How far is Cary, NC from Richlands, NC?
The driving distance from Cary, NC to Richlands, NC is about 253.1 miles (407.3 km), with a travel time of about 05h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 198.7 miles (319.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 43m 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 05h 21m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Davie County, 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 Richlands.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary and Richlands.
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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
119.8 mi · 2 hr 16 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward NC 226: Marion, Shelby
1541 ft · 44 sec
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10
Turn right
15 mi · 22 min
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11
Continue straight
1.2 mi · 2 min
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12
Turn left onto Peppers Creek Road
4.4 mi · 9 min · Peppers Creek Road
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13
At the end of the road, turn right onto Peppers Creek Road
705 ft · 23 sec · Peppers Creek Road
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14
Turn right onto Altapass Highway
4.5 mi · 8 min · Altapass Highway
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15
Turn left
1.3 mi · 2 min
-
16
Turn right onto South NC Highway 226
6.5 mi · 9 min · South NC Highway 226
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17
Turn left onto Mine Creek Road
3.7 mi · 7 min · Mine Creek Road
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18
At the end of the road, turn left
3.1 mi · 5 min
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19
Turn slight left
1.9 mi · 3 min
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20
Turn slight left
4.1 mi · 7 min
-
21
Turn right onto Pigeon Roost Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Pigeon Roost Road
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22
Turn left onto Byrd Creek Road
1.9 mi · 7 min · Byrd Creek Road
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Byrd Creek Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cary and Richlands.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 40 West
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
120 mi · 02h 16m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Cary and Mostly Sunny near Richlands.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cary to Richlands?
The road trip is about 253.1 miles (407.3 km) and usually takes 05h 21m 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?
Mocksville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 126.4 miles from Cary and 126.7 miles from Richlands.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 198.7 miles (319.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 54.4 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 6:16 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $35.37 one way or $70.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 79.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Cary and Mostly Sunny near Richlands.
Stop Ideas Near Mocksville
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 Mocksville.
Salisbury
Lexington
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cary and Richlands. Straight-line distance: 198.68 mi (319.75 km).
#1 Cary
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 173,587 |
| Coordinates | 35.7915400, -78.7811200 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Richlands
Town in North Carolina, USA
| Population | 1,718 |
| Coordinates | 36.0865000, -82.3143000 |
| Altitude | 1056 |
| Country | United States |
End: Richlands (-82.3143, 36.0865)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 407 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $35.37 | $70.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $39.55 | $79.10 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $42.67 | $85.34 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $50.22 | $100.44 |
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.