Origin
Salisbury, NC
Morning in Salisbury on Friday
Local time
11:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Salisbury, NC to Burlington, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 24m
Distance
71.2 mi
115 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 18m
★
6 AM
1h 24m
8 AM
1h 37m
10 AM
1h 29m
12 PM
1h 28m
3 PM
1h 30m
5 PM
1h 37m
8 PM
1h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Salisbury, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Burlington, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Salisbury, NC to Burlington, NC is 71.2 miles and takes about 1 hour 24 minutes via I-85, I-40, and US-29, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within North Carolina, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip that's ideal for a single-day journey. You'll spend most of your time on interstates, making it a quick connection between these two central NC cities. Consider this route if you need an efficient way to get from point A to point B without much fuss.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 24m. Total distance: 71.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a highway-focused drive, with 84% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-85 and I-40. Expect a fairly consistent pace for much of the 1 hour and 24 minute journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 36.6 miles on I-85, offering a good opportunity to settle in. While primarily interstate, you'll also navigate segments of US-29, which might offer a slightly different feel before merging back onto the faster highway system. The overall character is efficient and direct, minimizing time spent on slower roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 10 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 85 is the longest continuous segment at about 36.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Innes Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 71.2 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Innes Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.1 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.9 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West Innes Street
Depart onto West Innes Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
12.1 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
I 85
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85 toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
8
44.9 mi into trip
|
~51m in
|
US 29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 29 toward US 29, US 70
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 29, US 70
6
50.8 mi into trip
|
~58m 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.
8
68 mi into trip
|
~1h 18m in
Take the exit toward NC 62: Burlington Downtown, Alamance
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 143
Toward NC 62: Burlington Downtown, Alamance
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 Salisbury, NC to Burlington, NC, road signs begin pointing toward High Point along the way.
High Point
12.1 mi in
|
~16m
|
via I 85
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 85 | 36.6 mi | 39m |
| I 40 | 17.1 mi | 19m |
| US 29 | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| South Church Street | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| Alamance Road | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| West Innes Street | 1.2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 85
— 36.6 mi, about 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salisbury, NC and Burlington, NC.
1
Start on West Innes Street
1.2 mi
·
3 min
·
West Innes Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Take the ramp
7.1 mi
·
7 min
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
3
Continue on I 85; US 29; US 52; US 70
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
I 85; US 29; US 52; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85
33 mi
·
35 min
·
I 85
Toward I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto US 29
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
US 29
Toward US 29, US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
17 mi
·
19 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 143
Toward NC 62: Burlington Downtown, Alamance
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Turn left onto NC 62
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Alamance Road
9
Turn slight right onto US 70; NC 62
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Church Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Arrive at destination
US 70; NC 62
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 35.6 mi from Salisbury, NC · 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 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 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 35.6 miles from Salisbury, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Burlington, NC
The final approach into Burlington, NC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.13 one way
$22.27 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
25 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $12.17 | $24.35 |
| premium | $4.70 | $13.18 | $26.36 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $15.72 | $31.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$11
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.4 | 0 | $7.48 | $3.42 |
| Efficient EV | 17.8 | 0 | $6.23 | $2.85 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 28.5 | 0 | $9.97 | $4.56 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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
Burlington, NC
Morning in Burlington on Friday
Local time
11:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Jamestown, NC
36 mi in
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
15 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
1h 24m 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 Salisbury, NC to Burlington, NC covers 71.2 miles and takes about 1h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 85, I 40, US 29. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 35.6 miles from Salisbury, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.13 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 71.2 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Innes Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.1 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.9 miles (US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Salisbury, NC to Burlington, NC, road signs begin pointing toward High Point along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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