How far is China Grove, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from China Grove, NC to Cary, NC is about 129.5 miles (208.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 102.2 miles (164.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 08m 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 04m.
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.
Township in Guilford County, North Carolina
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 China Grove and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between China Grove and Cary.
-
1
Start on Patterson Street
25 m · 5 sec · Patterson Street
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2
Turn left onto South Main Street
641 ft · 27 sec · South Main Street
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3
Turn right onto East Centerview Street
1945 ft · 54 sec · East Centerview Street
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4
At the end of the road, turn left
1.1 km · 1 min
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5
Keep slight right
1631 ft · 33 sec
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
28 m · 2 sec
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7
Exit the roundabout
585 ft · 11 sec
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
23 m · 1 sec
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9
Exit the roundabout
702 ft · 13 sec
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
50 m · 3 sec
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11
Exit the roundabout
1692 ft · 42 sec
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12
Merge slight left
14.8 mi · 17 min
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13
Continue straight
3.8 mi · 4 min
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14
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
32.8 mi · 35 min
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15
Keep slight right to continue on US 29, US 70
5.9 mi · 7 min
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16
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
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17
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Raleigh
28.8 mi · 33 min
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18
Take the exit slight right toward Cary
1091 ft · 23 sec
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19
Turn right onto North Harrison Avenue
3.1 mi · 6 min · North Harrison Avenue
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20
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 24 sec · Chapel Hill Road
-
21
Turn left onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between China Grove and Cary.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 29
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 00h 43m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving China Grove and Mostly Sunny near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from China Grove to Cary?
The road trip is about 129.5 miles (208.4 km) and usually takes 02h 04m 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?
McLeansville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 64.2 miles from China Grove and 65.3 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 102.2 miles (164.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:22 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.10 one way or $36.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around China Grove and Mostly Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near McLeansville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Burlington City Switchboard
Harper Hall
Burlington Tax Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to McLeansville.
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Burlington
High Point
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between China Grove and Cary. Straight-line distance: 102.22 mi (164.5 km).
#1 China Grove
Town in Rowan County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 4,249 |
| Coordinates | 35.5693100, -80.5817300 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cary
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 173,587 |
| Coordinates | 35.7915400, -78.7811200 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Academy Street (-78.781127, 35.79154)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 208 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $18.10 | $36.20 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $20.24 | $40.48 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $21.84 | $43.67 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $25.70 | $51.40 |
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.