How far is Lenoir, NC from Apex, NC?
The driving distance from Lenoir, NC to Apex, NC is about 178.2 miles (286.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 151.1 miles (243.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 04m 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 02m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Human settlement in Davidson County, North Carolina, United States of America
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 Lenoir and Apex.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lenoir and Apex.
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1
Start on Harper Avenue Northwest
1.4 km · 2 min · Harper Avenue Northwest
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2
Continue on Wilkesboro Boulevard Southeast
1.4 mi · 2 min · Wilkesboro Boulevard Southeast
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3
Continue on Wilkesboro Boulevard Northeast
22.8 mi · 32 min · Wilkesboro Boulevard Northeast
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4
Turn left
2.9 mi · 4 min
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5
Take the ramp slight right
1670 ft · 41 sec
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6
Merge slight left
47.8 mi · 55 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 40 East: Greensboro
1.6 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
23.1 mi · 27 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 73 South, US 421 South: Asheboro, Durham
12.2 mi · 13 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 421: Sanford
1133 ft · 28 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on US 421 South: Sanford
26.3 mi · 32 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 64: Siler City, Pittsboro
1413 ft · 42 sec
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13
Turn left
10.9 mi · 15 min
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14
Keep slight left
21.8 mi · 28 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward NC 55: Apex, Durham
1646 ft · 49 sec
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16
Turn right onto West Williams Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · West Williams Street
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17
Turn left onto Hunter Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Hunter Street
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18
Turn right onto North Salem Street
1179 ft · 40 sec · North Salem Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Salem Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lenoir and Apex.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Wilkesboro Boulevard Northeast
Merge slight left
47.8 mi · 00h 55m
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.
Sunny leaving Lenoir and Sunny near Apex.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lenoir to Apex?
The road trip is about 178.2 miles (286.8 km) and usually takes 03h 02m 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?
Wallburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.1 miles from Lenoir and 91.2 miles from Apex.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 151.1 miles (243.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.1 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 10:56 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.91 one way or $49.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Lenoir and Sunny near Apex.
Stop Ideas Near Wallburg
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 Wallburg.
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
High Point
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Lexington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lenoir and Apex. Straight-line distance: 151.14 mi (243.24 km).
#1 Lenoir
City in Caldwell County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 17,911 |
| Coordinates | 35.9140200, -81.5389800 |
| Altitude | 357 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Apex
The most populous city in Wake County, North Carolina.
| Population | 64,388 |
| Coordinates | 35.7326500, -78.8502900 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Salem Street (-78.850246, 35.73263)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 287 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $24.91 | $49.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $27.86 | $55.72 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $30.05 | $60.11 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $35.37 | $70.75 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.