How far is Lexington, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Lexington, NC to Cary, NC is about 104.6 miles (168.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82.5 miles (132.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 13m 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.
The most populous city in Alamance County, North Carolina.
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 Lexington and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lexington and Cary.
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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 right to continue on US 29, US 70
5.9 mi · 7 min
-
4
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Raleigh
28.8 mi · 33 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Cary
1091 ft · 23 sec
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7
Turn right onto North Harrison Avenue
3.1 mi · 6 min · North Harrison Avenue
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8
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 24 sec · Chapel Hill Road
-
9
Turn left onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lexington 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.
Sunny leaving Lexington and Sunny near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lexington to Cary?
The road trip is about 104.6 miles (168.4 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?
Burlington is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.1 miles from Lexington and 54.5 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 82.5 miles (132.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.1 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 3:16 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.62 one way or $29.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Lexington and Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Burlington
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Burlington City Switchboard
Graham City Hall
Burlington Tax Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Burlington.
Burlington
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Durham
High Point
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lexington and Cary. Straight-line distance: 82.52 mi (132.81 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 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: 168 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $14.62 | $29.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $16.34 | $32.69 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $17.63 | $35.26 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $20.75 | $41.51 |
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.