How far is Denton, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Denton, NC to Cary, NC is about 86.5 miles (139.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 75.7 miles (121.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 17m 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 01h 38m.
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.
Town in western Chatham County, North Carolina, United States
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 Denton and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Denton and Cary.
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1
Start on West Salisbury Street
731 ft · 22 sec · West Salisbury Street
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2
Turn left onto North Main Street
139 m · 15 sec · North Main Street
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3
Turn right onto East 1st Street
1512 ft · 39 sec · East 1st Street
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4
Continue on Farmer Road
2.8 mi · 4 min · Farmer Road
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5
Continue on Farmer Denton Road
6 mi · 8 min · Farmer Denton Road
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6
Turn left onto Old NC Highway 49
7.9 mi · 11 min · Old NC Highway 49
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7
Continue on Old NC 49
1021 ft · 19 sec · Old NC 49
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8
Turn straight
1 km · 1 min
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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
23.2 mi · 30 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward Apex Downtown
1346 ft · 45 sec
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15
Turn left onto North Salem Street
115 m · 13 sec · North Salem Street
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16
Continue on North Salem Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Salem Street
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17
Continue on Old Apex Road
3.2 mi · 6 min · Old Apex Road
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18
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward West Chatham Street
43 m · 3 sec · West Chatham Street
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19
Exit the roundabout onto West Chatham Street
2076 ft · 56 sec · West Chatham Street
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20
Turn left onto South Harrison Avenue
1654 ft · 45 sec · South Harrison Avenue
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21
Turn right onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 24 sec · Chapel Hill Road
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22
Turn left onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Denton and Cary.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Jordan Road
Continue on Jordan Road
24.3 mi · 00h 36m
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 Denton and Sunny near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Denton to Cary?
The road trip is about 86.5 miles (139.2 km) and usually takes 01h 38m 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?
Siler City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41 miles from Denton and 45.5 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 75.7 miles (121.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.8 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 3:12 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.08 one way or $24.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Denton and Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Siler City
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 Siler City.
Burlington
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
High Point
Durham
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Denton and Cary. Straight-line distance: 75.67 mi (121.78 km).
#1 Denton
Town in Davidson County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 1,700 |
| Coordinates | 35.6334700, -80.1158800 |
| Altitude | 213 |
| 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: 139 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $12.08 | $24.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $13.51 | $27.02 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $14.57 | $29.15 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $17.15 | $34.31 |
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 · May 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.