How far is Salisbury, NC from Cary, NC?
Fastest route
The distance between Salisbury, North Carolina, and Cary, North Carolina, is approximately 117 miles (188.29 kilometers). The estimated travel time is 1 hour and 58 minutes. The route will take you via I-85 N and US-64 E.
Directions
- Head northeast on S Ellis St toward W Innes St. 🧭
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto W Innes St.
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left to merge onto I-85 N/US-52 N toward US-52 N/Lexington.
- Follow I-85 N and US-421 S to US-64 E in Chatham County. Take exit 171 from US-421 S.
- Merge onto I-85 N/US-52 N.
- Keep left to continue on I-85 N.
- Keep left at the fork to stay on I-85 N.
- Take exit 126A-126B to merge onto US-421 S toward Sanford.
- Take exit 171 for US-64 E toward Pittsboro.
- Continue on US-64 E.
- Drive to N Academy St in Cary.
- Take the exit toward Apex/Downtown.
- Use the middle lane to turn left onto N Salem St.
- Turn right at the 1st cross street to stay on N Salem St.
- Continue straight to stay on N Salem St.
- Continue onto Old Apex Rd.
- Turn right onto W Chatham St.
- At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit and stay on W Chatham St.
- Turn left onto N Academy St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan your trip ahead of time to ensure a smooth journey.
- ⛽ Check your vehicle's fuel and fluid levels before starting the drive.
- 📱 Use navigation apps to stay on track and avoid getting lost.
- 🍴 Bring snacks and water for a comfortable journey, especially if the drive takes longer than expected.
- ☕ Take short breaks during the trip to stretch and stay refreshed.
FAQs
Q: How far is Salisbury from Cary, North Carolina? A: The distance between Salisbury and Cary is approximately 117 miles (188.29 kilometers).
Q: How long does it take to travel from Salisbury to Cary? A: The estimated travel time is 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Q: Which route should I take for the drive? A: The recommended route is via I-85 N and US-64 E.
Q: Are there any interesting places to visit along the way? A: While the primary route is focused on reaching Cary, there may be various points of interest along the way, depending on your preferences. Feel free to explore places that catch your eye during the trip.
Q: Is there heavy traffic on the recommended route? A: Traffic conditions can vary, so it's advisable to check real-time traffic updates before starting your journey to better plan for any potential delays.
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 56m.
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.
Human settlement in Guilford 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 Salisbury and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salisbury and Cary.
-
1
Start on West Innes Street
1.2 mi · 4 min · West Innes Street
-
2
Take the ramp slight left
7.1 mi · 8 min
-
3
Continue straight
3.8 mi · 4 min
-
4
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 North: Greensboro, High Point
32.8 mi · 35 min
-
5
Keep slight right to continue on US 29, US 70
5.9 mi · 7 min
-
6
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Raleigh
28.8 mi · 33 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward Cary
1091 ft · 23 sec
-
9
Turn right onto North Harrison Avenue
3.1 mi · 6 min · North Harrison Avenue
-
10
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 24 sec · Chapel Hill Road
-
11
Turn left onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Salisbury 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 Salisbury and Sunny near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Salisbury to Cary?
The road trip is about 121.1 miles (194.9 km) and usually takes 01h 56m 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?
Sedalia is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.8 miles from Salisbury and 61.2 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 95.3 miles (153.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.8 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 2:36 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.91 one way or $33.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Salisbury and Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Sedalia
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 Sedalia.
Burlington
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
High Point
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Salisbury and Cary. Straight-line distance: 95.32 mi (153.41 km).
#1 Salisbury
City in Rowan County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 33,821 |
| Coordinates | 35.6709700, -80.4742300 |
| Altitude | 234 |
| 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: 195 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $16.91 | $33.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $18.91 | $37.82 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $20.40 | $40.80 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $24.01 | $48.03 |
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.