How far is Cary, NC from Lillington, NC?
The estimated driving distance from Cary, NC to Lillington, NC is about 36.7 miles (59 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 27.2 miles (43.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 52m 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 56m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary and Lillington.
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 Cary and Sunny near Lillington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cary to Lillington?
The road trip is about 36.7 miles (59 km) and usually takes 00h 56m 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?
Fuquay-Varina is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.6 miles from Cary and 23.1 miles from Lillington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 27.2 miles (43.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.5 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 4:38 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.11 one way or $10.22 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cary and Sunny near Lillington.
Stop Ideas Near Fuquay-Varina
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Burger and Beer
Garner Town Hall
Town of Cary
Town Hall Commons
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Fuquay-Varina.
Cary
Raleigh Union Station
North Carolina State Fair station
Durham
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cary and Lillington. Straight-line distance: 27.17 mi (43.72 km).
#1 Cary
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 173,587 |
| Coordinates | 35.7915400, -78.7811200 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lillington
Town in North Carolina
| Population | 3,634 |
| Coordinates | 35.3993300, -78.8158500 |
| Altitude | 59 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lillington (-78.81585, 35.39933)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 59 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $5.11 | $10.22 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $5.71 | $11.43 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $6.16 | $12.33 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $7.25 | $14.51 |
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 11, 2026