How far is James City, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from James City, NC to Cary, NC is about 123.3 miles (198.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 109.6 miles (176.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 50m 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 25m.
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.
City in Wayne County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between James City and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between James City and Cary.
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1
Start on the route
35.5 mi · 40 min
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2
Keep slight right to continue on West New Bern Road
2.1 mi · 3 min · West New Bern Road
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3
Continue on West Vernon Avenue
1.6 mi · 2 min · West Vernon Avenue
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4
Continue straight
9.6 mi · 11 min
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5
Continue on Goldsboro Bypass
20.2 mi · 22 min · Goldsboro Bypass
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6
Continue straight
1.2 mi · 2 min
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7
Continue straight
10.4 mi · 14 min
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8
Continue straight
2 mi · 3 min
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9
Keep slight left
10.1 mi · 13 min
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10
Continue on Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
10 mi · 11 min · Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
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11
Merge slight left
18.3 mi · 21 min
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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 James City 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.
Longest stretch
Start on the route
35.5 mi · 00h 40m
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 James City and Sunny near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from James City to Cary?
The road trip is about 123.3 miles (198.5 km) and usually takes 02h 25m 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?
Goldsboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.6 miles from James City and 61.8 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 109.6 miles (176.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.7 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 1:40 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.23 one way or $34.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around James City and Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Goldsboro
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 Goldsboro.
Goldsboro, NC
Selma–Smithfield
Wilson
Kinston, NC
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between James City and Cary. Straight-line distance: 109.63 mi (176.44 km).
#1 James City
Census designated place
| Population | 5,899 |
| Coordinates | 35.0887700, -77.0349500 |
| Altitude | 4 |
| 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: 199 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $17.23 | $34.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $19.27 | $38.53 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $20.78 | $41.57 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $24.46 | $48.93 |
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.