How far is Cary, NC from Hays, NC?
The driving distance from Cary, NC to Hays, NC is about 153.4 miles (246.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134.2 miles (216 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 13m 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 06m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Guilford County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cary and Hays.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary and Hays.
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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 · 19 sec · Chapel Hill Road
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3
Turn right onto North Harrison Avenue
3.3 mi · 6 min · North Harrison Avenue
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4
Take the ramp left
1937 ft · 41 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Dan K. Moore Frwy.
59.8 mi · 1 hr 9 min · Dan K. Moore Frwy.
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6
Keep slight right
7.7 mi · 9 min
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7
Keep slight right
12.6 mi · 15 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
18 mi · 21 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 421: Salem Parkway, Yadkinville
1087 ft · 27 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on US 421 North: Yadkinville
3269 ft · 1 min
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11
Merge slight right
38.4 mi · 44 min
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12
Take the exit slight right
1777 ft · 46 sec
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13
Turn right onto Red White & Blue Road
3.3 mi · 4 min · Red White & Blue Road
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14
Continue on Roaring River Road
1894 ft · 29 sec · Roaring River Road
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15
Continue on State Road 2327
1995 ft · 36 sec · State Road 2327
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16
Turn left onto Elkin Highway
3 mi · 4 min · Elkin Highway
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17
Turn right onto Rock Creek Road
5.1 mi · 8 min · Rock Creek Road
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18
Turn right onto Traphill Road
9 m · 1 sec · Traphill Road
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Traphill Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cary and Hays.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Dan K. Moore Frwy.
Merge slight left onto Dan K. Moore Frwy.
59.8 mi · 01h 09m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cary and Chance Rain Showers near Hays.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cary to Hays?
The road trip is about 153.4 miles (246.9 km) and usually takes 03h 06m 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?
Jamestown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.6 miles from Cary and 76.8 miles from Hays.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134.2 miles (216 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.2 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 10:46 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.43 one way or $42.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Cary and Chance Rain Showers near Hays.
Stop Ideas Near Jamestown
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 Jamestown.
High Point
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cary and Hays. Straight-line distance: 134.25 mi (216.05 km).
#1 Cary
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 173,587 |
| Coordinates | 35.7915400, -78.7811200 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Hays
Township in Wilkes County, North Carolina
| Population | 1,851 |
| Coordinates | 36.2498500, -81.1156400 |
| Altitude | 414 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hays (-81.11564, 36.24985)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 247 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $21.43 | $42.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $23.96 | $47.92 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $25.85 | $51.70 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $30.43 | $60.85 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.