How far is Dunn, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Dunn, NC to Cary, NC is about 48.5 miles (78 km), with a travel time of about 00h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 34.9 miles (56.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 36m 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 00h 48m.
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.
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 Dunn and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dunn and Cary.
-
1
Start on East Cumberland Street
1.4 km · 2 min · East Cumberland Street
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2
Turn left
2058 ft · 52 sec
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3
Merge slight left
7.1 mi · 8 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington
1480 ft · 36 sec
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Raleigh
1.3 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight left
14.2 mi · 15 min
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7
Keep slight left
22.3 mi · 25 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward NC 54: Cary
1262 ft · 29 sec
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9
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
2.2 mi · 4 min · Chapel Hill Road
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10
Turn right onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dunn 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.
I 40 West
Keep slight left
22.3 mi · 00h 25m
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 Dunn and Sunny near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dunn to Cary?
The road trip is about 48.5 miles (78 km) and usually takes 00h 48m 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?
Clayton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.2 miles from Dunn and 24.3 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 34.9 miles (56.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.6 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 4:54 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.77 one way or $13.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Dunn and Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Clayton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Burger and Beer
Garner Town Hall
Clayton Utilities
Angier Police Department And Town Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Clayton.
Selma–Smithfield
Raleigh Union Station
North Carolina State Fair station
Cary
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dunn and Cary. Straight-line distance: 34.9 mi (56.16 km).
#1 Dunn
City in North Carolina
| Population | 9,684 |
| Coordinates | 35.3062700, -78.6089000 |
| Altitude | 63 |
| 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: 78 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $6.77 | $13.55 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $7.57 | $15.15 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $8.17 | $16.34 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $9.62 | $19.23 |
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.