How far is Smithfield, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Smithfield, NC to Cary, NC is about 38.5 miles (61.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31.6 miles (50.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 21m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 40m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Smithfield and Cary.
-
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
-
3
Take the ramp slight right
1.5 km · 2 min
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4
Merge slight left onto Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
8.9 mi · 10 min · Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
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5
Merge slight left
18.3 mi · 21 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NC 54: Cary
1262 ft · 29 sec
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7
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
2.2 mi · 4 min · Chapel Hill Road
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8
Turn right onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Smithfield 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.
Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
Merge slight left
18.3 mi · 00h 21m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Smithfield and Sunny near Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Smithfield to Cary?
The road trip is about 38.5 miles (61.9 km) and usually takes 00h 40m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Garner is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.2 miles from Smithfield and 19.3 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31.6 miles (50.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:08 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.39 one way or $10.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Smithfield and Sunny near Cary.
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
Town of Cary
Angier Police Department And Town Hall
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 Cary. Straight-line distance: 31.58 mi (50.83 km).
#1 Smithfield
County seat of Johnston County, North Carolina
| Population | 13,333 |
| Coordinates | 35.5084900, -78.3394500 |
| Altitude | 45 |
| 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: 62 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $5.39 | $10.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $6.02 | $12.05 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $6.50 | $13.00 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $7.65 | $15.30 |
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.