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Trip from Chapel Hill, NC to Gibsonville, NC

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 41m

Distance

225.3 mi

363 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 28m ★
6 AM
4h 42m
8 AM
5h 9m
10 AM
4h 51m
12 PM
4h 48m
3 PM
4h 52m
5 PM
5h 7m
8 PM
4h 34m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town in Orange County, North Carolina, United States

Chapel Hill, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Gibsonville, NC, NC

Gibsonville, NC

Mark Stebnicki

Trip Overview

This 225.3-mile drive from Chapel Hill, NC, to Gibsonville, NC, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 41 minutes. With a highway share of 98%, it's a predominantly highway-focused journey, making it efficient for reaching your destination. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $35. Since both your origin and destination are within the Southeast region, you'll be navigating familiar territory throughout your travels. This route is straightforward, ideal for those who prefer to cover ground quickly and efficiently.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

112.6 miles from Chapel Hill, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 28m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 178.9 mi 3h 25m
US 25 24.8 mi 37m
Billy Graham Freeway 5.7 mi 7m
I 26 4.2 mi 5m
NC 61 3.8 mi 7m
NC 208 3.5 mi 5m
Guntertown Road 2.2 mi 5m
Chapel Hill Road 1.6 mi 6m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 178.9 mi, about 3h 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chapel Hill, NC and Gibsonville, NC.

1

Start on this road

27 ft · 4 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Chapel Hill Road

1.6 mi · 6 min · Chapel Hill Road
3

Continue on Guntertown Road

2.2 mi · 5 min · Guntertown Road
4

At end of road, turn left onto NC 208

3.5 mi · 5 min · NC 208
5

Continue on US 25; US 70

21 mi · 32 min · US 25; US 70
6

Take the exit onto US 25; US 70

3.9 mi · 5 min · US 25; US 70
7

Continue on I 26; US 19; US 23; US 70

4.2 mi · 5 min · I 26; US 19; US 23; US 70
8

Keep slight left at fork onto US 70

0.2 mi · 19 sec · US 70
9

Keep slight right at fork onto US 70

0.2 mi · 19 sec · US 70
10

Merge onto I 240; US 70; US 74A

4.5 mi · 6 min · Billy Graham Freeway
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 240

1.1 mi · 1 min · Billy Graham Freeway
12

Merge onto I 40

158 mi · 2 hr 59 min · I 40
Use the straight lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

7.8 mi · 9 min · I 40
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 40; US 29; US 220

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 40; US 29; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

12 mi · 13 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 37 sec
Exit 138 Toward NC 61: Gibsonville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Turn left onto NC 61

3.8 mi · 7 min · NC 61
Use the straight lane.
18

Turn right onto Burke Street

79 ft · 2 sec · Burke Street
19

Arrive at destination

Burke Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour and 41 minute duration, starting your trip in Chapel Hill early in the morning is recommended to avoid any potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a long, uninterrupted stretch on I 40, plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly. The $35 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the extended 178.9-mile segment on I 40. This is a manageable day trip, so you have the flexibility to depart when convenient, but an early start will maximize your time at your destination in Gibsonville.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 112.6 miles from Chapel Hill, NC, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 178.9 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 50 miles or 1h 17m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 112.6 miles or 2h 28m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 50m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gibsonville, NC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Chapel Hill, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Chapel Hill, NC

This is one driving day of about 225.3 miles and 4h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Chapel Hill, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 178.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in North Carolina, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Boiling Springs, NC

113 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Asheville, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Granite Falls, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 112.6 miles from Chapel Hill, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 178.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Kyles Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kernersville, North Carolina

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 193.1

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13364974327

Visit website

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 177

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

Kyles Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 193.1

Kernersville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13364974327

Visit website

Taproot Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 112.6

Hickory, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18064078348

Visit website

The Rise Coffee Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 32.2

Asheville, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18282200368

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 64.4

Old Fort, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 64.4

Old Fort, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 32.2

Asheville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 225.3

Burlington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13365840201

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 32.2

Asheville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 32.2

Asheville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 64.4

Old Fort, North Carolina

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 32.2

Weaverville, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Adventure Landing Winston-Salem

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 177

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13367684730

Visit website

Asheville Pinball Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 32.2

Asheville, North Carolina

Hours: 2–9 pm

+18287765671

Visit website

Safari Nation Winston-Salem

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 177

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+13365233355

Visit website

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 209.2

Greensboro, North Carolina

+13368529721

Visit website

Asheville Free Walking Tours

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 32.2

Asheville, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18284190295

Visit website

All A Flutter Farms LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 193.1

High Point, North Carolina

+13364545651

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 3.7 and 221.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
3.7 mi into trip | ~11m in | NC 208

At end of road, turn left onto NC 208

Navigation decision point

8
200.1 mi into trip | ~4h 8m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
6
209.6 mi into trip | ~4h 20m in | I 40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
221.2 mi into trip | ~4h 33m in

Take the exit toward NC 61: Gibsonville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 138 Toward NC 61: Gibsonville
6
221.4 mi into trip | ~4h 34m in | NC 61

Turn left onto NC 61

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.23 one way

$70.46 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 79 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $38.52 $77.05
premium $4.70 $41.70 $83.40
diesel $5.61 $49.74 $99.49

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 78.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 67.6 0 $23.66 $10.81
Efficient EV 56.3 0 $19.71 $9.01
EV Truck/SUV 90.1 1 $31.54 $14.42

Gas CO2

79 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Chapel Hill, NC

Night in Chapel Hill on Saturday

Local time

10:54 PM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

ENE 1 mph 16% chance Live forecast

Destination

Gibsonville, NC

Night in Gibsonville on Saturday

Local time

10:54 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Boiling Springs, NC

113 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

9 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 41m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-intensive experience on this route, with 98% of the drive taking place on major roadways. You'll spend a significant amount of time on I 40, including a continuous stretch of 178.9 miles, which means you'll be averaging highway speeds for most of the journey. The main roads include I 40, US 25, and Billy Graham Freeway, indicating a progression through different types of high-capacity roads. This highway-focused profile suggests a drive where the focus is on covering distance rather than exploring local scenery.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 178.9 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 25. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.7 miles in near NC 208.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 225.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles (NC 208): Navigation decision point; at 200.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 209.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Chapel Hill, NC to Gibsonville, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Martinsville along the way.

Martinsville

200.1 mi in | ~4h 8m | via I 40

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 41m. Total distance: 225.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 178.9 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Gibsonville, NC before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles (NC 208): Navigation decision point; at 200.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 209.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Gibsonville, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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