How far is Cary, NC from Spencer, NC?
The driving distance from Cary, NC to Spencer, NC is about 116.8 miles (187.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 93 miles (149.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 34m 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 02h 17m.
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.
Human settlement in Guilford County, North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cary and Spencer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary and Spencer.
-
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
-
4
Take the ramp left
1937 ft · 41 sec
-
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
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 Business South, US 29 South, US 70 West: Charlotte
5.4 mi · 6 min
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8
Keep slight left
37.5 mi · 40 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward Long Ferry Road
2613 ft · 1 min
-
10
Turn right onto Long Ferry Road
1 mi · 2 min · Long Ferry Road
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11
Turn left onto North Salisbury Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · North Salisbury Avenue
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12
Turn right onto 1st Street
1031 ft · 46 sec · 1st Street
-
13
Turn slight left onto South Iredell Avenue
148 m · 21 sec · South Iredell Avenue
-
14
Turn slight left onto Carolina Avenue
103 m · 15 sec · Carolina Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Carolina Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cary and Spencer.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
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 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 Spencer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cary to Spencer?
The road trip is about 116.8 miles (187.9 km) and usually takes 02h 17m 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?
Whitsett is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.3 miles from Cary and 58.4 miles from Spencer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 93 miles (149.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.8 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 1:56 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.32 one way or $32.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cary and Sunny near Spencer.
Stop Ideas Near Whitsett
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Burlington City Switchboard
Graham City Hall
Burlington Tax Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Whitsett.
Burlington
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
High Point
Danville
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cary and Spencer. Straight-line distance: 92.99 mi (149.65 km).
#1 Cary
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 173,587 |
| Coordinates | 35.7915400, -78.7811200 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Spencer
Town in North Carolina
| Population | 3,260 |
| Coordinates | 35.6923600, -80.4347800 |
| Altitude | 216 |
| Country | United States |
End: Spencer (-80.43478, 35.69236)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 188 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $16.32 | $32.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $18.25 | $36.49 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $19.69 | $39.37 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $23.17 | $46.34 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.