How far is Oak Ridge, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Oak Ridge, NC to Cary, NC is about 88.5 miles (142.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 72.5 miles (116.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 48m 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 24m.
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.
City in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Oak Ridge and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oak Ridge and Cary.
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1
Start on the route
43 m · 13 sec
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2
Turn sharp left onto Oak Ridge Road
47 m · 7 sec · Oak Ridge Road
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 68
6.9 mi · 10 min · State Highway 68
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4
Take the exit right toward I 40 East, US 421 South: Greensboro
1400 ft · 34 sec
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5
Merge slight left
1.9 mi · 2 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7.8 mi · 10 min
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7
Merge slight right
1.8 mi · 2 min
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8
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Raleigh
28.8 mi · 33 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Cary
1091 ft · 23 sec
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11
Turn right onto North Harrison Avenue
3.1 mi · 6 min · North Harrison Avenue
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12
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 24 sec · Chapel Hill Road
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13
Turn left onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Oak Ridge 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 East
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Oak Ridge and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Oak Ridge to Cary?
The road trip is about 88.5 miles (142.4 km) and usually takes 01h 24m 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?
Haw River is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.8 miles from Oak Ridge and 44.7 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 72.5 miles (116.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 16 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 3:42 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.36 one way or $24.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Oak Ridge and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Haw River
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 Haw River.
Burlington
Durham
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Danville
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oak Ridge and Cary. Straight-line distance: 72.5 mi (116.68 km).
#1 Oak Ridge
Town in Guilford County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 7,126 |
| Coordinates | 36.1734700, -79.9889300 |
| Altitude | 286 |
| 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: 142 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $12.36 | $24.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $13.82 | $27.64 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $14.91 | $29.81 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $17.55 | $35.09 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.