How far is Sunset Beach, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance from Sunset Beach, NC to Cary, NC is about 162.8 miles (262 km), with a travel time of about 02h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132.9 miles (213.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 52m 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 02h 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 Duplin County, 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 Sunset Beach and Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sunset Beach and Cary.
-
1
Start on Sunset Boulevard South
1889 ft · 47 sec · Sunset Boulevard South
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2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Sunset Boulevard North
68 m · 5 sec · Sunset Boulevard North
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3
Exit the roundabout onto Sunset Boulevard North
1.7 mi · 3 min · Sunset Boulevard North
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4
Turn left onto Seaside Road Southwest
3.6 mi · 6 min · Seaside Road Southwest
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5
Turn right onto Ocean Highway West
31.6 mi · 42 min · Ocean Highway West
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 140: Topsail Island, Jacksonville, New Bern
19.7 mi · 22 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington
1527 ft · 37 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Benson, Raleigh
1.4 km · 2 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Michael Jordan Highway
103.3 mi · 1 hr 51 min · Michael Jordan Highway
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10
Keep slight left
22.3 mi · 25 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward NC 54: Cary
1262 ft · 29 sec
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12
Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road
2.2 mi · 4 min · Chapel Hill Road
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13
Turn right onto North Academy Street
7 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Academy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sunset Beach 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.
Michael Jordan Highway
Merge slight left onto Michael Jordan Highway
103 mi · 01h 51m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach to Cary?
The road trip is about 162.8 miles (262 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Teachey is a useful midpoint, sitting about 93.2 miles from Sunset Beach and 69.7 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132.9 miles (213.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:38 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.78 one way or $45.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Sunset Beach and Mostly Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Teachey
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 Teachey.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sunset Beach and Cary. Straight-line distance: 132.9 mi (213.88 km).
#1 Sunset Beach
City in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States of America
| Population | 4,172 |
| Coordinates | 33.8807300, -78.5122300 |
| Altitude | 0 |
| 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: 262 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $22.78 | $45.55 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $25.47 | $50.93 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $27.47 | $54.95 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $32.34 | $64.68 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.