How far is Apex, NC from Morganton, NC?
The driving distance from Apex, NC to Morganton, NC is about 183 miles (294.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 158.9 miles (255.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 23m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 41m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
The fifth most populous city in North Carolina.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Apex and Morganton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apex and Morganton.
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1
Start on North Salem Street
117 m · 20 sec · North Salem Street
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2
Turn right onto Saunders Street
2033 ft · 1 min · Saunders Street
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3
Turn right onto West Chatham Street
1652 ft · 44 sec · West Chatham Street
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto Hunter Street
90 m · 9 sec · Hunter Street
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5
Turn right onto West Williams Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West Williams Street
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6
Take the ramp slight right toward US 64 West
1271 ft · 35 sec
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7
Merge slight left
32.9 mi · 43 min
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8
Take the exit right
1943 ft · 47 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Isaac Brooks Highway
25.5 mi · 31 min · Isaac Brooks Highway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 85, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Durham, Charlotte
1107 ft · 27 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 South, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Charlotte
1.3 km · 2 min
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12
Merge slight left onto Greensboro Urban Loop
4.8 mi · 5 min · Greensboro Urban Loop
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13
Keep slight right to continue on Greensboro Urban Loop
6.7 mi · 7 min · Greensboro Urban Loop
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14
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West, US 421 North: Winston-Salem
5.8 mi · 7 min
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15
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
101 mi · 1 hr 55 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward NC 18: Morganton, Shelby
1300 ft · 34 sec
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17
Turn right onto South Sterling Street
1.9 mi · 4 min · South Sterling Street
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18
Continue on South Green Street
1735 ft · 1 min · South Green Street
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19
Turn right onto East Concord Street
99 m · 13 sec · East Concord Street
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20
Turn left
31 m · 7 sec
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Apex and Morganton.
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 40 West
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
101 mi · 01h 55m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Apex and Sunny near Morganton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Apex to Morganton?
The road trip is about 183 miles (294.5 km) and usually takes 03h 41m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Winston-Salem is a useful midpoint, sitting about 91.4 miles from Apex and 91.6 miles from Morganton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 158.9 miles (255.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:36 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.59 one way or $51.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Apex and Sunny near Morganton.
Stop Ideas Near Winston-Salem
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 Winston-Salem.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
High Point
Lexington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Apex and Morganton. Straight-line distance: 158.97 mi (255.83 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 Morganton
City in Burke County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 16,625 |
| Coordinates | 35.7454100, -81.6848200 |
| Altitude | 352 |
| Country | United States |
End: Morganton (-81.68482, 35.74541)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 295 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $25.59 | $51.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $28.61 | $57.22 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $30.87 | $61.73 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $36.33 | $72.66 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.