrus County Rest Area 🚻
- ● I-85 Cabarrus County Rest Area 🚻
- ● QuikTrip
Hazards Ahead
5 road closures may affect your route · 23 construction zones on route
23 Construction Zones on Route
I-85 northbound: Maintenance on ramp from I-85 Northbound to US 29 S. All Shoulders Closed.
I-85 northbound: Maintenance on ramp from I-85 Northbound to George W Liles Pkwy NW. All Shoulders Closed.
I-85 northbound: Maintenance Near mile marker 55.8. All Shoulders Closed.
I-85 northbound: Maintenance Near mile marker 62. All Shoulders Closed.
I-85 northbound: Maintenance on ramp from I-85 Northbound to Lane St. All Shoulders Closed.
I-85 northbound: Maintenance Near mile marker 74. All Shoulders Closed.
+ 17 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via I-85 North → US-70 → I-95 North → I-395 North → US-50
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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CCTV09-I85-65N_OLDBEATTYFORD
Rowan, NC ·
CCTV09-I85-66S_PINERIDGE
Rowan, NC ·
CCTV07-I85-122S_I73S
Guilford, NC ·
CCTV07-I85-164N_OLDNC86
Orange, NC ·
CCTV05-I85-172S_NC147
Wake, NC ·
CCTV05-I85-213S_US158
Vance, NC ·
I-85 / MM 2.6 / NB
VA · NB
I-85 / MM 64.1 / SB / Rte 1 (exit63B)
VA · NB
I-85 / MM 64.9 / NB (Dupuy Rd.)
VA ·
I-95 / MM 84 / NB / at I-295
VA ·
I-95 / MM 118.7 / NB
VA · NB
I-95 / MM 151 / NB
VA · NB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
50 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 50
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Concord, NC to Washington, DC covers 311 miles in roughly 6h 13m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 50 rest areas and 5 reported incidents along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
57° / 39°
12% precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
54° / 31°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
56° / 29°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
56° / 31°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
60° / 32°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
64° / 32°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
66° / 33°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☀️ Clear sky at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☀️ Clear sky at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Concord, NC
53°F
Wind: 9 mph
Washington, DC
44°F
Wind: 12 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Concord, NC to Washington, DC
The 311-mile drive from Concord, North Carolina to Washington, District of Columbia takes approximately 6h 13m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across varying terrain where weather conditions can change rapidly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from North Carolina into District of Columbia, connecting Concord and Washington. Covering 311 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Weather along this route varies by season. Winter months can bring snow, ice, and reduced visibility, while summer may see thunderstorms, heat-related road issues, or construction zones. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable driving conditions but can still surprise with sudden weather changes. Regardless of season, checking real-time conditions along your entire route before departing can help you avoid the worst of it.
Best Time to Drive Concord to Washington
For medium-distance drives like this 311-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 311-mile drive from Concord to Washington takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Concord to Washington?
The drive is approximately 311 miles and takes about 6h 13m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Thursday, Nov 19 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Concord to Washington today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Concord to Washington route?
Yes, there are 50 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-85 North, I-95 North. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 5 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
Learn how 4D trajectory analysis can help you find the optimal departure time to avoid dangerous weather and traffic.
🛣️How to Check Road Conditions Before a Trip: All Your Options
A practical guide to every method for checking driving conditions--weather apps, 511 sites, traffic cameras, radio, and more. Pros, cons, and when to use each.
🧠Route Intelligence: The Smarter Way to Plan Road Trips
Stop checking weather at your destination. Start knowing what you'll actually drive through--and when. Here's how Route Intelligence changes everything.
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