How far is Gastonia, NC from Hickory, NC?
The driving distance from Gastonia, NC to Hickory, NC is about 37.4 miles (60.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 33.7 miles (54.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 34m 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 47m.
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.
County seat in 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 Gastonia and Hickory.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gastonia and Hickory.
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1
Start on West Franklin Boulevard
145 m · 17 sec · West Franklin Boulevard
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2
Turn left onto South York Street
2129 ft · 42 sec · South York Street
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3
Turn right onto North Chester Street
1.9 mi · 3 min · North Chester Street
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4
Continue on Gastonia Dallas Highway
33.5 mi · 40 min · Gastonia Dallas Highway
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5
Turn right onto 13th Street Southwest
654 ft · 16 sec · 13th Street Southwest
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6
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue Southwest
1.1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
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7
Turn left onto 3rd Street Southwest
655 ft · 29 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
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8
Continue on 3rd Street Northwest
127 m · 21 sec · 3rd Street Northwest
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9
Turn right onto Trade Alley
103 m · 30 sec · Trade Alley
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10
Turn left
47 m · 11 sec
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gastonia and Hickory.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Gastonia Dallas Highway
Continue on Gastonia Dallas Highway
33.5 mi · 00h 40m
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 Sunny near Hickory.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gastonia to Hickory?
The road trip is about 37.4 miles (60.2 km) and usually takes 00h 47m 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?
Lincolnton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 18.8 miles from Gastonia and 18.7 miles from Hickory.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 33.7 miles (54.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.7 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 4:56 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.23 one way or $10.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Gastonia and Sunny near Hickory.
Stop Ideas Near Lincolnton
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 Lincolnton.
Gastonia
Charlotte
Kannapolis
Salisbury
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gastonia and Hickory. Straight-line distance: 33.68 mi (54.21 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 Hickory
The second-largest city in Catawba County, North Carolina.
| Population | 41,473 |
| Coordinates | 35.7331900, -81.3412000 |
| Altitude | 350 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hickory (-81.3412, 35.73319)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 60 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $5.23 | $10.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $5.85 | $11.69 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $6.31 | $12.61 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $7.42 | $14.85 |
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.