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Trip from Cary, NC to Beaufort, NC

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 22m

Distance

163 mi

262 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 10m ★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 31m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 32m
5 PM
3h 45m
8 PM
3h 15m

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 Cary, NC, NC

Cary, NC

C k

town in Carteret County, North Carolina, United States of America

Beaufort, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Cary, NC to Beaufort, NC covers 163 miles and takes about 3h 22m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Freedom Memorial Bridge, East New Bern Road, US 70 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 36.9 miles on Freedom Memorial Bridge. At current regular gas prices, budget about $25.49 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

81.5 miles from Cary, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Freedom Memorial Bridge 36.9 mi 52m
East New Bern Road 33.4 mi 36m
US 70 21.2 mi 25m
Goldsboro Bypass 19.8 mi 21m
US 70 BYP 14.3 mi 19m
Thomas Bradshaw Freeway 11.3 mi 12m
Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway 10.2 mi 11m
Dan K Moore Freeway 7.1 mi 8m
Longest stretch: Freedom Memorial Bridge — 36.9 mi, about 52m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on North Academy Street

24 ft · 7 sec · North Academy Street
2

Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road

2.0 mi · 3 min · Chapel Hill Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
3

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
4

Merge onto I 40

7.1 mi · 8 min · Dan K Moore Freeway
Use the straight lane.
5

Continue on I 40; US 64

3.2 mi · 3 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

8.1 mi · 9 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Toward I 40 East: Wilmington
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 42

10 mi · 11 min · Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
Exit 309 Toward I 42 East: Smithfield, Goldsboro Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on US 70

7.6 mi · 9 min · US 70
9

Keep slight left at fork onto US 70 BYP

14 mi · 19 min · US 70 BYP
Use the straight lane.
10

Continue on US 70

2.0 mi · 2 min · US 70
Use the right lane.
11

Continue on I 42

20 mi · 21 min · Goldsboro Bypass
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Continue on US 70

11 mi · 13 min · US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Turn straight onto US 70; US 258

3.1 mi · 4 min · West New Bern Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
14

Continue on US 70; NC 58

33 mi · 36 min · East New Bern Road
Use the straight lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto US 70

37 mi · 52 min · Freedom Memorial Bridge
Use the straight lane.
16

Continue on US 70

2.3 mi · 3 min · Arendell Street
Use the straight lane.
17

Continue on US 70

0.4 mi · 55 sec · Grayden Paul Bridge
Use the straight lane.
18

Turn right onto US 70 Business

0.6 mi · 1 min · Turner Street
Use the right lane.
19

Turn left onto Ann Street

298 ft · 10 sec · Ann Street
20

Arrive at destination

Ann Street

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 81.5 miles from Cary, NC, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.9 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 36 miles or 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81.5 miles or 1h 37m 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 39m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cary, 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 Cary, NC

This is one driving day of about 163 miles and 3h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Cary, 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 Freedom Memorial Bridge for about 36.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Pitt County, North Carolina, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ayden, NC

82 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

Pine Level, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Goldsboro, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.5 miles from Cary, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.6

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Sosta Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.6

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19198331006

Visit website

Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

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

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19197814810

Visit website

Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

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

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+19198599990

Visit website

Calico Creek Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 163

Morehead City, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–12 pm

+12522209040

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 139.7

Havelock, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 151.4

Morehead City, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 151.4

Newport, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12527775870

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 116.4

New Bern, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 116.4

New Bern, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 139.7

Havelock, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 128.1

New Bern, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 116.4

New Bern, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Nature Research Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 11.6

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19197079800

Visit website

Elliott Coues Nature Trail

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 163

Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12527263775

Visit website

Lake Crabtree County Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Morrisville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+19194603390

Visit website

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Cary, North Carolina

Hours: 10:30 am–10:30 pm

+19194380798

Visit website

Wayne County Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 58.2

Goldsboro, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+19197345023

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 11.6

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hours: 12–8 pm

+19199484450

Visit website

Lake Johnson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

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 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 162.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Chapel Hill Road

Turn left onto Chapel Hill Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
9
20.6 mi into trip | ~25m in | I 42 / Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 42 / Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway toward I 42 East: Smithfield, Goldsboro

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 309 Toward I 42 East: Smithfield, Goldsboro
6
38.4 mi into trip | ~45m in | US 70 BYP

Keep slight left at fork onto US 70 BYP

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
122.7 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in | US 70 / Freedom Memorial Bridge

Keep slight left at fork onto US 70 / Freedom Memorial Bridge

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
162.3 mi into trip | ~3h 20m in | US 70 Business / Turner Street

Turn right onto US 70 Business / Turner Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.49 one way

$50.98 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $27.87 $55.74
premium $4.70 $30.17 $60.34
diesel $5.61 $35.99 $71.98

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 57 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.9 0 $17.12 $7.82
Efficient EV 40.8 0 $14.26 $6.52
EV Truck/SUV 65.2 0 $22.82 $10.43

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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

Cary, NC

Afternoon in Cary on Saturday

Local time

1:39 PM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Beaufort, NC

Afternoon in Beaufort on Saturday

Local time

1:39 PM

EDT

Current temp

57°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

6 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

3h 22m 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?

The drive from Cary, NC to Beaufort, NC covers 163 miles and takes about 3h 22m, using a mix of highways and local roads.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Freedom Memorial Bridge is the longest continuous segment at about 36.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Chapel Hill Road.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 163 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: near the start (Chapel Hill Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 20.6 miles (I 42 / Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 38.4 miles (US 70 BYP): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Cary, NC to Beaufort, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Goldsboro along the way.

Goldsboro

20.6 mi in | ~25m | via I 42

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 22m. Total distance: 163 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed drive route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Cary, NC to Beaufort, NC covers 163 miles and takes about 3h 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Freedom Memorial Bridge, East New Bern Road, US 70. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 81.5 miles from Cary, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.49 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 163 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.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Chapel Hill Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 20.6 miles (I 42 / Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 38.4 miles (US 70 BYP): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

On the drive from Cary, NC to Beaufort, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Goldsboro along the way.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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Return Trip

Beaufort, NC to Cary, NC

Plan the drive back the other way.

162.8 mi 3h 22m

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