How far is Chadbourn, NC from Wilmington, NC?
The driving distance from Chadbourn, NC to Wilmington, NC is about 54.3 miles (87.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 50.8 miles (81.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 50m 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 00h 55m.
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 Columbus County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chadbourn and Wilmington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chadbourn and Wilmington.
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1
Start on West Railroad Avenue
45 m · 13 sec · West Railroad Avenue
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2
Turn left onto South Brown Street
1.4 km · 2 min · South Brown Street
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3
Continue on Joe Brown Highway North
149 m · 12 sec · Joe Brown Highway North
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4
Turn right
1.3 mi · 2 min
-
5
Merge slight left onto Andrew Jackson Highway
48 mi · 1 hr 1 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
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6
Continue on Ocean Highway East
3.1 mi · 4 min · Ocean Highway East
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7
Continue on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
1.2 km · 1 min · Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
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8
Turn left onto South 3rd Street
551 ft · 15 sec · South 3rd Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chadbourn and Wilmington.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Andrew Jackson Highway
Merge slight left onto Andrew Jackson Highway
48 mi · 01h 01m
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.
Sunny leaving Chadbourn and Sunny near Wilmington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chadbourn to Wilmington?
The road trip is about 54.3 miles (87.4 km) and usually takes 00h 55m 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?
Bolton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.2 miles from Chadbourn and 27.2 miles from Wilmington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 50.8 miles (81.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.5 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 4:40 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.61 one way or $15.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Chadbourn and Sunny near Wilmington.
Stop Ideas Near Bolton
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 Bolton.
Wilmington, NC
Dillon
Fayetteville
Jacksonville, NC
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chadbourn and Wilmington. Straight-line distance: 50.81 mi (81.77 km).
#1 Chadbourn
City in Columbus County, North Carolina, United States of America
| Population | 1,699 |
| Coordinates | 34.3221100, -78.8269700 |
| Altitude | 32 |
| 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: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $7.61 | $15.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $8.50 | $17.01 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $9.17 | $18.35 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $10.80 | $21.60 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.