How far is Hertford, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Hertford, NC to Cary, NC is about 159.9 miles (257.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132.3 miles (212.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 01m 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 30m.
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 North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Hertford and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hertford and Cary.
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1
Start on West Grubb Street
55 m · 11 sec · West Grubb Street
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2
Turn right onto North Church Street
1.5 km · 2 min · North Church Street
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3
Turn right onto Ocean Highway South
32.6 mi · 40 min · Ocean Highway South
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4
Continue straight
15.7 mi · 21 min
-
5
Continue straight
56.5 mi · 1 hr 1 min
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6
Continue straight
38.9 mi · 42 min
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7
Merge slight left
2.7 mi · 3 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
3.2 mi · 4 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
-
9
Continue on Dan K Moore Freeway
2.7 mi · 3 min · Dan K Moore Freeway
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10
Continue on Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
1.1 mi · 1 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
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11
Continue on Dan K Moore Freeway
3.1 mi · 4 min · Dan K Moore Freeway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward NC 54: Cary
1262 ft · 29 sec
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13
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
2.2 mi · 4 min · Chapel Hill Road
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14
Turn right onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Hertford 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.
Ocean Highway South
Continue straight
56.5 mi · 01h 01m
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 Hertford 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 Hertford to Cary?
The road trip is about 159.9 miles (257.3 km) and usually takes 02h 30m 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?
Tarboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.8 miles from Hertford and 80 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132.3 miles (212.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.6 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 1:28 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.34 one way or $44.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Hertford and Mostly Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Tarboro
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Historic Town Hall
Rocky Mount Public Utilities
Hammond & City Hall - Westbound
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tarboro.
Rocky Mount
Greenville, NC
Wilson
Goldsboro, NC
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Hertford and Cary. Straight-line distance: 132.31 mi (212.94 km).
#1 Hertford
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 2,143 |
| Coordinates | 36.1901600, -76.4660500 |
| Altitude | 3 |
| 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: 257 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $22.34 | $44.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $24.98 | $49.96 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $26.95 | $53.90 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $31.72 | $63.44 |
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 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.