How far is Hays, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Hays, NC to Cary, NC is about 153.3 miles (246.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134.2 miles (216 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 13m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 06m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Guilford County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Hays and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hays and Cary.
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1
Start on Traphill Road
9 m · 1 sec · Traphill Road
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2
Continue on Rock Creek Road
5.1 mi · 8 min · Rock Creek Road
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Elkin Highway
3 mi · 4 min · Elkin Highway
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4
Turn right onto State Road 2327
1995 ft · 31 sec · State Road 2327
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5
Continue on Roaring River Road
1894 ft · 29 sec · Roaring River Road
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6
Continue on Red White & Blue Road
3.4 mi · 5 min · Red White & Blue Road
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7
Take the ramp left
1914 ft · 47 sec
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8
Merge slight left
38.1 mi · 44 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 40 East: Greensboro
1.6 km · 2 min
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10
Merge slight left
23.1 mi · 27 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7.8 mi · 10 min
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12
Merge slight right
1.8 mi · 2 min
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13
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
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14
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Raleigh
28.8 mi · 33 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward Cary
1091 ft · 23 sec
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16
Turn right onto North Harrison Avenue
3.1 mi · 6 min · North Harrison Avenue
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17
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 26 sec · Chapel Hill Road
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18
Turn left onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Hays 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.
Red White & Blue Road
Merge slight left
38.1 mi · 00h 44m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Hays and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Hays to Cary?
The road trip is about 153.3 miles (246.7 km) and usually takes 03h 06m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Jamestown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.6 miles from Hays and 76.7 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134.2 miles (216 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:46 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.43 one way or $42.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Hays and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Jamestown
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 Jamestown.
High Point
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Hays and Cary. Straight-line distance: 134.25 mi (216.05 km).
#1 Hays
Township in Wilkes County, North Carolina
| Population | 1,851 |
| Coordinates | 36.2498500, -81.1156400 |
| Altitude | 414 |
| 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: Cary (-78.78112, 35.79154)
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 | $21.43 | $42.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $23.96 | $47.92 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $25.85 | $51.70 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $30.43 | $60.85 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.