How far is Charlotte, NC from Durham, NC?
The driving distance from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC is about 144.2 miles (232.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 121.4 miles (195.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 19m 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 09m.
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.
City in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Charlotte and Durham.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charlotte and Durham.
-
1
Start on South Tryon Street
3.5 mi · 7 min · South Tryon Street
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2
Turn left onto West Sugar Creek Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · West Sugar Creek Road
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3
Take the ramp right toward I 85 North: Concord
941 ft · 23 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Julius Chambers Highway
45.4 mi · 52 min · Julius Chambers Highway
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
32.8 mi · 35 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on US 29, US 70
5.9 mi · 7 min
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7
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 North: Durham
9.4 mi · 11 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on Durham Freeway
5.2 mi · 7 min · Durham Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Mangum Street, Roxboro Street
156 m · 13 sec
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11
Continue on Morehead Avenue
854 ft · 29 sec · Morehead Avenue
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12
Turn left onto South Roxboro Street
1963 ft · 59 sec · South Roxboro Street
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13
Turn left onto East Main Street
30 m · 2 sec · East Main Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Charlotte and Durham.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Julius Chambers Highway
Merge slight left onto Julius Chambers Highway
45.4 mi · 00h 52m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Charlotte and Mostly Sunny near Durham.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Charlotte to Durham?
The road trip is about 144.2 miles (232.1 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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?
Trinity is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.6 miles from Charlotte and 73.7 miles from Durham.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 121.4 miles (195.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.8 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 2:10 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.16 one way or $40.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Charlotte and Mostly Sunny near Durham.
Stop Ideas Near Trinity
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 Trinity.
High Point
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Lexington
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Charlotte and Durham. Straight-line distance: 121.4 mi (195.37 km).
#1 Charlotte
The fourteenth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Charlotte metropolitan area.
| Population | 900,350 |
| Coordinates | 35.2270900, -80.8431300 |
| Altitude | 229 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Durham
The third most populous city in North Carolina and the center of the Durham metropolitan area.
| Population | 285,897 |
| Coordinates | 35.9940300, -78.8986200 |
| Altitude | 123 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-78.898591, 35.994064)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 232 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $20.16 | $40.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $22.54 | $45.09 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $24.32 | $48.64 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $28.63 | $57.25 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.