How far is Morganton, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Morganton, NC to Cary, NC is about 187.2 miles (301.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 162.8 miles (262 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 45m 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 52m.
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 fifth most populous city in 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 Morganton and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Morganton and Cary.
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1
Start on the route
31 m · 9 sec
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2
Turn right onto East Concord Street
619 ft · 25 sec · East Concord Street
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3
Turn left onto South Sterling Street
938 ft · 43 sec · South Sterling Street
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4
Keep slight right to continue on South Sterling Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · South Sterling Street
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5
Turn left onto I 40: Hickory
1017 ft · 27 sec
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6
Merge slight left
106 mi · 2 hr 1 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7.8 mi · 10 min
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8
Merge slight right
1.8 mi · 2 min
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9
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Raleigh
28.8 mi · 33 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Cary
1091 ft · 23 sec
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12
Turn right onto North Harrison Avenue
3.1 mi · 6 min · North Harrison Avenue
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13
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 24 sec · Chapel Hill Road
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14
Turn left onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Morganton 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.
I 40
Merge slight left
106 mi · 02h 01m
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 Morganton and Sunny near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Morganton to Cary?
The road trip is about 187.2 miles (301.2 km) and usually takes 02h 52m 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?
Winston-Salem is a useful midpoint, sitting about 93.5 miles from Morganton and 93.7 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 162.8 miles (262 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.4 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 12:44 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.14 one way or $52.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Morganton and Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Winston-Salem
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 Winston-Salem.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
High Point
Lexington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Morganton and Cary. Straight-line distance: 162.81 mi (262.02 km).
#1 Morganton
City in Burke County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 16,625 |
| Coordinates | 35.7454100, -81.6848200 |
| Altitude | 352 |
| 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: 301 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $26.14 | $52.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $29.23 | $58.46 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $31.53 | $63.07 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $37.12 | $74.24 |
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.