How far is Chapel Hill, NC from Lincolnton, NC?
The driving distance from Chapel Hill, NC to Lincolnton, NC is about 131.7 miles (212 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 87.8 miles (141.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 47m 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 53m.
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.
Human settlement in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chapel Hill and Lincolnton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chapel Hill and Lincolnton.
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1
Start on the route
8 m · 5 sec
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2
Turn right onto Chapel Hill Road
1.6 mi · 6 min · Chapel Hill Road
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3
Continue on Guntertown Road
2.2 mi · 5 min · Guntertown Road
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4
At the end of the road, turn left
3.5 mi · 6 min
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5
Continue straight
20.9 mi · 32 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
3.9 mi · 5 min
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7
Continue straight
4.2 mi · 5 min
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8
Keep slight left
1145 ft · 19 sec
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9
Keep slight right
1142 ft · 20 sec
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10
Merge slight right onto Billy Graham Freeway
4.5 mi · 6 min · Billy Graham Freeway
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Billy Graham Freeway
1.1 mi · 2 min · Billy Graham Freeway
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12
Merge slight left
68.7 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 321: Lenoir, Lincolnton, Hickory
1234 ft · 30 sec
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14
Keep slight right to continue on US 321 South: Lincolnton
1.1 km · 1 min
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15
Merge slight left
18.1 mi · 21 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward NC 27, NC 150: Lincolnton
1487 ft · 36 sec
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17
Turn straight onto East Main Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
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18
Turn right onto North Laurel Street
542 ft · 24 sec · North Laurel Street
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19
Turn left onto East Pine Street
945 ft · 26 sec · East Pine Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Pine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chapel Hill and Lincolnton.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Billy Graham Freeway
Merge slight left
68.7 mi · 01h 19m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Chapel Hill and Chance Rain Showers near Lincolnton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chapel Hill to Lincolnton?
The road trip is about 131.7 miles (212 km) and usually takes 02h 53m 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?
Old Fort is a useful midpoint, sitting about 65.8 miles from Chapel Hill and 65.9 miles from Lincolnton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 87.8 miles (141.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 43.9 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 12:42 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.42 one way or $36.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Chapel Hill and Chance Rain Showers near Lincolnton.
Stop Ideas Near Old Fort
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 Old Fort.
Spartanburg
Greenville
Gastonia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chapel Hill and Lincolnton. Straight-line distance: 87.79 mi (141.28 km).
#1 Chapel Hill
Town in Orange County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 63,705 |
| Coordinates | 35.9428800, -82.7087500 |
| Altitude | 658 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lincolnton
County seat in North Carolina
| Population | 11,522 |
| Coordinates | 35.4737500, -81.2545300 |
| Altitude | 254 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lincolnton (-81.25453, 35.47375)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 212 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $18.42 | $36.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $20.59 | $41.19 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $22.22 | $44.44 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $26.15 | $52.30 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.