How far is Smithfield, NC from Apex, NC?
The driving distance from Smithfield, NC to Apex, NC is about 42 miles (67.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 32.6 miles (52.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 33m 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 00h 46m.
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.
Town in North Carolina, United States
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 Smithfield and Apex.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Smithfield and Apex.
-
1
Start on East Market Street
5.6 mi · 10 min · East Market Street
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2
Continue straight
2.1 mi · 3 min
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3
Take the ramp slight right
1.5 km · 2 min
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4
Merge slight left onto Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
8.4 mi · 9 min · Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 40 East, NC 540 Toll West: Wilmington
2836 ft · 44 sec
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6
Keep slight right to continue on NC 540 Toll West
1.2 km · 2 min
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7
Merge slight left onto Triangle Expressway
15.9 mi · 17 min · Triangle Expressway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward NC 55: Apex
1521 ft · 37 sec
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9
Keep slight right to continue on NC 55 West: Apex
65 m · 7 sec
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10
Merge slight left
2.9 mi · 5 min
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11
Turn right onto South Hughes Street
2216 ft · 1 min · South Hughes Street
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12
Turn left onto Center Street
707 ft · 29 sec · Center Street
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13
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Salem Street
16 m · 2 sec · North Salem Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Salem Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Smithfield and Apex.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Triangle Expressway
Merge slight left onto Triangle Expressway
15.9 mi · 00h 17m
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 Smithfield and Sunny near Apex.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Smithfield to Apex?
The road trip is about 42 miles (67.6 km) and usually takes 00h 46m 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?
Garner is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19 miles from Smithfield and 23 miles from Apex.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 32.6 miles (52.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.4 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 4:56 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.86 one way or $11.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Smithfield and Sunny near Apex.
Stop Ideas Near Garner
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Burger and Beer
Garner Town Hall
Clayton Utilities
Town Hall Commons
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Garner.
Raleigh Union Station
North Carolina State Fair station
Cary
Selma–Smithfield
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Smithfield and Apex. Straight-line distance: 32.6 mi (52.47 km).
#1 Smithfield
County seat of Johnston County, North Carolina
| Population | 13,333 |
| Coordinates | 35.5084900, -78.3394500 |
| Altitude | 45 |
| 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: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $5.86 | $11.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $6.55 | $13.11 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $7.07 | $14.14 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $8.32 | $16.65 |
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 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.