How far is Chapel Hill, NC from Marion, NC?
The driving distance from Chapel Hill, NC to Marion, NC is about 73.3 miles (118 km), with a travel time of about 01h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 43.1 miles (69.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 37m 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 01h 48m.
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.
The most populous city in Buncombe County, North Carolina.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chapel Hill and Marion.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chapel Hill and Marion.
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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
27.4 mi · 32 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Marion
749 ft · 28 sec
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14
Turn left onto Sugar Hill Road
2.1 mi · 4 min · Sugar Hill Road
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15
Continue on West Henderson Street
1 mi · 2 min · West Henderson Street
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16
Turn left onto Burgin Street
592 ft · 23 sec · Burgin Street
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17
Turn right onto West Court Street
1029 ft · 46 sec · West Court Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Court Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chapel Hill and Marion.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Billy Graham Freeway
Merge slight left
27.4 mi · 00h 32m
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 Chapel Hill and Sunny near Marion.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chapel Hill to Marion?
The road trip is about 73.3 miles (118 km) and usually takes 01h 48m 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?
Asheville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36.7 miles from Chapel Hill and 36.7 miles from Marion.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 43.1 miles (69.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.2 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 2:52 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.26 one way or $20.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Chapel Hill and Sunny near Marion.
Stop Ideas Near Asheville
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 Asheville.
Greenville
Spartanburg
Clemson
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chapel Hill and Marion. Straight-line distance: 43.08 mi (69.33 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 Marion
City in McDowell County, North Carolina, U.
| Population | 7,937 |
| Coordinates | 35.6840100, -82.0092700 |
| Altitude | 428 |
| Country | United States |
End: Marion (-82.00927, 35.68401)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 118 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $10.26 | $20.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $11.47 | $22.94 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $12.38 | $24.75 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $14.57 | $29.13 |
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.