How far is Lexington, NC from Apex, NC?
The driving distance from Lexington, NC to Apex, NC is about 91 miles (146.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.9 miles (127 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 12m 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 01h 36m.
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
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 Lexington and Apex.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lexington and Apex.
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1
Start on South Main Street
1.4 mi · 4 min · South Main Street
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2
Merge slight right
24.2 mi · 27 min
-
3
Keep slight left
5.7 mi · 6 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward US 421: Sanford
1133 ft · 28 sec
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5
Keep slight right to continue on US 421 South: Sanford
26.3 mi · 32 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 64: Siler City, Pittsboro
1413 ft · 42 sec
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7
Turn left
10.9 mi · 15 min
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8
Keep slight left
21.8 mi · 28 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward NC 55: Apex, Durham
1646 ft · 49 sec
-
10
Turn right onto West Williams Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · West Williams Street
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11
Turn left onto Hunter Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Hunter Street
-
12
Turn right onto North Salem Street
1179 ft · 40 sec · North Salem Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Salem Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lexington and Apex.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
US 421 South
Keep slight right to continue on US 421 South: Sanford
26.3 mi · 00h 32m
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 Lexington and Mostly Clear near Apex.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lexington to Apex?
The road trip is about 91 miles (146.4 km) and usually takes 01h 36m 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?
Staley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 46.5 miles from Lexington and 44.4 miles from Apex.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.9 miles (127 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:18 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.71 one way or $25.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Lexington and Mostly Clear near Apex.
Stop Ideas Near Staley
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 Staley.
Burlington
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
High Point
Durham
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lexington and Apex. Straight-line distance: 78.9 mi (126.98 km).
#1 Lexington
City in and county seat of Davidson County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 19,141 |
| Coordinates | 35.8240300, -80.2533800 |
| Altitude | 258 |
| 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: 146 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $12.71 | $25.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $14.22 | $28.43 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $15.34 | $30.67 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $18.05 | $36.11 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.