How far is Hillsborough, NC from Durham, NC?
The driving distance from Hillsborough, NC to Durham, NC is about 14.1 miles (22.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 12.6 miles (20.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 35m 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 17m.
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.
Town in North Carolina, United States
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 Hillsborough and Durham.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hillsborough and Durham.
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1
Start on West King Street
29 m · 8 sec · West King Street
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2
Turn right onto South Churton Street
1868 ft · 1 min · South Churton Street
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3
Turn left
1.3 km · 2 min
-
4
Turn right onto State Highway 86
1 km · 1 min · State Highway 86
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5
Take the ramp left
944 ft · 23 sec
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6
Merge slight left
6.2 mi · 7 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on Durham Freeway
5.2 mi · 7 min · Durham Freeway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Mangum Street, Roxboro Street
156 m · 13 sec
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9
Continue on Morehead Avenue
854 ft · 29 sec · Morehead Avenue
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10
Turn left onto South Roxboro Street
1963 ft · 59 sec · South Roxboro Street
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11
Turn left onto East Main Street
30 m · 2 sec · East Main Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Hillsborough and Durham.
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.
State Highway 86
Merge slight left
6.19 mi · 00h 07m
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 Hillsborough and Sunny near Durham.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Hillsborough to Durham?
The road trip is about 14.1 miles (22.7 km) and usually takes 00h 17m 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?
Carrboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 7 miles from Hillsborough and 7.1 miles from Durham.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 12.6 miles (20.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.5 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 7:54 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.98 one way or $3.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Hillsborough and Sunny near Durham.
Stop Ideas Near Carrboro
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Burger & Beer Durham
Durham County Inspections Department
The Town Hall Grill
Pompieri Pizza
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Carrboro.
Durham
Cary
North Carolina State Fair station
Burlington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Hillsborough and Durham. Straight-line distance: 12.56 mi (20.22 km).
#1 Hillsborough
Town in and county seat of Orange County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 7,226 |
| Coordinates | 36.0754200, -79.0997300 |
| Altitude | 166 |
| 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: 23 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $1.98 | $3.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $2.21 | $4.43 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $2.39 | $4.78 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $2.81 | $5.62 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.