If you find yourself in the unfortunate predicament of needing to travel from Cary NC to Raleigh NC, you may be tempted to believe that such a simple task could be accomplished with ease. However, I must warn you that this journey is fraught with peril. The roads are treacherous, the traffic is unbearable, and the possibility of encountering a suicidal goose is ever-present. But fear not for you’ve stumbled upon the most delightful of guides for the dreadful journey from Cary to Raleigh!
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How to get from Cary NC to Raleigh NC
Parking is plentiful in both Cary and Raleigh, so driving is a convenient option. There are several routes to choose from, depending on your preference. For a more budget-friendly journey, consider public transportation. Buses and trains offer regular service, though schedules may be less flexible. If you need transportation outside of regular hours or after consuming alcohol, taxis or rideshares are reliable choices. For a more active and eco-friendly experience, biking is a great option. There are various routes to suit different skill levels and preferences.
Driving from Cary NC to Raleigh NC
There are several routes you can choose to drive between Cary and Raleigh taking between 15 and 20 minutes without traffic. From downtown Cary to downtown Raleigh, the fastest route will use I-40. If you would like to avoid highways, Chapel Hill Rd to Durham Rd to E Chatham St to Western Blvd is a more direct route. Use Google Maps to plan your exact route with turn-by-turn directions.
Parking
Parking is readily available and relatively affordable if not free in most parts of Raleigh and Cary. Be sure to read signs and you should have no problems.
Buses from Cary NC to Raleigh NC
GoTriangle Route 300 provides public bus service between the Cary Depot and downtown Raleigh (Wilmington St at Morgan St). This bus runs every 30-60 minutes and takes approximately 25 minutes.
Use Google Maps or one of these apps for trip planning and bus tracking as you may find another bus or combination of busses that will get you closer to your final destination.
A single ride on a GoTriangle bus costs $1.25. Additional bus fares and pass information can be found here.
Trains
The Silver Star, Piedmont, and Carolinian Amtrak lines run between Cary Station and Raleigh Union Station. There are 6 trains per day, most of which take less than 15 minutes from station to station, and tickets are available for as little as $6.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are not particularly common in Raleigh or Cary. The biggest company, Taxi Taxi can be booked online or by calling 919-333-3333. All taxis run on a meter and rates are $4.20 for the first mile and 25¢ for each additional 1/10-mile.
More common in Raleigh is getting around by rideshare. Rideshare companies operating in Raleigh include Uber and Lyft. Use the apps to book a ride which should take approximately 15-20 minutes and cost around $15 if there is no traffic.
Biking
It is possible to cycle from Cary to Raleigh in as little as about 50 minutes. That said, that’s assuming you’re comfortable riding on extremely busy roads without bicycle infrastructure.
This alternate route takes about 1h 45 minutes using mostly greenway trails.
I hope you find the journey ahead as captivating as this narrative.
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