How far is Apex, NC from Kinston, NC?
The driving distance from Apex, NC to Kinston, NC is about 88.8 miles (142.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.4 miles (126.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 38m 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 01h 49m.
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 Johnston County, North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Apex and Kinston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apex and Kinston.
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1
Start on North Salem Street
2300 ft · 1 min · North Salem Street
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2
Turn left onto East Williams Street
3.1 mi · 6 min · East Williams Street
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3
Take the exit slight left toward NC 540 Toll East
2882 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left onto Triangle Expressway
16.4 mi · 18 min · Triangle Expressway
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5
Keep slight left
1648 ft · 40 sec
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 42 East: Smithfield
2526 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left onto Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
8.7 mi · 9 min · Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
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8
Continue straight
7.6 mi · 10 min
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9
Keep slight left
14.3 mi · 19 min
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10
Continue straight
2 mi · 3 min
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11
Continue on Goldsboro Bypass
19.8 mi · 21 min · Goldsboro Bypass
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12
Continue straight
11.5 mi · 13 min
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13
Continue on West Vernon Avenue
3 mi · 5 min · West Vernon Avenue
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14
Turn right onto North Queen Street
1807 ft · 41 sec · North Queen Street
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15
Turn right onto West Blount Street
80 m · 17 sec · West Blount Street
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16
Turn left onto Walls Street
96 m · 19 sec · Walls Street
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17
Turn left
31 m · 8 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Apex and Kinston.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Goldsboro Bypass
Continue on Goldsboro Bypass
19.8 mi · 00h 21m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Apex and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Kinston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Apex to Kinston?
The road trip is about 88.8 miles (142.9 km) and usually takes 01h 49m 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?
Pine Level is a useful midpoint, sitting about 44.4 miles from Apex and 44.4 miles from Kinston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.4 miles (126.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.4 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 2:52 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.40 one way or $24.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Apex and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Kinston.
Stop Ideas Near Pine Level
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 Pine Level.
Selma–Smithfield
Goldsboro, NC
Wilson
Raleigh Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Apex and Kinston. Straight-line distance: 78.4 mi (126.18 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 Kinston
City in North Carolina, United States of America
| Population | 19,849 |
| Coordinates | 35.2626600, -77.5816400 |
| Altitude | 13 |
| Country | United States |
End: Kinston (-77.58164, 35.26266)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 143 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $12.40 | $24.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $13.86 | $27.73 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $14.96 | $29.91 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $17.60 | $35.21 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.