Chapel Hill, NC, known for its vibrant college town atmosphere, is home to the University of North Carolina. Just a short drive away, Durham, NC, boasts a rich history and a burgeoning food scene.
Traveling between these two cities is common for students, professionals, and tourists alike. Whether it's for work, education, or leisure, the journey is both convenient and scenic.
Let's explore the various transportation options available for this short but delightful trip.
5 Ways to go from Chapel Hill, NC to Durham, NC
1. Shuttle Service
Shuttle Service offers a convenient and budget-friendly way to travel from Chapel Hill, NC to Durham, NC. This shared transportation option is ideal for those looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to commute between these two cities.
- Travel time: The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes. Factors such as traffic conditions and the frequency of shuttle schedules can affect the duration. Opting for express services can reduce travel time.
- Cost: Prices generally range from $10 to $20 per trip. Costs can vary based on peak hours, advance booking, and service tiers. Booking in advance often secures lower rates.
- Booking process: You can easily find and book Shuttle Service through Mozio. Be sure to book 12 hours in advance for the best experience possible. We make the booking process straightforward and user-friendly.
- Pros: Shuttle Service is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and reduces the stress of driving. It also offers the convenience of door-to-door service, making it a hassle-free option for travelers.
Shuttle Service is best for budget-conscious travelers and those who prefer a shared ride experience. For a smooth journey, consider booking in advance and checking the shuttle schedule.
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Luxury Car Service offers a premium, private transportation option for those seeking comfort and convenience. It provides a high-end travel experience with professional chauffeurs and well-maintained vehicles, ensuring a smooth and stylish journey.
- Travel time: The trip from Chapel Hill, NC to Durham, NC typically takes around 30-40 minutes. Factors such as traffic conditions and time of day can affect the duration. Opting for express routes can slightly reduce travel time.
- Cost: Prices generally range from $80 to $150, depending on factors like peak hours, advance booking, and the type of vehicle chosen. Booking in advance or during off-peak times can help secure better rates.
- Booking process: You can easily find and book Luxury Car Service through Mozio. Be sure to book 12 hours in advance for the best experience possible. We streamline the process, making it simple and efficient.
- Pros: Luxury Car Service offers unparalleled comfort, privacy, and reliability. With professional drivers and high-end vehicles, it ensures a stress-free and enjoyable journey, making it a superior choice over other transportation options.
Best for business travelers, special occasions, or anyone seeking a luxurious travel experience. Additional tip: Always check for any available discounts or promotions when booking.
3. Private Driver
Private Driver is a personalized transportation service offering a private, comfortable, and convenient way to travel. It provides door-to-door service, ensuring a hassle-free journey. This option is typically more luxurious and private compared to shared or budget-friendly alternatives.
- Travel time: The journey from Chapel Hill, NC to Durham, NC using a Private Driver typically takes around 30-40 minutes. Factors such as traffic conditions and time of day can affect the duration. Opting for a direct route can minimize travel time.
- Cost: The cost for a Private Driver service ranges from $50 to $100. Pricing can vary based on peak hours, advance booking, and the type of vehicle chosen. Booking in advance or during off-peak hours can help secure better rates.
- Booking process: You can easily find and book Private Driver services through Mozio. Be sure to book 12 hours in advance for the best experience possible. We make the booking process straightforward and user-friendly.
- Pros: Choosing a Private Driver offers several benefits, including privacy, comfort, and flexibility. You can enjoy a direct route without stops, personalized service, and the convenience of being picked up and dropped off at your exact locations.
Private Driver is ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable and stress-free journey. For the best experience, consider booking in advance and during off-peak hours.
4. Public Transportation
Public transportation is a shared, budget-friendly option that involves using buses, trains, or other transit services to travel between locations. It operates on fixed schedules and routes, making it an accessible and economical choice for many.
- Travel time: The journey from Chapel Hill to Durham typically takes around 30-45 minutes. Factors such as traffic, layovers, and schedule frequency can affect this duration. Express routes may offer faster travel times.
- Cost: The cost ranges from $2 to $5 per trip. Pricing can be influenced by peak hours, service tiers, and whether you purchase a single ticket or a pass. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and frequent travelers.
- Booking process: Travelers can book tickets online, through a mobile app, by phone, or in person at transit stations. While advance reservations are not typically required, booking ahead can ensure a smoother experience, especially during peak times.
- Pros and cons: Public transportation is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It eliminates the need for parking and reduces traffic congestion. However, it may involve longer travel times and less flexibility compared to driving or ridesharing services.
