How far is Southern Pines, NC from Apex, NC?
The driving distance from Southern Pines, NC to Apex, NC is about 55.8 miles (89.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49.2 miles (79.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 51m 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 55m.
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 Lee County, North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Southern Pines and Apex.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Southern Pines and Apex.
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1
Start on West Pennsylvania Avenue
2126 ft · 54 sec · West Pennsylvania Avenue
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2
Take the ramp right
1006 ft · 25 sec
-
3
Merge slight left onto North Sandhills Boulevard
13.7 mi · 18 min · North Sandhills Boulevard
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4
Take the exit slight right
3251 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
38.8 mi · 44 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NC 55: Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina
924 ft · 25 sec
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7
Turn left onto East Williams Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · East Williams Street
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8
Turn right onto South Hughes Street
2216 ft · 1 min · South Hughes Street
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9
Turn left onto Center Street
707 ft · 29 sec · Center Street
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10
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Salem Street
16 m · 2 sec · North Salem Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Salem Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Southern Pines and Apex.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
North Sandhills Boulevard
Merge slight left
38.8 mi · 00h 44m
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 Southern Pines and Mostly Sunny near Apex.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Southern Pines to Apex?
The road trip is about 55.8 miles (89.8 km) and usually takes 00h 55m 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?
Sanford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.8 miles from Southern Pines and 28 miles from Apex.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49.2 miles (79.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.6 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 4:38 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.80 one way or $15.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Southern Pines and Mostly Sunny near Apex.
Stop Ideas Near Sanford
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 Sanford.
Southern Pines
Cary
Fayetteville
North Carolina State Fair station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Southern Pines and Apex. Straight-line distance: 49.19 mi (79.17 km).
#1 Southern Pines
Town in North Carolina, USA
| Population | 15,070 |
| Coordinates | 35.1740500, -79.3922500 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| 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: 90 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $7.80 | $15.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $8.73 | $17.45 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $9.41 | $18.83 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $11.08 | $22.16 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.