How far is Apex, NC from Cornelius, NC?
The driving distance from Apex, NC to Cornelius, NC is about 146.2 miles (235.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 114.1 miles (183.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 00m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Apex and Cornelius.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apex and Cornelius.
-
1
Start on North Salem Street
117 m · 20 sec · North Salem Street
-
2
Turn right onto Saunders Street
2033 ft · 1 min · Saunders Street
-
3
Turn right onto West Chatham Street
1652 ft · 44 sec · West Chatham Street
-
4
At the end of the road, turn left onto Hunter Street
90 m · 9 sec · Hunter Street
-
5
Turn right onto West Williams Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West Williams Street
-
6
Take the ramp slight right toward US 64 West
1271 ft · 35 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
32.9 mi · 43 min
-
8
Take the exit right
1943 ft · 47 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto Isaac Brooks Highway
25.5 mi · 31 min · Isaac Brooks Highway
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward I 85, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Durham, Charlotte
1107 ft · 27 sec
-
11
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 South, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Charlotte
1.3 km · 2 min
-
12
Merge slight left onto Greensboro Urban Loop
4.8 mi · 5 min · Greensboro Urban Loop
-
13
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 South: High Point, Charlotte
2.4 mi · 3 min
-
14
Keep slight left
63.1 mi · 1 hr 8 min
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward NC 73: Davidson Highway, Huntersville
1547 ft · 40 sec
-
16
Continue on Davidson Highway
6 mi · 9 min · Davidson Highway
-
17
Continue on Sam Furr Road
2.8 mi · 4 min · Sam Furr Road
-
18
Turn right onto Mayes Road
2.1 mi · 4 min · Mayes Road
-
19
At the end of the road, turn right onto Old Statesville Road
1.6 mi · 3 min · Old Statesville Road
-
20
Continue on South Main Street
1.6 km · 2 min · South Main Street
-
21
Turn left onto Legion Street
131 m · 19 sec · Legion Street
-
22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Legion Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Apex and Cornelius.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 85 South
Keep slight left
63.1 mi · 01h 08m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Apex and Mostly Sunny near Cornelius.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Apex to Cornelius?
The road trip is about 146.2 miles (235.3 km) and usually takes 03h 00m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Archdale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 73.1 miles from Apex and 73.2 miles from Cornelius.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 114.1 miles (183.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:30 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.44 one way or $40.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Apex and Mostly Sunny near Cornelius.
Stop Ideas Near Archdale
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Archdale.
High Point
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Lexington
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Apex and Cornelius. Straight-line distance: 114.16 mi (183.73 km).
#1 Apex
The most populous city in Wake County, North Carolina.
| Population | 64,388 |
| Coordinates | 35.7326500, -78.8502900 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cornelius
City in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 30,804 |
| Coordinates | 35.4868000, -80.8600700 |
| Altitude | 245 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cornelius (-80.86007, 35.4868)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 235 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $20.44 | $40.88 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $22.85 | $45.71 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $24.65 | $49.31 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $29.02 | $58.04 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in North Carolina · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.