How far is Cary, NC from Hillsborough, NC?
The driving distance from Cary, NC to Hillsborough, NC is about 32.5 miles (52.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.5 miles (42.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 26m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 43m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cary and Hillsborough.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary and Hillsborough.
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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.
25.7 mi · 30 min · Dan K. Moore Frwy.
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Hillsborough
1956 ft · 30 sec
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7
Turn straight onto Old NC 86
1.1 mi · 2 min · Old NC 86
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8
Continue on South Churton Street
1.6 mi · 4 min · South Churton Street
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9
Turn left onto West King Street
29 m · 4 sec · West King Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West King Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cary and Hillsborough.
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.
Dan K. Moore Frwy.
Merge slight left onto Dan K. Moore Frwy.
25.7 mi · 00h 30m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Cary and Sunny near Hillsborough.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cary to Hillsborough?
The road trip is about 32.5 miles (52.3 km) and usually takes 00h 43m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Carrboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.3 miles from Cary and 16.3 miles from Hillsborough.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.5 miles (42.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:04 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.56 one way or $9.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cary and Sunny near Hillsborough.
Stop Ideas Near Carrboro
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Burger & Beer Durham
Kumon Math and Reading Center of Morrisville - Town Hall
Town of Cary
The Town Hall Grill
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Carrboro.
Durham
Cary
North Carolina State Fair station
Burlington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cary and Hillsborough. Straight-line distance: 26.5 mi (42.65 km).
#1 Cary
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 173,587 |
| Coordinates | 35.7915400, -78.7811200 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Hillsborough
Town in and county seat of Orange County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 7,226 |
| Coordinates | 36.0754200, -79.0997300 |
| Altitude | 166 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hillsborough (-79.09973, 36.07542)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 52 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $4.56 | $9.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $5.09 | $10.19 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $5.49 | $10.99 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $6.47 | $12.94 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.