How far is Charlotte, NC from Apex, NC?
The driving distance from Charlotte, NC to Apex, NC is about 153.2 miles (246.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 117.4 miles (189 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 48m 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 24m.
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, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Charlotte and Apex.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charlotte and Apex.
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1
Start on South Tryon Street
3.5 mi · 7 min · South Tryon Street
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2
Turn left onto West Sugar Creek Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · West Sugar Creek Road
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3
Take the ramp right toward I 85 North: Concord
941 ft · 23 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Julius Chambers Highway
1.3 mi · 2 min · Julius Chambers Highway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward University City Boulevard, Ikea Boulevard
1482 ft · 36 sec
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Ikea Boulevard
39 m · 3 sec
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7
Turn right onto University City Boulevard
5.7 mi · 9 min · University City Boulevard
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8
Continue on NC Highway 49
55.6 mi · 1 hr 17 min · NC Highway 49
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9
Continue straight
1230 ft · 39 sec
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10
Continue on West Dixie Drive
3.5 mi · 6 min · West Dixie Drive
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11
Continue on Richard K. Pugh Highway
7.1 mi · 10 min · Richard K. Pugh Highway
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12
Continue on Jordan Road
24.3 mi · 36 min · Jordan Road
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13
Keep slight left
21.8 mi · 28 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward NC 55: Apex, Durham
1646 ft · 49 sec
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15
Turn right onto West Williams Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · West Williams Street
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16
Turn left onto Hunter Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Hunter Street
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17
Turn right onto North Salem Street
1179 ft · 40 sec · North Salem Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Salem Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Charlotte and Apex.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
NC Highway 49
Continue on NC Highway 49
55.6 mi · 01h 17m
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 Charlotte and Sunny near Apex.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Charlotte to Apex?
The road trip is about 153.2 miles (246.5 km) and usually takes 02h 24m 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?
Asheboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.6 miles from Charlotte and 89.7 miles from Apex.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 117.4 miles (189 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.8 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 1:42 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.39 one way or $42.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Charlotte and Sunny near Apex.
Stop Ideas Near Asheboro
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 Asheboro.
High Point
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Lexington
Burlington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Charlotte and Apex. Straight-line distance: 117.44 mi (189 km).
#1 Charlotte
The fourteenth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Charlotte metropolitan area.
| Population | 900,350 |
| Coordinates | 35.2270900, -80.8431300 |
| Altitude | 229 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Apex
The most populous city in Wake County, North Carolina.
| Population | 64,388 |
| Coordinates | 35.7326500, -78.8502900 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Salem Street (-78.850246, 35.73263)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 247 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $21.39 | $42.78 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $23.92 | $47.83 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $25.80 | $51.60 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $30.37 | $60.74 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.