How far is Cary, NC from North Wilkesboro, NC?
The driving distance from Cary, NC to North Wilkesboro, NC is about 151.4 miles (243.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134.7 miles (216.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 05m 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 02m.
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.
The third most populous city in North Carolina and the center of the Greensboro metropolitan area.
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 North Wilkesboro.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary and North Wilkesboro.
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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
44.7 mi · 52 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 421 Business, NC 115: North Wilkesboro, Statesville
1157 ft · 28 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on US 421 Business, NC 115: North Wilkesboro, Statesville
60 m · 6 sec
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14
Turn slight right onto Statesville Road
2.9 mi · 5 min · Statesville Road
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15
Turn left onto 2nd Street
1195 ft · 20 sec · 2nd Street
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16
Continue on B Street
1417 ft · 28 sec · B Street
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17
Continue on Main Street
2057 ft · 46 sec · Main Street
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18
Turn left
75 m · 18 sec
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19
Turn slight right
4 m · 1 sec
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cary and North Wilkesboro.
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 North Wilkesboro.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cary to North Wilkesboro?
The road trip is about 151.4 miles (243.7 km) and usually takes 03h 02m 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?
Greensboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.6 miles from Cary and 75.8 miles from North Wilkesboro.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134.7 miles (216.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.7 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 10:54 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.15 one way or $42.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Cary and Chance Rain Showers near North Wilkesboro.
Stop Ideas Near Greensboro
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 Greensboro.
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
High Point
Burlington
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cary and North Wilkesboro. Straight-line distance: 134.73 mi (216.82 km).
#1 Cary
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 173,587 |
| Coordinates | 35.7915400, -78.7811200 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
#2 North Wilkesboro
City in Wilkes County, North Carolina, United States of America
| Population | 4,082 |
| Coordinates | 36.1584700, -81.1475800 |
| Altitude | 305 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Wilkesboro (-81.14758, 36.15847)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 244 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $21.15 | $42.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $23.65 | $47.30 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $25.51 | $51.03 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $30.03 | $60.06 |
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.