How far is Walnut Creek, NC from Chapel Hill, NC?
The driving distance from Walnut Creek, NC to Chapel Hill, NC is about 13.3 miles (21.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 6.9 miles (11.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 51m 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 25m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Madison County, North Carolina, United States of America
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 Walnut Creek and Chapel Hill.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Walnut Creek and Chapel Hill.
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1
Start on Walnut Creek Road
2.8 mi · 9 min · Walnut Creek Road
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2
Take the ramp slight right
47 m · 4 sec
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3
Merge slight left
9.9 mi · 16 min
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4
Continue straight
3.5 mi · 6 min
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5
Turn right onto Guntertown Road
2.2 mi · 5 min · Guntertown Road
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6
Continue on Chapel Hill Road
1.6 mi · 6 min · Chapel Hill Road
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7
Turn left
8 m · 2 sec
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Walnut Creek and Chapel Hill.
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.
Walnut Creek Road
Merge slight left
9.89 mi · 00h 16m
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.
Sunny leaving Walnut Creek and Sunny near Chapel Hill.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Walnut Creek to Chapel Hill?
The road trip is about 13.3 miles (21.4 km) and usually takes 00h 25m 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?
Hot Springs is a useful midpoint, sitting about 9.9 miles from Walnut Creek and 3.3 miles from Chapel Hill.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 6.9 miles (11.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.4 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:38 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.86 one way or $3.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Walnut Creek and Sunny near Chapel Hill.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Walnut Creek and Chapel Hill. Straight-line distance: 6.93 mi (11.15 km).
#1 Walnut Creek
Village in North Carolina, USA
| Population | 864 |
| Coordinates | 35.8473300, -82.6712500 |
| Altitude | 640 |
| 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: 21 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 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 | $1.86 | $3.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $2.08 | $4.16 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $2.25 | $4.49 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $2.64 | $5.29 |
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.