Origin
Cary, NC
Evening in Cary on Tuesday
Local time
8:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cary, NC to Gamewell, NC
Data updated 12 minutes ago
Drive Time
3h 48m
Distance
183.8 mi
296 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
None
0 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 36m
★
6 AM
3h 48m
8 AM
4h 14m
10 AM
3h 57m
12 PM
3h 55m
3 PM
3h 58m
5 PM
4h 12m
8 PM
3h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cary, NC
C k
Gamewell, NC
C k
Trip Overview
This 183.8-mile journey from Cary, NC to Gamewell, NC is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 48 minutes to complete. The route primarily utilizes the Dan K. Moore Frwy, US 421, and I-40, with about 60% of the drive on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $29, this trip offers a straightforward drive through the Southeast region of North Carolina. It’s a practical option for a day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
91.9 miles from Cary, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
You'll experience a mixed drive on this route, with a significant portion on highways. Over half of the 183.8 miles will be on high-speed roads, but expect some shifts in road type as you progress. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 59.8 miles on the Dan K. Moore Frwy. This suggests periods of consistent highway travel interspersed with potentially more varied driving as you transition between major roads like US 421 and I-40.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Dan K. Moore Frwy is the longest continuous segment at about 59.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 around 63.6 miles in near I 40.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 183.8 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 63.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.2 miles (I 40; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 83.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
63.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 16m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
71.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
|
I 40; US 220
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 220
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
83.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
8
101.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m in
Take the exit toward US 421: Salem Parkway, Yadkinville
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.
Exit 188
Toward US 421: Salem Parkway, Yadkinville
7
102 mi into trip
|
~2h 2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 421 North: Yadkinville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 421 North: Yadkinville
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cary, NC and Gamewell, NC, road signs point toward Statesville, Yadkinville, Taylorsville and Lenoir.
Statesville
83.8 mi in
|
~1h 40m
|
via I 40
Yadkinville
101.8 mi in
|
~2h 1m
Taylorsville
150.9 mi in
|
~2h 59m
Lenoir
150.9 mi in
|
~2h 59m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dan K. Moore Frwy | 59.8 mi | 1h 9m |
| US 421 | 48.3 mi | 55m |
| I 40 | 38.2 mi | 45m |
| NC 18 | 24.3 mi | 35m |
| Morganton Boulevard Southwest | 5.2 mi | 8m |
| North Harrison Avenue | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| South Cherry Street | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| Chapel Hill Road | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Dan K. Moore Frwy
— 59.8 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary, NC and Gamewell, NC.
1
Start on North Academy Street
24 ft
·
5 sec
·
North Academy Street
2
Turn right onto Chapel Hill Road
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Chapel Hill Road
3
Turn right onto SR 1652
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
North Harrison Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
5
Merge onto I 40
60 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
Dan K. Moore Frwy.
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
7.7 mi
·
9 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 220
13 mi
·
15 min
·
I 40; US 220
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
18 mi
·
20 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
Use the slight left lane.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 188
Toward US 421: Salem Parkway, Yadkinville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 421 North: Yadkinville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto US 421
48 mi
·
55 min
·
US 421
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward NC 16 South, NC 18: Wilkesboro, Taylorsville, Lenoir
13
Turn right onto NC 18
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
South Cherry Street
14
Turn right onto NC 18
24 mi
·
35 min
·
NC 18
Use the straight lane.
15
Turn left onto US 64; NC 18
5.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Morganton Boulevard Southwest
16
Turn right onto Gamewell School Road
60 ft
·
2 sec
·
Gamewell School Road
17
Arrive at destination
Gamewell School Road
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 48-minute duration, consider an early morning departure from Cary to maximize your daylight hours and allow for flexibility. While only one stop is indicated, plan for a brief break around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel if needed; the estimated fuel cost is $29. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you approach any major interstate junctions. The longest stretch on the Dan K. Moore Frwy means you can settle in for a good portion of consistent driving.
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 91.9 miles from Cary, NC, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.8 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 80 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.9 miles or 1h 50m 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 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gamewell, 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 183.8 miles and 3h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 Dan K. Moore Frwy for about 59.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 91.9 mi from Cary, NC · 1h 50m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
92 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 91.9 miles from Cary, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Gamewell, NC
The final approach into Gamewell, NC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Gamewell, NC.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.74 one way
$57.48 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
64 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $31.43 | $62.85 |
| premium | $4.70 | $34.02 | $68.03 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $40.58 | $81.16 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 55.1 | 0 | $19.30 | $8.82 |
| Efficient EV | 46 | 0 | $16.08 | $7.35 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 73.5 | 0 | $25.73 | $11.76 |
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
22 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.
Destination
Gamewell, NC
Evening in Gamewell on Tuesday
Local time
8:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°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
7 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 48m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Cary, NC to Gamewell, NC covers 183.8 miles and takes about 3h 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Dan K. Moore Frwy, US 421, I 40. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 91.9 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 $28.74 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 15 significant decision points across 183.8 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: at 63.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.2 miles (I 40; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 83.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Cary, NC and Gamewell, NC, road signs point toward Statesville, Yadkinville, Taylorsville and Lenoir.
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