How far is Waynesville, NC from Chapel Hill, NC?
The driving distance from Waynesville, NC to Chapel Hill, NC is about 62.9 miles (101.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.1 miles (56.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 37m 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 01h 18m.
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.
City in Madison 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 Waynesville and Chapel Hill.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waynesville and Chapel Hill.
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1
Start on the route
12 m · 10 sec
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2
Turn left onto South Main Street
1.4 km · 1 min · South Main Street
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward North Main Street
16 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
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4
Exit the roundabout onto North Main Street
2331 ft · 41 sec · North Main Street
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5
Continue on Asheville Road
1882 ft · 32 sec · Asheville Road
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Asheville Road
34 m · 2 sec · Asheville Road
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7
Exit the rotary onto Asheville Road
2.1 mi · 3 min · Asheville Road
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8
Continue on Crabtree Road
6.6 mi · 12 min · Crabtree Road
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9
Continue on Rush Fork Road
5.1 mi · 7 min · Rush Fork Road
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10
Turn right onto Betsy's Gap Road
24.7 mi · 39 min · Betsy's Gap Road
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11
Continue on Bridge Street
5.1 mi · 8 min · Bridge Street
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12
At the end of the road, turn left
3.5 mi · 6 min
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13
Turn right onto Guntertown Road
2.2 mi · 5 min · Guntertown Road
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14
Continue on Chapel Hill Road
1.6 mi · 6 min · Chapel Hill Road
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15
Turn left
8 m · 2 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waynesville and Chapel Hill.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Betsy's Gap Road
Turn right onto Betsy's Gap Road
24.7 mi · 00h 39m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Waynesville 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 Waynesville to Chapel Hill?
The road trip is about 62.9 miles (101.2 km) and usually takes 01h 18m 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?
Hot Springs is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.3 miles from Waynesville and 36.6 miles from Chapel Hill.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.1 miles (56.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.8 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 3:52 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.79 one way or $17.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Waynesville and Mostly Sunny near Chapel Hill.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waynesville and Chapel Hill. Straight-line distance: 35.09 mi (56.47 km).
#1 Waynesville
City in North Carolina
| Population | 10,557 |
| Coordinates | 35.4887100, -82.9887500 |
| Altitude | 837 |
| 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: 101 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $8.79 | $17.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $9.83 | $19.66 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $10.61 | $21.21 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $12.49 | $24.97 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.