How far is Franklin, NC from Charlotte, NC?
The driving distance from Franklin, NC to Charlotte, NC is about 46.9 miles (75.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.3 miles (63.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 42m 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 51m.
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 Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Franklin and Charlotte.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin and Charlotte.
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1
Start on the route
1.4 km · 2 min
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2
Turn right onto Jake Alexander Boulevard North
6 mi · 10 min · Jake Alexander Boulevard North
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3
Take the exit right toward I 85 South, US 601 South: Charlotte
33 mi · 37 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward Sugar Creek Road
750 ft · 26 sec
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5
Turn left onto West Sugar Creek Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · West Sugar Creek Road
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6
Turn right onto North Tryon Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Tryon Street
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7
Continue on North Church Street
1.1 km · 1 min · North Church Street
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8
Continue on North Tryon Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · North Tryon Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Tryon Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Franklin and Charlotte.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 85 South
Take the exit right toward I 85 South, US 601 South: Charlotte
33 mi · 00h 37m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Franklin and Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Charlotte.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Franklin to Charlotte?
The road trip is about 46.9 miles (75.4 km) and usually takes 00h 51m 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?
Kannapolis is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.6 miles from Franklin and 24.2 miles from Charlotte.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.3 miles (63.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.6 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 4:48 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.54 one way or $13.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Franklin and Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Charlotte.
Stop Ideas Near Kannapolis
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 Kannapolis.
Kannapolis
Salisbury
Charlotte
Lexington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Franklin and Charlotte. Straight-line distance: 39.25 mi (63.17 km).
#1 Franklin
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 3,619 |
| Coordinates | 35.7212500, -80.4989500 |
| Altitude | 240 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: South Tryon Street (-80.843177, 35.227134)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 75 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $6.54 | $13.07 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $7.31 | $14.62 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $7.88 | $15.77 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $9.28 | $18.56 |
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 · May 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.