Origin
Kill Devil Hills, NC
Afternoon in Kill Devil Hills on Sunday
Local time
3:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Kill Devil Hills, NC to Cary, NC
Drive Time
4h 18m
Distance
211.9 mi
341 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 6m
★
6 AM
4h 19m
8 AM
4h 45m
10 AM
4h 28m
12 PM
4h 26m
3 PM
4h 30m
5 PM
4h 44m
8 PM
4h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kill Devil Hills, NC
William Lucord
Cary, NC
Mark Stebnicki
Trip Overview
Traveling from Kill Devil Hills to Cary spans 211.9 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 18 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, as it connects the coast to the central region of North Carolina without requiring an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via US 64, US 13, and the US 64 Bypass. Budgeting approximately $34 for fuel should cover your travel costs comfortably. Since the drive is manageable in one go, you have the flexibility to head out early and arrive at your destination by the afternoon, making it a straightforward transition between the Southeast coastal area and the inland region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
106 miles from Kill Devil Hills, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 21m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused journey, as 84% of this trip consists of high-speed travel. You will spend a significant portion of your time on major thoroughfares, including a notable 67.3-mile stretch on US 64 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the route. The character of the drive is steady and efficient, designed to move you across the state with minimal complexity. While the highway segments dominate the experience, the transition between these major roads keeps the pace consistent. You will find that the road conditions remain fairly uniform, allowing you to settle into a predictable rhythm as you move inland.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 64 is the longest continuous segment at about 67.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 64 and US 13. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near West 3rd Street.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 211.9 miles you will encounter 8 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 (West 3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 32.3 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.4 miles (I 40; US 64 / Thomas Bradshaw Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West 3rd Street
Turn right onto West 3rd Street
Navigation decision point
6
32.3 mi into trip
|
~47m in
|
US 64
Keep slight left at fork onto US 64
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
199.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 2m in
|
I 40; US 64 / Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Merge onto I 40; US 64 / Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
209.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 14m 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
5
209.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 15m in
|
NC 54 / Chapel Hill Road
Turn left onto NC 54 / Chapel Hill Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 64 | 67.3 mi | 1h 27m |
| US 13 | 58.3 mi | 1h 3m |
| US 64 Bypass | 38.9 mi | 41m |
| Washington Baum Bridge | 20.7 mi | 27m |
| North Croatan Highway | 9.8 mi | 16m |
| Dan K Moore Freeway | 5.8 mi | 6m |
| Thomas Bradshaw Freeway | 4.3 mi | 4m |
| I 87 | 2.7 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
US 64
— 67.3 mi, about 1h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kill Devil Hills, NC and Cary, NC.
1
Start on Creek Street
0.1 mi
·
30 sec
·
Creek Street
2
Turn right onto West 3rd Street
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
West 3rd Street
3
Turn right onto US 158
9.8 mi
·
16 min
·
North Croatan Highway
4
Continue on US 64
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Virginia Dare Trail
5
Continue on US 64
21 mi
·
27 min
·
Washington Baum Bridge
6
Keep slight left at fork onto US 64
67 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
US 64
Use the straight lane.
7
Turn left onto US 13; US 17
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
US 13; US 17
8
Continue on US 13; US 64
57 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
US 13; US 64
9
Continue on US 64 Bypass
39 mi
·
41 min
·
US 64 Bypass
Use the none lane.
10
Merge onto I 87; I 440; US 64
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
I 87; I 440; US 64
11
Merge onto I 40; US 64
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 40; US 64
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Dan K Moore Freeway
Use the none lane.
13
Continue on I 40; US 64
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
14
Continue on I 40; US 64
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Dan K Moore Freeway
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward NC 54: Cary
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn left onto NC 54
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Chapel Hill Road
Use the left lane.
17
Turn right onto North Academy Street
24 ft
·
0 sec
·
North Academy Street
Use the right lane.
18
Arrive at destination
North Academy Street
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth journey, plan for at least one stop to break up the 4-hour and 18-minute drive. Since the route relies heavily on major roads like US 64, try to avoid peak traffic hours when approaching the central region to keep your travel time predictable. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the longer highway stretches, as the 67.3-mile segment on US 64 is the primary area where you should be prepared for extended driving without immediate exits. Because this trip is well within the limits of a single day, you can afford to be flexible with your departure time, though leaving early morning is usually your best bet for light traffic. By pacing yourself and utilizing that single stop effectively, you can arrive in Cary feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.
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 106 miles from Kill Devil Hills, NC, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.3 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 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106 miles or 2h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 34m
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 Kill Devil Hills, 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 Kill Devil Hills, NC
This is one driving day of about 211.9 miles and 4h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Kill Devil Hills, 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 US 64 for about 67.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 106 mi from Kill Devil Hills, NC · 2h 21m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
106 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 106 miles from Kill Devil Hills, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.3 miles.
Arriving in Cary, NC
The final approach into Cary, 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 Cary, 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
$33.91 one way
$67.82 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
74 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $36.95 | $73.90 |
| premium | $4.78 | $39.86 | $79.72 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $47.08 | $94.15 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 63.6 | 0 | $22.25 | $10.17 |
| Efficient EV | 53 | 0 | $18.54 | $8.48 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 84.8 | 1 | $29.67 | $13.56 |
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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
Cary, NC
Afternoon in Cary on Sunday
Local time
3:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°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
4 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
4h 18m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Kill Devil Hills, NC to Cary, NC covers 211.9 miles and takes about 4h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 64, US 13, US 64 Bypass. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 106 miles from Kill Devil Hills, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.91 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 211.9 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (West 3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 32.3 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.4 miles (I 40; US 64 / Thomas Bradshaw Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Kill Devil Hills, NC to Cary, NC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Cary, NC
More from Kill Devil Hills, NC
More trips to Cary, NC
Explore more options from Kill Devil Hills, NC or browse trips ending in Cary, NC.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NC road trips.
Explore maps for Kill Devil Hills, NC or Cary, NC on MapSof.net.