How far is Hillsborough, NC from Gastonia, NC?
The driving distance from Hillsborough, NC to Gastonia, NC is about 149.8 miles (241.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 129.9 miles (209.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 46m 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 23m.
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 county seat of Davidson County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Hillsborough and Gastonia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hillsborough and Gastonia.
-
1
Start on West King Street
29 m · 8 sec · West King Street
-
2
Turn right onto South Churton Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · South Churton Street
-
3
Take the ramp right toward I 85 South, NC 86 North: Greensboro
1169 ft · 29 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
32.5 mi · 37 min
-
5
Keep slight right
7.7 mi · 9 min
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70 West: Charlotte
5.4 mi · 6 min
-
7
Keep slight left
99.4 mi · 1 hr 52 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward NC 7: East Gastonia
858 ft · 29 sec
-
9
Turn right onto East Ozark Avenue
3206 ft · 1 min · East Ozark Avenue
-
10
Continue on East Long Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · East Long Avenue
-
11
Turn left onto North Broad Street
1264 ft · 29 sec · North Broad Street
-
12
Turn right onto East Franklin Boulevard
2639 ft · 55 sec · East Franklin Boulevard
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Franklin Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Hillsborough and Gastonia.
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 Business South
Keep slight left
99.4 mi · 01h 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.
Sunny leaving Hillsborough and Sunny near Gastonia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Hillsborough to Gastonia?
The road trip is about 149.8 miles (241.1 km) and usually takes 02h 23m 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?
Lexington is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74.3 miles from Hillsborough and 75.6 miles from Gastonia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 129.9 miles (209.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.9 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 1:44 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.95 one way or $41.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Hillsborough and Sunny near Gastonia.
Stop Ideas Near Lexington
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 Lexington.
Lexington
Salisbury
High Point
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Hillsborough and Gastonia. Straight-line distance: 129.95 mi (209.14 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 Gastonia
The most populous city in Gaston County, North Carolina.
| Population | 77,640 |
| Coordinates | 35.2620800, -81.1873000 |
| Altitude | 245 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Franklin Boulevard (-81.187301, 35.262154)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 241 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $20.95 | $41.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $23.43 | $46.86 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $25.28 | $50.55 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $29.75 | $59.50 |
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.