How far is Sunset Beach, NC from Raleigh, NC?
The driving distance from Sunset Beach, NC to Raleigh, NC is about 153.7 miles (247.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 130.9 miles (210.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 35m 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 47m.
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.
Place in 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 Raleigh.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sunset Beach and Raleigh.
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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
12.6 mi · 14 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Rock Quarry Rd North
1718 ft · 37 sec
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12
Turn straight onto Rock Quarry Road
2190 ft · 49 sec · Rock Quarry Road
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13
Turn left onto Rock Quarry Road
1488 ft · 41 sec · Rock Quarry Road
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14
Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
1.2 mi · 3 min · Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
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15
Turn right onto South Wilmington Street
987 ft · 41 sec · South Wilmington Street
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16
Turn left onto East South Street
7 m · 1 sec · East South Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East South Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sunset Beach and Raleigh.
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 Raleigh.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sunset Beach to Raleigh?
The road trip is about 153.7 miles (247.4 km) and usually takes 02h 47m 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?
Wallace is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.4 miles from Sunset Beach and 65.4 miles from Raleigh.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 130.9 miles (210.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.8 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 12:54 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.47 one way or $42.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Sunset Beach and Mostly Sunny near Raleigh.
Stop Ideas Near Wallace
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 Wallace.
Jacksonville, NC
Wilmington, NC
Kinston, NC
Goldsboro, NC
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sunset Beach and Raleigh. Straight-line distance: 130.88 mi (210.63 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 Raleigh
The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is a major center for business, government, and education.
| Population | 474,414 |
| Coordinates | 35.7721000, -78.6386100 |
| Altitude | 96 |
| Country | United States |
End: East South Street (-78.638606, 35.772148)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 247 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $21.47 | $42.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $24.01 | $48.01 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $25.90 | $51.79 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $30.48 | $60.96 |
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.