Navigating the Journey from Asheville to Cary, North Carolina

Nothing’s worse than being stuck in traffic during a long drive – except for not knowing how long that traffic jam will last! Luckily, we’re here to help. Let's take a look at the quickest and slowest drives between Asheville and Cary, North Carolina and explore how long it’ll take to get there.

The Fastest Route

The fastest and most direct route is via I-40 Eastbound, taking approximately 3 hours and covering 236 miles of diverse North Carolina terrain. This route is perfect for those looking to get to Cary without making any pitstops. Plan your itinerary and hit the road!

The Slowest Route

If you’re in no rush, take US-70 Eastbound, which will lead you down the windy mountain roads of Western North Carolina. This route is quieter compared to the other major highways and will be a slower, more scenic journey. At roughly 238 miles, the drive will take around 5 hours. If you're interested in a relaxing journey through small towns and country roads, this route is for you.

Traffic Patterns

If you have to travel at peak hours, you should expect to add some extra time to your itinerary. Traffic along I-40 can be heavy, especially if you're traveling during rush hour. To avoid the gridlock, plan your trip to avoid peak traffic times and consider taking alternate routes.

On the other hand, if you’re a morning person and leave early enough, you might miss most of the traffic heading to the Raleigh-Durham area. Driving in the early morning, around 6 or 7 AM, will give you an almost clear highway. If you can manage to get on US Route 64 to US Route 1 when traffic is low, the reduced congestion will mean less stopping and faster travelling.

Conclusion

Overall, there are multiple routes to take when traveling from Asheville to Cary, providing drivers with unique views, places to stop and explore, and different driving times. Keep in mind the highways and roads, traffic densities and the time of day when planning your itinerary. Your travel time will vary depending on your choice of route and traffic conditions, so plan your journey accordingly. Safe travels!