How far is Gastonia, NC from Forest City, NC?
The driving distance from Gastonia, NC to Forest City, NC is about 42.1 miles (67.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.5 miles (62 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 54m 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 57m.
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 and the county seat of Cleveland County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gastonia and Forest City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gastonia and Forest City.
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1
Start on West Franklin Boulevard
4.2 mi · 7 min · West Franklin Boulevard
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2
Continue on Kings Mountain Highway
2.6 mi · 4 min · Kings Mountain Highway
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3
Continue on Senator J. Ollie Harris Highway
7.6 mi · 9 min · Senator J. Ollie Harris Highway
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4
Continue on Andrew Jackson Highway
1.8 mi · 3 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
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5
Continue on East Dixon Boulevard
12 mi · 17 min · East Dixon Boulevard
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6
Take the ramp straight toward West Dixon Boulevard
12.2 mi · 14 min · West Dixon Boulevard
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 221 ALT: Forest City
895 ft · 34 sec
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8
Turn left onto South Broadway Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · South Broadway Street
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Main Street
989 ft · 46 sec · East Main Street
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10
Turn right onto Cherry Mountain Street
17 m · 2 sec · Cherry Mountain Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Cherry Mountain Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gastonia and Forest City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West Dixon Boulevard
Take the ramp straight toward West Dixon Boulevard
12.2 mi · 00h 14m
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 Gastonia and Mostly Sunny near Forest City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gastonia to Forest City?
The road trip is about 42.1 miles (67.7 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Shelby is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21 miles from Gastonia and 21.1 miles from Forest City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.5 miles (62 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.6 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 4:36 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.86 one way or $11.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Gastonia and Mostly Sunny near Forest City.
Stop Ideas Near Shelby
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Downtown Shelby Fountain Park
Shelby City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Shelby.
Gastonia
Spartanburg
Charlotte
Kannapolis
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gastonia and Forest City. Straight-line distance: 38.54 mi (62.03 km).
#1 Gastonia
The most populous city in Gaston County, North Carolina.
| Population | 77,640 |
| Coordinates | 35.2620800, -81.1873000 |
| Altitude | 245 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Forest City
Town in Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 7,138 |
| Coordinates | 35.3340100, -81.8651000 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| Country | United States |
End: Forest City (-81.8651, 35.33401)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $5.86 | $11.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $6.55 | $13.11 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $7.07 | $14.14 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $8.32 | $16.65 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.