How far is Smithfield, NC from Durham, NC?
The driving distance from Smithfield, NC to Durham, NC is about 55.2 miles (88.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 45.9 miles (73.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 49m 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 54m.
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.
The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is a major center for business, government, and education.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Smithfield and Durham.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Smithfield and Durham.
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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
-
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
29.5 mi · 34 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 885 North: Downtown Durham
1 km · 44 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Durham Freeway
4.1 mi · 5 min · Durham Freeway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Durham Freeway
2.6 mi · 3 min · Durham Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Jackie Robinson Drive, Roxboro Street
769 ft · 19 sec
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10
Continue on Jackie Robinson Drive
604 ft · 19 sec · Jackie Robinson Drive
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11
Turn right onto South Roxboro Street
1625 ft · 49 sec · South Roxboro Street
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12
Turn left onto East Main Street
30 m · 2 sec · East Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Smithfield and Durham.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
Merge slight left
29.5 mi · 00h 34m
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 Smithfield and Mostly Sunny near Durham.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Smithfield to Durham?
The road trip is about 55.2 miles (88.9 km) and usually takes 00h 54m 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?
Raleigh is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.5 miles from Smithfield and 27.7 miles from Durham.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 45.9 miles (73.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.3 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 4:40 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.72 one way or $15.45 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Smithfield and Mostly Sunny near Durham.
Stop Ideas Near Raleigh
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Burger and Beer
Garner Town Hall
Kumon Math and Reading Center of Morrisville - Town Hall
Town of Cary
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Raleigh.
Raleigh Union Station
North Carolina State Fair station
Cary
Durham
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Smithfield and Durham. Straight-line distance: 45.92 mi (73.9 km).
#1 Smithfield
County seat of Johnston County, North Carolina
| Population | 13,333 |
| Coordinates | 35.5084900, -78.3394500 |
| Altitude | 45 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Durham
The third most populous city in North Carolina and the center of the Durham metropolitan area.
| Population | 285,897 |
| Coordinates | 35.9940300, -78.8986200 |
| Altitude | 123 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-78.898591, 35.994064)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 89 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $7.72 | $15.45 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $8.64 | $17.27 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $9.32 | $18.63 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $10.97 | $21.93 |
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.