Raleigh, NC to Bismarck, ND

State capital to state capital route

32h 25m
Drive Time
1783
Miles
$208
Gas Cost
15
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Raleigh Nc to Bismarck Nd?

The drive from Raleigh Nc to Bismarck Nd takes approximately 32h 25m, covering 1783 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $208 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 45–46+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
27h 33m
🔵 Typical
32h 25m
🔴 Heavy traffic
47h

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1783 miles
Drive Time32h 25min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$208
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$223-$258

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 4 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Raleigh Nc to Bismarck Nd

For a long drive like Raleigh Nc to Bismarck Nd, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
32h 25m
~$208 gas
✈️ Flying
6h 4m
~$267–$624 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 34m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
32h 25m
~$208
🚌 Bus
39h 37m
~$143–$321
🚂 Train
32h 25m
~$214–$535

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Raleigh, NC to Bismarck, ND?
The drive takes approximately 32 hours and 25 minutes covering 1783 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 59 gallons of gas, costing approximately $208 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.