How far is Union, NC from Forest City, NC?
The driving distance from Union, NC to Forest City, NC is about 12.8 miles (20.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 7.1 miles (11.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 33m 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 16m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Rutherford 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 Union and Forest City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Union and Forest City.
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1
Start on Union Road
18 m · 9 sec · Union Road
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2
Turn sharp right onto Baber Road
1.3 km · 2 min · Baber Road
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3
Turn left onto Coxe Road
2.3 mi · 6 min · Coxe Road
-
4
Continue on Thunder Road
1.7 mi · 4 min · Thunder Road
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5
Turn right
2.8 mi · 5 min
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6
Turn left onto Oak Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · Oak Street
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7
Turn left onto South Church Street
989 ft · 24 sec · South Church Street
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8
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Main Street
969 ft · 44 sec · West Main Street
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9
Turn left onto Cherry Mountain Street
37 m · 7 sec · Cherry Mountain Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Cherry Mountain Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Union and Forest City.
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 right
2.84 mi · 00h 05m
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 Union and Mostly Sunny near Forest City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Union to Forest City?
The road trip is about 12.8 miles (20.6 km) and usually takes 00h 16m 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?
Spindale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 4.6 miles from Union and 8.2 miles from Forest City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 7.1 miles (11.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.7 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 7:56 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.78 one way or $3.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Union and Mostly Sunny near Forest City.
Stop Ideas Near Spindale
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 Spindale.
Spartanburg
Gastonia
Greenville
Charlotte
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Union and Forest City. Straight-line distance: 7.18 mi (11.55 km).
#1 Union
Union is a place in North Carolina, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 35.3184500, -81.9909400 |
| Altitude | 265 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Forest City
Town in Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 7,138 |
| Coordinates | 35.3340100, -81.8651000 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cherry Mountain Street (-81.864991, 35.333988)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 21 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $1.78 | $3.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $1.99 | $3.99 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $2.15 | $4.30 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $2.53 | $5.06 |
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.