If you are planning a trip from Roanoke Rapids to Apex, you are looking at a straightforward 101.6-mile journey through North Carolina. Expect to spend approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes behind the wheel, making this a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. You should budget about $16 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Because the drive is relatively short and keeps you within the Southeast region, there is no need to plan for an overnight stay. This route is designed for efficiency, utilizing a mix of I-95, US 64, and the Claude E. Pope Memorial Highway to get you to your destination quickly.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
50.8 miles from Roanoke Rapids, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 64
46.4 mi
50m
I 95
33.7 mi
36m
Claude E. Pope Memorial Highway
4.9 mi
5m
Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
4.3 mi
4m
Dan K Moore Freeway
3.4 mi
3m
I 87
2.7 mi
3m
East 10th Street
1.8 mi
3m
Center Street
1.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 64
— 46.4 mi, about 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke Rapids, NC and Apex, NC.
1
Start on NC 48
0.4 mi·1 min·Roanoke Avenue
2
Turn left onto NC 125
1.8 mi·3 min·East 10th Street
3
Turn left onto Julian R Allsbrook Highway
0.9 mi·1 min·Julian R Allsbrook Highway
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
5
Merge onto I 95
34 mi·36 min·I 95
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 138Toward US 64: Nashville, Rocky Mount, Raleigh
7
Keep slight right at fork
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward US 64 West: Nashville, Raleigh
8
Merge onto US 64
45 mi·48 min·US 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 87; I 440; US 64
2.7 mi·3 min·I 87; I 440; US 64
10
Merge onto I 40; US 64
3.2 mi·3 min·Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 40; US 64
2.7 mi·3 min·Dan K Moore Freeway
12
Continue on I 40; US 64
1.1 mi·1 min·Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
13
Continue on I 40; US 64
0.7 mi·50 sec·Dan K Moore Freeway
14
Take the exit onto US 64
0.2 mi·28 sec·US 64
Toward I 440 East, US 1, US 64 West: Raleigh, Wake Forest, Sanford, Asheboro
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 64
0.4 mi·40 sec·US 64
Toward US 1 South, US 64 West: Cary, Asheboro
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 64
0.3 mi·37 sec·US 64
Exit 293AToward US 1 South, US 64 West: Cary, AsheboroUse the right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto US 64
0.4 mi·29 sec·US 64
Toward US 1 South, US 64 West: Sanford, Asheboro
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 64
0.4 mi·27 sec·US 64
Toward US 1 South, US 64 West: Apex, Sanford, Asheboro
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 64
0.1 mi·8 sec·US 64
Toward US 1 South, US 64 West: Apex, Sanford, Asheboro
20
Merge onto US 1; US 64
4.9 mi·5 min·Claude E. Pope Memorial Highway
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi·25 sec
Exit 96Toward Ten Ten RoadUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn left onto SR 1010
1.5 mi·3 min·Center Street
Use the left lane.
23
At end of road, turn right onto North Salem Street
51 ft·1 sec·North Salem Street
Use the right lane.
24
Arrive at destination
North Salem Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours near the Apex area is always a smart move. Because there are no designated stops required for a trip of this length, you can easily complete the 101.6 miles in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Roanoke Rapids, as a $16 budget covers your needs, but being prepared before hitting the highway is key. If you prefer to pace yourself, consider that your longest stretch is on US 64, so plan any necessary breaks just before or after that 46.4-mile segment. Ultimately, the simplicity of this route allows you to focus on a stress-free arrival at your destination.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 50.8 miles from Roanoke Rapids, NC, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.4 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 22 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 50.8 miles or 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Apex, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Roanoke Rapids, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Roanoke Rapids, NC
This is one driving day of about 101.6 miles and 1h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Roanoke Rapids, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 64 for about 46.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 37 and 101.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
37 mi into trip|~42m in
Take the exit toward US 64: Nashville, Rocky Mount, Raleigh
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 138
Toward US 64: Nashville, Rocky Mount, Raleigh
6
37.3 mi into trip|~43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 64 West: Nashville, Raleigh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 64 West: Nashville, Raleigh
9
93.8 mi into trip|~1h 46m in|US 64
Keep slight right at fork onto US 64 toward US 1 South, US 64 West: Cary, Asheboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 293A
Toward US 1 South, US 64 West: Cary, Asheboro
7
99.9 mi into trip|~1h 53m in
Take the exit toward Ten Ten Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 96
Toward Ten Ten Road
7
101.6 mi into trip|~1h 58m in|North Salem Street
At end of road, turn right onto North Salem Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.89 one way
$31.78 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg36 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$17.37
$34.74
premium
$4.70
$18.80
$37.61
diesel
$5.61
$22.43
$44.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
30.5
0
$10.67
$4.88
Efficient EV
25.4
0
$8.89
$4.06
EV Truck/SUV
40.6
0
$14.22
$6.50
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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
Roanoke Rapids, NC
Late night
in Roanoke Rapids on Sunday
Local time
3:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Apex, NC
Late night
in Apex on Sunday
Local time
3:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°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
3 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
1h 58m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly efficient, highway-focused experience, as 89% of this trip takes place on major thoroughfares. You will spend much of your time maintaining consistent speeds, particularly during the longest uninterrupted segment: a 46.4-mile stretch along US 64. The route transitions from the interstate corridors near Roanoke Rapids into the more direct highway connections leading toward Apex. Because the path is dominated by high-speed roads, the drive feels purposeful and steady rather than meandering. You won't encounter many technical local turns, allowing you to settle into a rhythm for the duration of the nearly two-hour trek.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.4 mi on US 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 64 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 37 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 101.6 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 37 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93.8 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Roanoke Rapids, NC and Apex, NC, road signs point toward Rocky Mount, Raleigh, Wake Forest, Sanford and Asheboro.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 58m. Total distance: 101.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 46.4 miles on US 64. 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 Apex, NC before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 37 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93.8 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Apex, NC before heading back.
