How far is Cary, IL from Lawrence, IL?
The driving distance from Cary, IL to Lawrence, IL is about 30.1 miles (48.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26 miles (41.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 39m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
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 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 McHenry County, Illinois, 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 Cary and Lawrence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary and Lawrence.
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1
Start on the route
13 m · 5 sec
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2
Turn left onto North 1st Street
1164 ft · 53 sec · North 1st Street
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3
Turn right onto South Northwest Highway
5.4 mi · 9 min · South Northwest Highway
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4
Continue on West Virginia Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · West Virginia Street
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5
Continue straight
18.7 mi · 28 min
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6
Turn left onto West Brink Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West Brink Street
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7
Turn right onto Lawrence Road
2661 ft · 1 min · Lawrence Road
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8
Turn left onto Ramer Road
994 ft · 27 sec · Ramer Road
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9
Keep slight right to continue on Lawrence Road
1.3 mi · 3 min · Lawrence Road
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10
Turn right onto Oak Grove Road
1050 ft · 33 sec · Oak Grove Road
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11
Turn right
24 m · 6 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cary and Lawrence.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
West Virginia Street
Continue straight
18.7 mi · 00h 28m
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 Cary and Mostly Sunny near Lawrence.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cary to Lawrence?
The road trip is about 30.1 miles (48.4 km) and usually takes 00h 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?
Woodstock is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15 miles from Cary and 15 miles from Lawrence.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26 miles (41.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.1 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.00 one way or $7.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Cary and Mostly Sunny near Lawrence.
Stop Ideas Near Woodstock
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 Woodstock.
Rockford, Illinois
South Beloit, Illinois
Glenview station
Sturtevant station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cary and Lawrence. Straight-line distance: 25.97 mi (41.8 km).
#1 Cary
Village in Illinois, United States
| Population | 17,929 |
| Coordinates | 42.2119700, -88.2381400 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lawrence
Township in Lawrence County, Illinois
| Population | 4,380 |
| Coordinates | 42.4411300, -88.6412100 |
| Altitude | 276 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lawrence (-88.64121, 42.44113)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 48 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.00 | $7.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.51 | $9.02 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.93 | $9.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.62 | $11.24 |
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 Illinois · 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.