Origin
Burlington, NC
Evening in Burlington on Sunday
Local time
6:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Burlington, NC to Durham, NC
Drive Time
42m
Distance
33.9 mi
55 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 39m
★
6 AM
0h 43m
8 AM
0h 50m
10 AM
0h 45m
12 PM
0h 44m
3 PM
0h 46m
5 PM
0h 49m
8 PM
0h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Burlington, NC
Troy Tumbin
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick transit between Burlington and Durham, you can expect a straightforward 33.9-mile journey that typically takes about 42 minutes to complete. This trip is perfectly suited as a single-day excursion, as the distance is short enough that you will not need to worry about overnight accommodations. Budgeting approximately $5 for fuel should be sufficient to cover the distance in a standard vehicle. You will remain within the Southeast region throughout the entire drive, keeping the transition between these two North Carolina cities seamless. Because this is a high-speed, highway-focused route, it is an efficient way to navigate between the two points without unnecessary detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
16.9 miles from Burlington, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 21m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed experience, as 85% of this 33.9-mile route is comprised of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time on the Sam Hunt Freeway, I-85, and the Durham Freeway, which provide a consistent, fast-paced rhythm. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs during your 14.3-mile run on the Sam Hunt Freeway, allowing you to settle into a steady cruising speed. While the route lacks technical, winding local roads, the interstate-focused design ensures you reach your destination quickly. You will find that the character of the drive remains predictable and functional from start to finish.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Sam Hunt Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 14.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Sam Hunt Freeway and I 85. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in near NC 49; NC 54; NC 87 / West Harden Street.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 33.9 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 2.4 miles (NC 49; NC 54; NC 87 / West Harden Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles (NC 54 / East Harden Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 18.6 miles (I 85; NC 86 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
2.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
NC 49; NC 54; NC 87 / West Harden Street
Turn left onto NC 49; NC 54; NC 87 / West Harden Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
3.2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
NC 54 / East Harden Street
Enter roundabout onto NC 54 / East Harden Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
7
18.6 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
I 85; NC 86 Truck
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck toward I 85 North: Durham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 85 North: Durham
8
28 mi into trip
|
~34m in
|
NC 147 / Durham Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto NC 147 / Durham Freeway toward NC 147 South: Downtown Durham, Duke University, North Carolina Central University, Research Triangle Park
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NC 147 South: Downtown Durham, Duke Univ...
7
33.2 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Take the exit toward Mangum Street, Roxboro Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Mangum Street, Roxboro Street
Towns Along This Route
Between Burlington, NC and Durham, NC, road signs point toward Duke University, Carolina Central University and Research Triangle Park.
Duke University
28 mi in
|
~34m
|
via NC 147
Carolina Central University
28 mi in
|
~34m
|
via NC 147
Research Triangle Park
28 mi in
|
~34m
|
via NC 147
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Hunt Freeway | 14.3 mi | 16m |
| I 85 | 9.4 mi | 10m |
| Durham Freeway | 5.2 mi | 6m |
| West Webb Avenue | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| West Harden Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| East Harden Street | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Roxboro Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| West Elm Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Sam Hunt Freeway
— 14.3 mi, about 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burlington, NC and Durham, NC.
1
Start on US 70; NC 62
192 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Church Street
2
Turn right onto NC 87; NC 100
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Webb Avenue
3
Continue on NC 87
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
West Elm Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left onto NC 49; NC 54; NC 87
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West Harden Street
Use the left lane.
5
Enter roundabout onto NC 54
78 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Harden Street
6
Continue on NC 54
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Harden Street
7
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
8
Merge onto I 40; I 85
14 mi
·
16 min
·
Sam Hunt Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck
9.4 mi
·
10 min
·
I 85; NC 86 Truck
Toward I 85 North: Durham
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto NC 147
5.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Durham Freeway
Toward NC 147 South: Downtown Durham, Duke University, North Carolina Central University, Research Triangle Park
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
512 ft
·
12 sec
Toward Mangum Street, Roxboro Street
Use the slight right lane.
12
Continue on Morehead Avenue
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
Morehead Avenue
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn left onto US 15 Business; US 501 Business
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
South Roxboro Street
Use the left lane.
14
Turn left onto East Main Street
100 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Main Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Arrive at destination
East Main Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a short trip with no scheduled stops, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. While the drive is only 42 minutes long, keep an eye on traffic patterns when merging onto I-85 to ensure a smooth transition between highway segments. You do not need to worry about complex fueling logistics given the $5 budget, but topping off your tank in Burlington before you head out is a smart way to avoid extra errands upon arrival. Take advantage of the quick travel time to enjoy the convenience of a direct route, as the lack of required stops makes this an ideal drive for those who value efficiency.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 16.9 miles from Burlington, NC, or about 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.3 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 33.9 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 16.9 miles or 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Durham, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Burlington, 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 Burlington, NC
This is one driving day of about 33.9 miles and 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Burlington, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Sam Hunt Freeway for about 14.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 16.9 mi from Burlington, NC · 21m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
17 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 33.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 16.9 miles from Burlington, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Durham, NC
The final approach into Durham, NC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Durham, NC.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$5.43 one way
$10.85 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
12 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $5.91 | $11.82 |
| premium | $4.78 | $6.38 | $12.75 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $7.53 | $15.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 11.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.2 | 0 | $3.56 | $1.63 |
| Efficient EV | 8.5 | 0 | $2.97 | $1.36 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 13.6 | 0 | $4.75 | $2.17 |
Gas CO2
12 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Durham, NC
Evening in Durham on Sunday
Local time
6:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
42m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Burlington, NC to Durham, NC covers 33.9 miles and takes about 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Sam Hunt Freeway, I 85, Durham Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 16.9 miles from Burlington, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.43 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 33.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles (NC 49; NC 54; NC 87 / West Harden Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles (NC 54 / East Harden Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 18.6 miles (I 85; NC 86 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Burlington, NC and Durham, NC, road signs point toward Duke University, Carolina Central University and Research Triangle Park.
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