Public transportation is ideal for budget-conscious travelers, students, and those without access to a car. For a hassle-free trip, check schedules in advance and consider off-peak travel times.
5. Uber/Rideshare
Uber and other rideshare services offer a convenient way to travel from Chapel Hill, NC to Durham, NC. These services provide private, shared, and luxury ride options, catering to various budgets and preferences. Users can book rides through a mobile app, making it a flexible and accessible choice for many travelers.
- Travel time: The journey typically takes around 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Peak hours and roadworks can extend travel time, while off-peak hours may offer a quicker trip.
- Cost: Prices generally range from $20 to $40, influenced by factors like peak hours, service tiers (e.g., UberX, UberXL, Uber Black), and demand. Discounts and promotions may be available through the app.
- Booking process: Travelers can book rides via the Uber app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. While advance reservations are not required, booking a ride a few minutes before departure is recommended for timely service.
- Pros and cons: The main benefits include convenience, door-to-door service, and multiple ride options. However, costs can be higher during peak times, and availability may be limited during high-demand periods.
Uber/Rideshare is ideal for travelers seeking a flexible and comfortable ride without the hassle of driving or parking. For the best experience, consider booking during off-peak hours and checking for available discounts.
Distance between Chapel Hill, NC and Durham, NC
The distance between Chapel Hill, NC, and Durham, NC, is approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers). Notable landmarks along the route include the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Duke University campus, both renowned for their academic excellence.

Travel time between Chapel Hill, NC and Durham, NC
- Shuttle Service: Typically takes around 30-45 minutes. Travel time can vary based on the number of stops and traffic conditions.
- Luxury Car Service: Usually takes about 25-35 minutes. This option offers a more direct route, but traffic can still impact the duration.
- Private Driver: Generally takes 25-35 minutes. Similar to luxury car service, but with potential variability based on the driver's familiarity with the area.
- Public Transportation: Can take 1-1.5 hours. Includes transfers and waiting times, making it the longest option.
- Uber/Rideshare: Typically takes 25-35 minutes. Travel time can be affected by surge pricing and driver availability.
Cost of transportation between Chapel Hill, NC and Durham, NC
- Shuttle Service: Costs range from $20 to $40 per person. Prices can vary based on the time of day and the number of passengers. Booking in advance can often secure lower rates.
- Luxury Car Service: Expect to pay between $100 and $200. Factors like vehicle type and additional amenities can affect the price. Consider traveling during off-peak hours to save money.
- Private Driver: Typically costs between $50 and $100. Prices are generally fixed, but booking in advance can sometimes offer discounts.
- Public Transportation: The most economical option, costing around $2 to $5. Prices are fixed, but travel times may vary. Using a transit pass can save money on multiple trips.
- Uber/Rideshare: Costs range from $20 to $50. Prices fluctuate based on demand, time of day, and distance. Using discount codes or sharing rides can reduce costs.
Why traveling with Mozio is best!
- Free cancellations within 24 hours, allowing you to book a ride and change your mind without any penalties.
- 24/7 customer support, a feature not commonly available with other services like Uber, ensuring help is always at hand.
- Partnerships with licensed providers, guaranteeing a secure and high-quality service through carefully selected partners.
- Instantly guaranteed bookings, dispelling any doubts about the efficiency and reliability of the service.
- Flight delayed? No problem. Mozio waits, providing an extra layer of security for travelers facing unexpected delays.
Tips for traveling between Chapel Hill, NC and Durham, NC
- Choosing the best method: Consider your budget, time constraints, and comfort preferences. Shuttle services are economical, while luxury car services offer comfort. Public transportation is budget-friendly but may take longer.
- Time-saving strategies: Plan your trip during off-peak hours to avoid traffic. Early mornings and late evenings are generally less congested.
- Cost-saving tips: Book in advance and compare prices on platforms like Mozio. Public transportation and rideshares are usually the most affordable options.
- Packing for the trip: Pack light if using public transportation or rideshares. For luxury services, you can afford to bring more luggage.
- Best times to travel: Weekdays are less busy compared to weekends. Avoid traveling during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) to save time.
- Local insights: Chapel Hill and Durham are close, but traffic can be unpredictable. Always check real-time traffic updates before you leave.
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For travel agents, Mozio offers a streamlined platform to book a variety of ground transportation options for clients. By registering and creating an account, agents can easily manage bookings for rides, eSIMs, and airport parking. This not only simplifies the booking process but also ensures that clients have reliable transportation options at their destination, whether it's a bustling city or a remote getaway.
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