How far is Chapel Hill, NC from Walnut Creek, NC?
The driving distance from Chapel Hill, NC to Walnut Creek, NC is about 19.9 miles (32.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 6.9 miles (11.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 24m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 42m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
City in Madison County, North Carolina, United States of America
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 Walnut Creek.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chapel Hill and Walnut Creek.
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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
9.9 mi · 16 min
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6
Turn sharp left onto Walnut Creek Road
2.9 mi · 9 min · Walnut Creek Road
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Walnut Creek Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chapel Hill and Walnut Creek.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Guntertown Road
Continue straight
9.93 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Chapel Hill and Sunny near Walnut Creek.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chapel Hill to Walnut Creek?
The road trip is about 19.9 miles (32.1 km) and usually takes 00h 42m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Hot Springs is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10 miles from Chapel Hill and 10 miles from Walnut Creek.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 6.9 miles (11.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 13 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:06 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.81 one way or $5.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Chapel Hill and Sunny near Walnut Creek.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chapel Hill and Walnut Creek. Straight-line distance: 6.93 mi (11.15 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 Walnut Creek
Village in North Carolina, USA
| Population | 864 |
| Coordinates | 35.8473300, -82.6712500 |
| Altitude | 640 |
| Country | United States |
End: Walnut Creek (-82.67125, 35.84733)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 32 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $2.81 | $5.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $3.14 | $6.29 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $3.39 | $6.78 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $3.99 | $7.99 |
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.