How far is Apex, NC from Smithfield, NC?
The driving distance from Apex, NC to Smithfield, NC is about 37.7 miles (60.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 32.6 miles (52.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 40m 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 00h 50m.
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.
Town in North Carolina, United States
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 Smithfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apex and Smithfield.
-
1
Start on North Salem Street
2300 ft · 1 min · North Salem Street
-
2
Turn left onto East Williams Street
3.1 mi · 6 min · East Williams Street
-
3
Take the exit slight left toward NC 540 Toll East
2882 ft · 1 min
-
4
Merge slight left onto Triangle Expressway
16.4 mi · 18 min · Triangle Expressway
-
5
Keep slight left
1648 ft · 40 sec
-
6
Keep slight right to continue on I 42 East: Smithfield
2526 ft · 1 min
-
7
Merge slight left onto Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
8.3 mi · 9 min · Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
-
8
Take the exit slight right
2873 ft · 1 min
-
9
Turn right
7.5 mi · 13 min
-
10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Market Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Apex and Smithfield.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Triangle Expressway
Merge slight left onto Triangle Expressway
16.4 mi · 00h 18m
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.
Sunny leaving Apex and Sunny near Smithfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Apex to Smithfield?
The road trip is about 37.7 miles (60.7 km) and usually takes 00h 50m 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?
Garner is a useful midpoint, sitting about 18.8 miles from Apex and 18.9 miles from Smithfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 32.6 miles (52.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.1 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 4:50 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.27 one way or $10.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Apex and Sunny near Smithfield.
Stop Ideas Near Garner
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Burger and Beer
Garner Town Hall
Clayton Utilities
Town Hall Commons
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Garner.
Raleigh Union Station
North Carolina State Fair station
Cary
Selma–Smithfield
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Apex and Smithfield. Straight-line distance: 32.6 mi (52.47 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 Smithfield
County seat of Johnston County, North Carolina
| Population | 13,333 |
| Coordinates | 35.5084900, -78.3394500 |
| Altitude | 45 |
| Country | United States |
End: Smithfield (-78.33945, 35.50849)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 61 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $5.27 | $10.54 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $5.89 | $11.78 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $6.35 | $12.71 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $7.48 | $14.96 |
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 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.