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Trip from Chadbourn, NC to Cary, NC

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 35m

Distance

130 mi

209 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 25m ★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 43m
12 PM
2h 41m
3 PM
2h 44m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Chadbourn, NC, NC

Chadbourn, NC

Mark Stebnicki

Downtown Cary, NC, NC

Cary, NC

C k

Trip Overview

This 130-mile drive from Chadbourn, NC to Cary, NC is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in a single day, taking about 2 hours and 35 minutes. You'll primarily be on major highways, with I-95 and I-40 making up a significant portion of the journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $20, this route offers an economical option for a quick transition within North Carolina. Given its relatively short duration and highway-focused profile, it’s an ideal day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time and a single planned stop. The journey remains within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

65 miles from Chadbourn, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 61.5 mi 1h 9m
I 40 36.4 mi 40m
American Indian Highway 10.7 mi 12m
Andrew Jackson Highway 9.3 mi 10m
Martin Luther King Jr Drive 3.3 mi 6m
Chapel Hill Road 2.2 mi 3m
Joe Brown Highway North 2 mi 3m
Carthage Road 1.1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 61.5 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chadbourn, NC and Cary, NC.

1

Start on West Railroad Avenue

149 ft · 13 sec · West Railroad Avenue
2

Turn left onto NC 410

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Brown Street
3

Continue on US 74 Business; US 76 Business; NC 130; NC 410

2.0 mi · 3 min · Joe Brown Highway North
4

Take the ramp onto US 74 Business; NC 130

0.2 mi · 25 sec · US 74 Business; NC 130
5

Merge onto US 74; NC 130

9.3 mi · 10 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
6

Continue on US 74; NC 130

11 mi · 12 min · American Indian Highway
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward NC 41: Lumberton, Fairmont
8

Turn right onto NC 41

3.3 mi · 6 min · Martin Luther King Jr Drive
9

Continue on Apple Street

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Apple Street
10

At end of road, turn right onto West 5th Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · West 5th Street
11

Turn left onto North Water Street

393 ft · 7 sec · North Water Street
12

Enter roundabout onto North Water Street

219 ft · 3 sec · North Water Street
13

Continue on North Water Street

0.2 mi · 21 sec · North Water Street
14

Turn straight onto Carthage Road

1.1 mi · 1 min · Carthage Road
15

Turn right onto Capuano Street

152 ft · 6 sec · Capuano Street
16

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 16 sec
17

Merge onto I 95; US 301

62 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 95; US 301
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington Use the slight right lane.
19

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 40 West: Raleigh
20

Merge onto I 40

14 mi · 15 min · I 40
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

22 mi · 25 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward NC 54: Cary Use the slight right lane.
23

Turn left onto NC 54

2.2 mi · 3 min · Chapel Hill Road
Use the left lane.
24

Turn right onto North Academy Street

24 ft · 0 sec · North Academy Street
Use the right lane.
25

Arrive at destination

North Academy Street

Trip Plan

For this manageable 2.5-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Chadbourn in the morning will get you to Cary with ample time to spare. Plan for one stop, perhaps midway, to stretch your legs or refuel if needed, though the 61.5-mile stretch on I-95 is not excessively long. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated $20 cost suggests it's best to top off before embarking. Since this is a short trip, you can easily adjust your plans on the fly.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 65 miles from Chadbourn, NC, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.5 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 29 miles or 39m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 65 miles or 1h 19m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 7m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cary, NC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Chadbourn, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Chadbourn, NC

This is one driving day of about 130 miles and 2h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Chadbourn, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 61.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Harnett County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Dunn, NC

65 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Lumberton, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Eastover, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 65 miles from Chadbourn, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Raleigh, North Carolina

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.7

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.7

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 130

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.7

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Chadbourn, North Carolina

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 27.8

Lumberton, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 27.8

Lumberton, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 27.8

Lumberton, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 46.4

Hope Mills, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 9.3

Evergreen, North Carolina

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 27.8

Lumberton, North Carolina

+18887518560

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 55.7

Hope Mills, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 120.7

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

Visit website

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 120.7

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+19199963141

Visit website

Lake Benson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 111.4

Garner, North Carolina

+19197734442

Visit website

Lake Crabtree County Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 130

Morrisville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+19194603390

Visit website

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 130

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 10:30 am–10:30 pm

+19194380798

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 120.7

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 12–8 pm

+19199484450

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 23 and 127.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
23 mi into trip | ~27m in

Take the exit toward NC 41: Lumberton, Fairmont

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward NC 41: Lumberton, Fairmont
5
26.7 mi into trip | ~35m in | West 5th Street

At end of road, turn right onto West 5th Street

Navigation decision point

7
90 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in

Take the exit toward I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington
6
105.2 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in | I 40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
127.5 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in

Take the exit toward NC 54: Cary

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward NC 54: Cary

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.33 one way

$40.66 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $22.23 $44.46
premium $4.70 $24.06 $48.12
diesel $5.61 $28.70 $57.40

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 45.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 39 0 $13.65 $6.24
Efficient EV 32.5 0 $11.38 $5.20
EV Truck/SUV 52 0 $18.20 $8.32

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Chadbourn, NC

Late night in Chadbourn on Sunday

Local time

12:19 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cary, NC

Late night in Cary on Sunday

Local time

12:19 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

1 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 35m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 130-mile route, with 76% of the journey on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 61.5 miles on I-95, so be prepared for sustained periods of faster driving. While American Indian Highway offers a change of pace, the overall character is one of efficient travel between points. You'll experience the typical flow of interstate driving, punctuated by the occasional exit and re-entry onto the main thoroughfares.

76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.5 mi on I 95.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 130 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 23 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.7 miles (West 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 90 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Chadbourn, NC and Cary, NC, road signs point toward Fairmont and Wilmington.

Fairmont

23 mi in | ~27m

Wilmington

90 mi in | ~1h 48m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 35m. Total distance: 130 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 61.5 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Cary, NC before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 23 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.7 miles (West 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 90 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cary, NC before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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