How far is Shelby, NC from Burlington, NC?
The driving distance from Shelby, NC to Burlington, NC is about 152.9 miles (246.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 130.1 miles (209.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 04m 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 32m.
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.
Town in Rowan County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Shelby and Burlington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shelby and Burlington.
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1
Start on the route
32 m · 14 sec
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2
Turn left onto Campbell Street
151 m · 27 sec · Campbell Street
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3
Turn left onto North Dekalb Street
1 mi · 3 min · North Dekalb Street
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4
Turn left onto East Dixon Boulevard
5.1 mi · 7 min · East Dixon Boulevard
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5
Continue on Andrew Jackson Highway
1.8 mi · 3 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
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6
Continue on Senator J. Ollie Harris Highway
6.8 mi · 8 min · Senator J. Ollie Harris Highway
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7
Take the exit straight toward I 85, US 29 South: Charlotte, Spartanburg
572 ft · 8 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 North: Gastonia, Charlotte
1.3 km · 56 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
17.6 mi · 21 min · Senator Marshall Arthur Rauch Highway
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10
Continue on Cameron Morrison Bridge
59.4 mi · 1 hr 9 min · Cameron Morrison Bridge
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
32.8 mi · 35 min
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12
Keep slight right to continue on US 29, US 70
5.9 mi · 7 min
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13
Keep slight left
17.1 mi · 20 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward NC 62: Burlington Downtown, Alamance
1181 ft · 37 sec
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15
Turn left onto Alamance Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Alamance Road
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16
Turn slight right onto South Church Street
1.6 mi · 4 min · South Church Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Church Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Shelby and Burlington.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Cameron Morrison Bridge
Continue on Cameron Morrison Bridge
59.4 mi · 01h 09m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Shelby and Mostly Sunny near Burlington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Shelby to Burlington?
The road trip is about 152.9 miles (246.1 km) and usually takes 02h 32m 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?
China Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.9 miles from Shelby and 77.1 miles from Burlington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 130.1 miles (209.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.8 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 1:26 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.39 one way or $42.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Shelby and Mostly Sunny near Burlington.
Stop Ideas Near China Grove
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 China Grove.
Kannapolis
Salisbury
Lexington
Charlotte
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Shelby and Burlington. Straight-line distance: 130.15 mi (209.45 km).
#1 Shelby
City in and the county seat of Cleveland County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 20,145 |
| Coordinates | 35.2923500, -81.5356500 |
| Altitude | 262 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Burlington
The most populous city in Alamance County, North Carolina.
| Population | 55,599 |
| Coordinates | 36.0956900, -79.4378000 |
| Altitude | 198 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Church Street (-79.437732, 36.095621)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 246 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $21.39 | $42.78 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $23.92 | $47.83 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $25.80 | $51.60 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $30.37 | $60.74 |
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 · May 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.