How far is Cary, NC from Harrisburg, NC?
The driving distance from Cary, NC to Harrisburg, NC is about 118.9 miles (191.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 110.3 miles (177.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 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 02h 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 North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cary and Harrisburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary and Harrisburg.
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1
Start on North Academy Street
7 m · 6 sec · North Academy Street
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2
Turn right onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 23 sec · Chapel Hill Road
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3
Turn left onto North Harrison Avenue
1654 ft · 43 sec · North Harrison Avenue
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4
Turn right onto West Chatham Street
2076 ft · 50 sec · West Chatham Street
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Old Apex Road
20 m · 1 sec · Old Apex Road
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6
Exit the roundabout onto Old Apex Road
3.3 mi · 6 min · Old Apex Road
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7
Continue on North Salem Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Salem Street
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8
Take the ramp straight toward Pittsboro
1393 ft · 38 sec
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9
Merge slight left
52.8 mi · 1 hr 14 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on Richard K. Pugh Highway
1.8 mi · 2 min · Richard K. Pugh Highway
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11
Continue on East Dixie Drive
3.5 mi · 6 min · East Dixie Drive
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12
Turn slight right
95 m · 11 sec
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13
Turn slight right onto Brookway Road
96 m · 13 sec · Brookway Road
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14
Turn sharp left onto Albemarle Road
1385 ft · 23 sec · Albemarle Road
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15
Continue straight
9.9 mi · 14 min
-
16
Continue straight
44.6 mi · 1 hr
-
17
Turn right onto Patricia Avenue
794 ft · 40 sec · Patricia Avenue
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18
Turn left onto Plaza Drive
564 ft · 25 sec · Plaza Drive
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Plaza Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cary and Harrisburg.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Pittsboro
Merge slight left
52.8 mi · 01h 14m
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 Harrisburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cary to Harrisburg?
The road trip is about 118.9 miles (191.3 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Asheboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.3 miles from Cary and 59.5 miles from Harrisburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 110.3 miles (177.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.6 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 12:52 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.60 one way or $33.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Cary and Mostly Sunny near Harrisburg.
Stop Ideas Near Asheboro
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 Asheboro.
High Point
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Lexington
Burlington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cary and Harrisburg. Straight-line distance: 110.32 mi (177.55 km).
#1 Cary
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 173,587 |
| Coordinates | 35.7915400, -78.7811200 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Harrisburg
Town in North Carolina
| Population | 16,852 |
| Coordinates | 35.3239500, -80.6578400 |
| Altitude | 196 |
| Country | United States |
End: Harrisburg (-80.65784, 35.32395)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 191 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $16.60 | $33.19 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $18.56 | $37.12 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $20.02 | $40.04 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $23.56 | $47.13 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.