How far is Cary, NC from West Raleigh, NC?
The driving distance from Cary, NC to West Raleigh, NC is about 8.9 miles (14.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 6.6 miles (10.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 30m 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 15m.
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.
The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is a major center for business, government, and education.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cary and West Raleigh.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary and West Raleigh.
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1
Start on North Academy Street
7 m · 7 sec · North Academy Street
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2
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
3.8 mi · 7 min · Chapel Hill Road
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3
Turn slight left onto Hillsborough Street
2.3 mi · 5 min · Hillsborough Street
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Hillsborough Street
22 m · 2 sec · Hillsborough Street
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5
Exit the roundabout onto Hillsborough Street
933 ft · 24 sec · Hillsborough Street
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Hillsborough Street
23 m · 1 sec · Hillsborough Street
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7
Exit the roundabout onto Hillsborough Street
803 ft · 21 sec · Hillsborough Street
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Hillsborough Street
23 m · 1 sec · Hillsborough Street
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9
Exit the roundabout onto Hillsborough Street
2775 ft · 1 min · Hillsborough Street
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10
Turn left onto Enterprise Street
22 m · 2 sec · Enterprise Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Enterprise Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cary and West Raleigh.
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.
Chapel Hill Road
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
3.8 mi · 00h 07m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cary and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Raleigh.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cary to West Raleigh?
The road trip is about 8.9 miles (14.4 km) and usually takes 00h 15m 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?
Raleigh is a useful midpoint, sitting about 3.5 miles from Cary and 5.5 miles from West Raleigh.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 6.6 miles (10.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.3 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 8:00 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.27 one way or $2.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 2.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Cary and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Raleigh.
Stop Ideas Near Raleigh
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Burger and Beer
Garner Town Hall
Kumon Math and Reading Center of Morrisville - Town Hall
Town of Cary
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Raleigh.
Raleigh Union Station
North Carolina State Fair station
Cary
Durham
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cary and West Raleigh. Straight-line distance: 6.58 mi (10.59 km).
#1 Cary
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 173,587 |
| Coordinates | 35.7915400, -78.7811200 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
#2 West Raleigh
A census-designated place located in Wake County, North Carolina.
| Population | 338,759 |
| Coordinates | 35.7868200, -78.6638900 |
| Altitude | 122 |
| Country | United States |
End: Enterprise Street (-78.664028, 35.786823)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 14 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $1.27 | $2.54 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $1.42 | $2.83 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $1.53 | $3.06 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $1.80 | $3.60 |
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 · Jun 27, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.