This 168.8-mile drive from Southport, NC to Cary, NC is best tackled as a single-day trip, estimated to take just over 3 hours. With a fuel cost around $26, it's an economical journey. You'll primarily be on Michael Jordan Highway and I-40, with a portion of I-140, offering a mix of driving experiences. While 25% of the route is highway, the overall profile suggests a more turn-heavy local drive, so be prepared for varied road conditions. This trip is entirely within the Southeast region, making it a straightforward regional excursion.
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
84.4 miles from Southport, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 40m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 13m. Total distance: 168.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a drive that's more dynamic than a pure interstate cruise. With only 25% of the route on highways like I-40 and I-140, you'll encounter more local roads and turns. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 103.3 miles on Michael Jordan Highway, offering a period of consistent travel before the road character potentially shifts. This profile suggests a journey where you'll experience a variety of road types, from faster sections to more intricate local routes, keeping you engaged behind the wheel.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 14 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Michael Jordan Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 103.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.3 miles in near US 17; NC 87 / Ocean Highway East.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 168.8 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 16.3 miles (US 17; NC 87 / Ocean Highway East): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.8 miles (I 140): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
16.3 mi into trip|~24m in|US 17; NC 87 / Ocean Highway East
Merge onto US 17; NC 87 / Ocean Highway East
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
19.8 mi into trip|~29m in|I 140
Take the exit onto I 140 toward I 140: Topsail Island, Jacksonville, New Bern
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 39
Toward I 140: Topsail Island, Jacksonville, New...
6
39.8 mi into trip|~51m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 40 West: Benson, Raleigh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 40 West: Benson, Raleigh
6
144 mi into trip|~2h 44m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
166.3 mi into trip|~3h 9m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Southport, NC and Cary, NC, road signs point toward Jacksonville, New Bern, Wilmington and Raleigh.
Jacksonville
19.8 mi in|~29m|via I 140
New Bern
19.8 mi in|~29m|via I 140
Wilmington
39.5 mi in|~51m
Raleigh
39.8 mi in|~51m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Michael Jordan Highway
103.3 mi
1h 50m
I 40
22.3 mi
25m
I 140
19.7 mi
22m
George II Highway
11.7 mi
16m
Ocean Highway East
3.5 mi
4m
River Road Southeast
3.3 mi
5m
Chapel Hill Road
2.2 mi
3m
North Howe Street
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Michael Jordan Highway
— 103.3 mi, about 1h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Southport, NC and Cary, NC.
1
Start on NC 211
1.2 mi·2 min·North Howe Street
2
Turn straight
381 ft·13 sec
3
Turn slight right onto NC 87
3.3 mi·5 min·River Road Southeast
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn straight onto NC 87
12 mi·16 min·George II Highway
Use the straight lane.
5
Merge onto US 17; NC 87
3.5 mi·4 min·Ocean Highway East
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the exit onto I 140
20 mi·22 min·I 140
Exit 39Toward I 140: Topsail Island, Jacksonville, New BernUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 40: Raleigh, Wilmington
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 40 West: Benson, Raleigh
9
Merge onto I 40
103 mi·1 hr 50 min·Michael Jordan Highway
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
22 mi·25 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward NC 54: CaryUse the slight right lane.
12
Turn left onto NC 54
2.2 mi·3 min·Chapel Hill Road
Use the left lane.
13
Turn right onto North Academy Street
24 ft·0 sec·North Academy Street
Use the right lane.
14
Arrive at destination
North Academy Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable 3-hour drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Consider leaving in the morning to enjoy your destination with ample daylight. With only one suggested stop and a fuel cost of approximately $26, this trip is budget-friendly. Pay attention to the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, especially during the latter parts of your journey, as you'll want to be mindful of navigation and speed changes. A specific tip: keep an eye on your GPS for the transition points between Michael Jordan Highway and I-40, as these can be crucial for maintaining your momentum.
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 84.4 miles from Southport, NC, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.3 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 37 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.4 miles or 1h 40m 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 38m
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 Southport, 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 Southport, NC
This is one driving day of about 168.8 miles and 3h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Southport, 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 Michael Jordan Highway for about 103.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84.4 mi from Southport, NC
· 1h 40m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.40 one way
$52.79 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$28.86
$57.72
premium
$4.70
$31.24
$62.48
diesel
$5.61
$37.27
$74.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.6
0
$17.72
$8.10
Efficient EV
42.2
0
$14.77
$6.75
EV Truck/SUV
67.5
0
$23.63
$10.80
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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 12, 2026
Origin
Southport, NC
Late night
in Southport on Saturday
Local time
5:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Sunny
SE 8 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued April 12 at 3:43AM EDT until April 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Destination
Cary, NC
Late night
in Cary on Saturday
Local time
5:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Mostly Sunny
S 8 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued April 12 at 3:43AM EDT until April 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
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
9 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 13m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Southport, NC to Cary, NC covers 168.8 miles and takes about 3h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Michael Jordan Highway, I 40, I 140. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 84.4 miles from Southport, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.40 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 11 significant decision points across 168.8 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 16.3 miles (US 17; NC 87 / Ocean Highway East): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.8 miles (I 140): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Southport, NC and Cary, NC, road signs point toward Jacksonville, New Bern, Wilmington and Raleigh.
