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Trip from Summerfield, 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

1h 43m

Distance

83.9 mi

135 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min
4 AM
1h 36m ★
6 AM
1h 43m
8 AM
1h 59m
10 AM
1h 49m
12 PM
1h 47m
3 PM
1h 50m
5 PM
1h 58m
8 PM
1h 39m

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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town in Guilford County, North Carolina, United States

Summerfield, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Cary, NC, NC

Cary, NC

C k

Trip Overview

This straightforward, 83.9-mile drive from Summerfield, NC to Cary, NC takes approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes. Designed as a single-day trip, it primarily utilizes major highways, making it an efficient journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $13, this route is budget-friendly for a quick excursion. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region, staying within North Carolina for the entire trip. This route is ideal if you're looking for a no-fuss, direct path between these two points, minimizing travel time and maximizing your time at your destination.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

42 miles from Summerfield, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 60.1 mi 1h 9m
Greensboro Urban Loop 13.6 mi 15m
Battleground Avenue 5.5 mi 8m
North Harrison Avenue 3.1 mi 5m
Chapel Hill Road 0.1 mi <1m
Oak Ridge Road <0.1 mi <1m
North Academy Street <0.1 mi —

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: I 40 — 60.1 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on NC 150

247 ft · 33 sec · Oak Ridge Road
2

Continue on NC 150

223 ft · 5 sec · Oak Ridge Road
3

Turn right onto US 220; NC 150

5.5 mi · 8 min · Battleground Avenue
Use the straight lane.
4

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Use the left lane.
5

Merge onto I 840

14 mi · 15 min · Greensboro Urban Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Toward I 40, I 85 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 40 East, I 85 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto I 40

31 mi · 36 min · I 40
Use the straight lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

29 mi · 33 min · I 40
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward Cary Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Turn right onto SR 1652

3.1 mi · 5 min · North Harrison Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road

0.1 mi · 23 sec · Chapel Hill Road
Use the left lane.
13

Turn left onto North Academy Street

24 ft · 0 sec · North Academy Street
14

Arrive at destination

North Academy Street

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 1 hour and 43-minute duration, this trip from Summerfield to Cary is perfectly suited for a same-day adventure. Consider an early morning departure to bypass any potential midday traffic, especially as you approach the Raleigh-Durham area. With no specific stops recommended, you have the flexibility to pull over as needed for breaks or fuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on I-40 covers over 60 miles without a mandatory exit for this particular route segment. The estimated fuel cost of $13 makes it easy to budget for.

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 42 miles from Summerfield, NC, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.1 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 18 miles or 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 42 miles or 52m 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 26m

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 Summerfield, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Summerfield, NC

This is one driving day of about 83.9 miles and 1h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Summerfield, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 60.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mebane, NC

42 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

Greensboro, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mebane, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42 miles from Summerfield, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 60.1 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.

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 83.9

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 83.9

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

1922

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59.9

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm

+19849994195

Visit website

Triangle Coffee House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 65.9

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+19842191215

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 30

Burlington, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13365840201

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 42

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 59.9

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 59.9

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 59.9

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 42

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 36

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 42

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Children's Museum of Alamance County

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 36

Graham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13362287997

Visit website

Piedmont Wildlife Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 65.9

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19194890900

Visit website

Lake Crabtree County Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 77.9

Morrisville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+19194603390

Visit website

Gold Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 53.9

Hillsborough, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19197321270

Visit website

Graham Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 42

Haw River, North Carolina

+13365706718

Visit website

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 83.9

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 10:30 am–10:30 pm

+19194380798

Visit website

Alamance County Historical Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 30

Burlington, NC

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+13362268254

Visit website

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 83.9

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+19199963141

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 80.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 220; NC 150 / Battleground Avenue

Turn right onto US 220; NC 150 / Battleground Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
19.5 mi into trip | ~25m in

Take the exit toward I 40, I 85 North

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 40, I 85 North
8
19.6 mi into trip | ~26m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 40 East, I 85 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 40 East, I 85 North
7
51.7 mi into trip | ~1h 3m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Raleigh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
6
80.4 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in

Take the exit toward Cary

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Cary

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.12 one way

$26.24 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 29 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $14.35 $28.69
premium $4.70 $15.53 $31.06
diesel $5.61 $18.52 $37.05

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 29.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.2 0 $8.81 $4.03
Efficient EV 21 0 $7.34 $3.36
EV Truck/SUV 33.6 0 $11.75 $5.37

Gas CO2

29 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (66% 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

Summerfield, NC

Morning in Summerfield on Sunday

Local time

6:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cary, NC

Morning in Cary on Sunday

Local time

6:10 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

2 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 43m 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 experience on this 83.9-mile route, with 72% of the drive on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 60.1 miles on I-40, offering a consistent pace. You'll navigate primarily via I-40, the Greensboro Urban Loop, and Battleground Avenue. The character of the drive is largely one of efficient travel, with ample opportunities for maintaining speed, rather than winding country roads. This profile suggests a drive where the focus is on covering distance smoothly and directly.

72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60.1 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Greensboro Urban Loop. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 220; NC 150 / Battleground Avenue.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 83.9 miles you will encounter 12 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 0.1 miles (US 220; NC 150 / Battleground Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 83.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 60.1 miles on I 40. 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.

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 0.1 miles (US 220; NC 150 / Battleground Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.6 miles: 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 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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