How far is Saint Stephens, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Saint Stephens, NC to Cary, NC is about 164.7 miles (265 km), with a travel time of about 03h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.7 miles (224.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 35m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 17m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Stephens and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Stephens and Cary.
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1
Start on Kool Park Mhp
76 m · 13 sec · Kool Park Mhp
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2
Turn right onto Kool Park Road Northeast
1290 ft · 29 sec · Kool Park Road Northeast
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3
Turn right onto Springs Road Northeast
1190 ft · 31 sec · Springs Road Northeast
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4
Turn left onto Section House Road Northeast
3.3 mi · 8 min · Section House Road Northeast
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5
At the end of the road, turn left onto West 1st Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West 1st Street
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6
Take the ramp left
1370 ft · 33 sec
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7
Merge slight left
80.9 mi · 1 hr 32 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7.8 mi · 10 min
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9
Merge slight right
1.8 mi · 2 min
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10
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Raleigh
28.8 mi · 33 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Cary
1091 ft · 23 sec
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13
Turn right onto North Harrison Avenue
3.1 mi · 6 min · North Harrison Avenue
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14
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 24 sec · Chapel Hill Road
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15
Turn left onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Stephens and Cary.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West 1st Street
Merge slight left
80.9 mi · 01h 32m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Saint Stephens and Mostly Sunny near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Stephens to Cary?
The road trip is about 164.7 miles (265 km) and usually takes 03h 17m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Kernersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.2 miles from Saint Stephens and 82.5 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.7 miles (224.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 25 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:24 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.01 one way or $46.03 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Saint Stephens and Mostly Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Kernersville
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 Kernersville.
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
High Point
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Stephens and Cary. Straight-line distance: 139.7 mi (224.82 km).
#1 Saint Stephens
Town in Alabama, USA
| Population | 8,759 |
| Coordinates | 35.7645800, -81.2731400 |
| Altitude | 341 |
| 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: Cary (-78.78112, 35.79154)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 265 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $23.01 | $46.03 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $25.73 | $51.46 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $27.76 | $55.52 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $32.68 | $65.35 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.