How far is Smithfield, NC from Chapel Hill, NC?
The driving distance from Smithfield, NC to Chapel Hill, NC is about 312.3 miles (502.6 km), with a travel time of about 05h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 246.9 miles (397.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 18m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 05h 09m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Davie County, North Carolina, United States of America
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 Smithfield and Chapel Hill.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Smithfield and Chapel Hill.
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1
Start on East Market Street
5.6 mi · 10 min · East Market Street
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2
Continue straight
2.1 mi · 3 min
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3
Take the ramp slight right
1.5 km · 2 min
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4
Merge slight left onto Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
8.9 mi · 10 min · Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
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5
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 1 hr 35 min
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6
Keep slight right
7.7 mi · 9 min
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7
Keep slight right
12.6 mi · 15 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
153.1 mi · 2 hr 54 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on Billy Graham Freeway
4.6 mi · 6 min · Billy Graham Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 25
787 ft · 23 sec
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11
Turn left onto Merrimon Avenue
32 m · 5 sec · Merrimon Avenue
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12
Turn straight
77 m · 10 sec
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13
Turn right onto Broadway Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · Broadway Street
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14
Take the ramp right
1885 ft · 46 sec
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15
Merge slight left
2.1 mi · 2 min
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16
Continue straight
4.2 mi · 5 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward US 25 North, US 70 West: Marshall
21.3 mi · 33 min
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18
Continue straight
3.5 mi · 6 min
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19
Turn right onto Guntertown Road
2.2 mi · 5 min · Guntertown Road
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20
Continue on Chapel Hill Road
1.6 mi · 6 min · Chapel Hill Road
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21
Turn left
8 m · 2 sec
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Smithfield and Chapel Hill.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 40 West
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
153 mi · 02h 54m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Smithfield and Mostly Sunny near Chapel Hill.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Smithfield to Chapel Hill?
The road trip is about 312.3 miles (502.6 km) and usually takes 05h 09m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mocksville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 157 miles from Smithfield and 155.3 miles from Chapel Hill.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 246.9 miles (397.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 65.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:42 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $43.65 one way or $87.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 97.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Smithfield and Mostly Sunny near Chapel Hill.
Stop Ideas Near Mocksville
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 Mocksville.
Salisbury
Lexington
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Smithfield and Chapel Hill. Straight-line distance: 246.89 mi (397.33 km).
#1 Smithfield
County seat of Johnston County, North Carolina
| Population | 13,333 |
| Coordinates | 35.5084900, -78.3394500 |
| Altitude | 45 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Chapel Hill
Town in Orange County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 63,705 |
| Coordinates | 35.9428800, -82.7087500 |
| Altitude | 658 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-82.708707, 35.942917)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 503 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $43.65 | $87.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $48.81 | $97.62 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $52.65 | $105.31 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $61.98 | $123.95 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.