How far is Matthews, NC from Apex, NC?
Fastest route
Here are some tips and suggestions for your journey from Matthews, North Carolina to Apex, North Carolina, covering a distance of 136 miles (219 kilometers) via State Hwy 49 N and US-64 E. Follow these directions to reach your destination:
Directions
- Get on I-485 Outer: Head southeast on W John St toward Library Ln, then turn left onto the I-485 Outer N ramp to Concord.
- Follow I-485 Outer to NC-51 N/Blair Rd in Mint Hill: Take exit 43 from I-485 Outer. Take exit 43 for NC-51 toward Mint Hill. Turn right onto NC-51 N/Blair Rd.
- Take NC-24 E/NC-27 E to US-601 N in Midland: Turn right onto NC-24 E/NC-27 E, then left onto Jim Sossoman Rd.
- Get on US-64 E in Randolph County from State Hwy 49 N: Turn right onto Cold Springs Rd S, then right onto Cold Springs Rd. Afterward, turn right onto State Hwy 49 N. Keep left to continue toward NC-8 N and continue straight onto NC-8 N. Finally, merge onto US-64 E.
- Drive to N Salem St in Wake County: Take the exit toward Apex/Downtown from US-64 E. Turn right onto N Salem St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of travel time, considering the distance of 136 miles.
- ⛽ Make sure to check your vehicle's fuel level before starting the journey, especially for longer stretches without gas stations.
- 🚧 Be prepared for potential roadwork or traffic congestion on your route and consider alternative routes if needed.
- 🍴 Pack some snacks and water for the trip to stay energized and hydrated throughout the journey.
- 📱 Charge your phone and have a car charger handy to ensure you stay connected in case of emergencies.
- 🗺️ Carry a physical map or a GPS device as a backup to your navigation system, as signal loss can occur in some areas.
- 🚘 Prioritize regular rest stops during the drive to stay refreshed and alert, promoting safer driving.
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 31m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Richmond 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 Matthews and Apex.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Matthews and Apex.
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1
Start on North Freemont Street
4 m · 6 sec · North Freemont Street
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2
Turn left onto West John Street
149 m · 24 sec · West John Street
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3
Turn left onto North Trade Street
1077 ft · 25 sec · North Trade Street
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4
Turn right onto East Matthews Street
656 ft · 13 sec · East Matthews Street
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5
Continue on Matthews-Mint Hill Road
1.2 mi · 2 min · Matthews-Mint Hill Road
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6
Turn right onto East Independence Boulevard
2 mi · 3 min · East Independence Boulevard
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Monroe Expressway
18.7 mi · 22 min · Monroe Expressway
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8
Merge slight right onto Carroll M. Edwards Highway
1804 ft · 28 sec · Carroll M. Edwards Highway
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9
Continue on West Marshville Boulevard
2.9 mi · 5 min · West Marshville Boulevard
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10
Continue on Carroll M. Edwards Highway
2.5 mi · 3 min · Carroll M. Edwards Highway
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11
Continue on W. Cliff Martin Highway
6.1 mi · 8 min · W. Cliff Martin Highway
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12
Keep slight right to continue on W. Cliff Martin Highway
6.7 mi · 9 min · W. Cliff Martin Highway
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13
Continue on Salisbury Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Salisbury Street
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14
Continue on West Caswell Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · West Caswell Street
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15
Continue on Andrew Jackson Highway
10.2 mi · 13 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
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16
Keep slight right to continue on I 73 North, I 74 West, US 74 Business East: Rockingham, Asheboro
5.3 mi · 8 min
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17
Turn left onto West Green Street
1.5 km · 1 min · West Green Street
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18
At the end of the road, turn left onto Fayetteville Road
43.4 mi · 53 min · Fayetteville Road
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19
Take the exit slight right
3251 ft · 43 sec
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20
Merge slight left
38.8 mi · 44 min
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21
Take the exit slight right toward NC 55: Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina
924 ft · 25 sec
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22
Turn left onto East Williams Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · East Williams Street
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23
Turn right onto South Hughes Street
2216 ft · 1 min · South Hughes Street
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24
Turn left onto Center Street
707 ft · 29 sec · Center Street
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25
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Salem Street
16 m · 2 sec · North Salem Street
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26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Salem Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Matthews 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.
Fayetteville Road
At the end of the road, turn left onto Fayetteville Road
43.4 mi · 00h 53m
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 Matthews and Sunny near Apex.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Matthews to Apex?
The road trip is about 136.7 miles (220 km) and usually takes 02h 31m 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?
Hoffman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 72.5 miles from Matthews and 64.2 miles from Apex.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 113.7 miles (183 km), while the road route adds roughly 23 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 1:28 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.09 one way or $38.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Matthews and Sunny near Apex.
Stop Ideas Near Hoffman
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 Hoffman.
Southern Pines
Hamlet
Fayetteville
Dillon
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Matthews and Apex. Straight-line distance: 113.74 mi (183.04 km).
#1 Matthews
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 33,718 |
| Coordinates | 35.1168100, -80.7236800 |
| Altitude | 222 |
| 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: 220 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $19.09 | $38.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $21.35 | $42.70 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $23.03 | $46.06 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $27.11 | $54.22 |
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 · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.