Driving Cost from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Durham, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Chapel Hill and Durham Based on Current Gas Prices

When planning a trip between Chapel Hill and Durham, a few factors need to be considered to come up with an estimated cost. Some of these include the distance to be covered, the type of vehicle used, and the current gas prices. Since gas prices often fluctuate, the cost of the trip may also vary. Therefore, this article aims to arm you with the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision about the best route to use, taking into account the most recent gas prices.

Distance and Possible Routes

The distance between Chapel Hill and Durham is approximately 10 miles, and there are a few possible routes between the two destinations. Below are the three most commonly used routes, together with their respective distances:

Route 1: US-15 S

This is the shortest and most direct route between the two destinations. The route covers a distance of approximately 7.6 miles, and it takes roughly 15 minutes to cover in moderate traffic. To use this route, you should:

  • Head north on S Columbia St/NC-86 N
  • Turn left onto Umstead Dr
  • Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy/US-15 S/US-501 S
  • Turn left onto Hope Valley Rd
  • Turn left onto Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd/NC-54 E

Route 2: I-40 W

This is the fastest route between Chapel Hill and Durham with minimal traffic. Although it may be longer than Route 1, it is a more straightforward route compared to the first one. The distance covered using this route is approximately 11 miles, and it takes roughly 15 minutes to cover when there's no traffic. To take this route, you need to:

  • Head north on S Columbia St/NC-86 N
  • Continue straight onto NC-86 N
  • Turn right onto I-40 W
  • Take exit 270 for US-15 S/US-501 S toward Chapel Hill
  • Keep right at the fork, follow signs for US-15 BUS S/US-501 BUS S/City Center and merge onto US-15 BUS S/US-501 BUS S/Chapel Hill St
  • Slight right onto W Pettigrew St
  • Continue straight onto Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd/NC-54 W

Route 3: Front St

This is the most scenic route between the two destinations, and it also has more landmarks along the way. However, it is slightly longer than the other routes and has more traffic, especially during peak hours. The distance covered on this route is approximately 11.3 miles, and it takes about 25 minutes to cover in moderate traffic. To use this route, follow these directions:

  • Head north on S Columbia St/NC-86 N
  • Turn left onto E Franklin St
  • Turn right onto N Estes Dr
  • Continue onto Piney Mountain Rd
  • Turn left onto Erwin Rd
  • Turn right onto W Club Blvd
  • Turn left onto N Gregson St
  • Turn right onto W Pettigrew St
  • Turn left onto N Duke St
  • Turn left onto Chapel Hill Rd
  • Turn right onto US-15 ALT N/US-501 ALT N

Gas Prices and Cost of the Trip

The cost of the trip will vary depending on the type of vehicle, current gas prices, and the route taken. Currently, the average gas price in Chapel Hill is around $2.40 per gallon, while gas in Durham is around $2.38 per gallon.

Route 1: US-15 S

Assuming a vehicle with a 15-gallon tank and an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, to cover the distance using Route 1, you will need around 0.304 gallons of gas, costing approximately $0.73 in Chapel Hill and $0.72 in Durham. Therefore, the cost of the trip using this route is expected to be around $1.45

Route 2: I-40 W

Assuming a vehicle with a 15-gallon tank and an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, to cover the distance using Route 2, you will need around 0.44 gallons of gas, costing approximately $1.06 in Chapel Hill and $1.05 in Durham. Therefore, the cost of the trip using this route is expected to be around $2.11

Route 3: Front St

Assuming a vehicle with a 15-gallon tank and an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, to cover the distance using Route 3, you will need around 0.452 gallons of gas, costing approximately $1.08 in Chapel Hill and $1.07 in Durham. Therefore, the cost of the trip using this route is expected to be around $2.14

Conclusion

Based on the information provided above, the best route to use between Chapel Hill and Durham largely depends on your priorities. If you value time and convenience, taking Route 2 would be your best bet. However, if you want to save some money and stick to the shortest distance, Route 1 would be the best choice. On the other hand, if you want a scenic view and don't mind a slightly longer distance and more traffic, taking Route 3 would be ideal.

Whichever option you choose, always be sure to check the current gas prices and calculate the expected cost of the trip before heading out. That way, you can avoid any surprises and make an informed decision. Enjoy your trip between Chapel Hill and Durham!