How far is Kannapolis, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Kannapolis, NC to Cary, NC is about 139.1 miles (223.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.4 miles (169.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 14m 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 07m.
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.
The third most populous city in North Carolina and the center of the Greensboro metropolitan area.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kannapolis and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kannapolis and Cary.
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1
Start on Cadillac Street
707 ft · 36 sec · Cadillac Street
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2
Turn left onto Ford Street
134 m · 23 sec · Ford Street
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3
Turn right onto Dale Earnhardt Boulevard
1307 ft · 30 sec · Dale Earnhardt Boulevard
-
4
Turn left onto Fairview Street
1696 ft · 49 sec · Fairview Street
-
5
Turn left onto South Cannon Boulevard
6.9 mi · 11 min · South Cannon Boulevard
-
6
Keep slight right
1631 ft · 33 sec
-
7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
28 m · 2 sec
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8
Exit the roundabout
585 ft · 11 sec
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
23 m · 1 sec
-
10
Exit the roundabout
702 ft · 13 sec
-
11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
50 m · 3 sec
-
12
Exit the roundabout
1692 ft · 42 sec
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13
Merge slight left
14.8 mi · 17 min
-
14
Continue straight
3.8 mi · 4 min
-
15
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
32.8 mi · 35 min
-
16
Keep slight right to continue on US 29, US 70
5.9 mi · 7 min
-
17
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
-
18
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Raleigh
28.8 mi · 33 min
-
19
Take the exit slight right toward Cary
1091 ft · 23 sec
-
20
Turn right onto North Harrison Avenue
3.1 mi · 6 min · North Harrison Avenue
-
21
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 24 sec · Chapel Hill Road
-
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 Kannapolis 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.
US 29
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 00h 43m
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.
Mostly Clear leaving Kannapolis and Sunny near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kannapolis to Cary?
The road trip is about 139.1 miles (223.8 km) and usually takes 02h 07m 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?
Greensboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.4 miles from Kannapolis and 71.6 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.4 miles (169.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.7 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 2:16 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.45 one way or $38.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Clear around Kannapolis and Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Greensboro
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 Greensboro.
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
High Point
Burlington
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kannapolis and Cary. Straight-line distance: 105.47 mi (169.73 km).
#1 Kannapolis
The most populous city in Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
| Population | 52,007 |
| Coordinates | 35.4873600, -80.6217300 |
| Altitude | 244 |
| 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: 224 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $19.45 | $38.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $21.75 | $43.49 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $23.46 | $46.92 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $27.61 | $55.23 |
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.