How far is Lake Lure, NC from Union, NC?
The driving distance from Lake Lure, NC to Union, NC is about 22.3 miles (35.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 14.2 miles (22.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 12m 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 36m.
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 Polk County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Lure and Union.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Lure and Union.
-
1
Start on Memorial Highway
1.4 mi · 3 min · Memorial Highway
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2
Turn slight right
12.1 mi · 20 min
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3
Take the ramp left toward US 74 East: Forest City, Rutherfordton
1441 ft · 35 sec
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4
Merge slight left
5.8 mi · 6 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Union Road
1944 ft · 53 sec
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6
Turn left onto Union Road
2.4 mi · 6 min · Union Road
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Union Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Lure and Union.
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.
Longest stretch
Turn slight right
12.1 mi · 00h 20m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Lake Lure and Mostly Sunny near Union.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake Lure to Union?
The road trip is about 22.3 miles (35.9 km) and usually takes 00h 36m 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?
Columbus is a useful midpoint, sitting about 11.2 miles from Lake Lure and 11.2 miles from Union.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 14.2 miles (22.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.1 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 7:18 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.13 one way or $6.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Lake Lure and Mostly Sunny near Union.
Stop Ideas Near Columbus
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall of Tryon
City of Saluda
Town of Lake Lure, Lake Operations Office
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Columbus.
Spartanburg
Greenville
Clemson
Gastonia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Lure and Union. Straight-line distance: 14.23 mi (22.9 km).
#1 Lake Lure
Town in North Carolina
| Population | 1,153 |
| Coordinates | 35.4279000, -82.2048300 |
| Altitude | 337 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Union
Union is a place in North Carolina, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 35.3184500, -81.9909400 |
| Altitude | 265 |
| Country | United States |
End: Union (-81.99094, 35.31845)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 36 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $3.13 | $6.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $3.50 | $7.00 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $3.77 | $7.55 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $4.44 | $8.89 |
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.