How far is Morganton, NC from Gastonia, NC?
The driving distance from Morganton, NC to Gastonia, NC is about 54.4 miles (87.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 43.6 miles (70.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 53m 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 56m.
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 Catawba 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 Morganton and Gastonia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Morganton and Gastonia.
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1
Start on the route
31 m · 9 sec
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2
Turn right onto East Concord Street
619 ft · 25 sec · East Concord Street
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3
Turn left onto South Sterling Street
938 ft · 43 sec · South Sterling Street
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4
Keep slight right to continue on South Sterling Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · South Sterling Street
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5
Turn left onto I 40: Hickory
1017 ft · 27 sec
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6
Merge slight left
16.9 mi · 20 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 321: Lenoir, Lincolnton, Hickory
1234 ft · 30 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on US 321 South: Lincolnton
1.1 km · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left
33.9 mi · 41 min
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10
Turn right onto West Franklin Boulevard
19 m · 1 sec · West Franklin Boulevard
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Franklin Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Morganton 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.
US 321 South
Merge slight left
33.9 mi · 00h 41m
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 Morganton and Sunny near Gastonia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Morganton to Gastonia?
The road trip is about 54.4 miles (87.6 km) and usually takes 00h 56m 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?
Newton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.2 miles from Morganton and 27.3 miles from Gastonia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 43.6 miles (70.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.8 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 $7.61 one way or $15.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Morganton and Sunny near Gastonia.
Stop Ideas Near Newton
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 Newton.
Gastonia
Kannapolis
Charlotte
Salisbury
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Morganton and Gastonia. Straight-line distance: 43.57 mi (70.12 km).
#1 Morganton
City in Burke County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 16,625 |
| Coordinates | 35.7454100, -81.6848200 |
| Altitude | 352 |
| 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: 88 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $7.61 | $15.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $8.50 | $17.01 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $9.17 | $18.35 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $10.80 | $21.60 |
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.