- Must visit
Delaware Art Museum
Major art museum known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, American illustration, and sculpture garden.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cary, NC to Wilmington, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $96. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $96, and a flight costs an average of $311.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$97 Average price Cheapest | $420 Average price | $27 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 22m Average total duration 6h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cary, NC to Wilmington, NC:
A bus is $322 (€264) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cary, NC to Wilmington, NC costing on average $420 (€344).
Other travel options to Wilmington, NC take longer:
Flight takes on average 6h 22m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:47PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 11h03 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:47PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 10h33 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $96 |
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Cary, NC to Wilmington, NC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $96 (€79) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 07:40, the last at 16:10. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 10h 33m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $96 (€79) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 10h 33m |
First bus 7:40 AM |
Last bus 4:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Wilmington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wilmington trip today.
Major art museum known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, American illustration, and sculpture garden.
Historic industrial museum on the Brandywine, preserving the original DuPont gunpowder works and riverside estate.
Renowned museum of American decorative arts set in a grand former estate with extensive gardens.
Popular waterfront district with a riverwalk, public art, entertainment venues, and modern city views.
Large urban park with river scenery, trails, and access to the Brandywine Zoo area.
Beloved hillside park known for lawns, skyline views, and the landmark Rockford Tower.
Slow-cooked pork, often chopped or pulled, dressed in a tangy vinegar-based sauce typical of eastern North Carolina. It is one of the region’s signature foods.
A classic local barbecue sandwich made with smoky pulled pork, usually served with slaw. It is a staple at casual barbecue spots around coastal North Carolina.
Lightly battered and fried seafood, especially shrimp or fish, inspired by the nearby Calabash style of the Carolina coast. It is popular in Wilmington seafood restaurants.
Popular long-running restaurant known for Thai and Vietnamese dishes, lush decor, and a memorable garden dining atmosphere.
Well-regarded downtown restaurant focusing on North Carolina ingredients, seafood, and refined Southern cooking in a polished but relaxed setting.
Established downtown brewpub serving house beer and crowd-pleasing American food in a lively historic space.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and fine dining can be pricier in peak periods.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cary, NC to Wilmington, NC by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Wilmington, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cary, NC to Wilmington, NC buses use the Raleigh, Bus Station to Wilmington, Forden Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cary, NC and Wilmington, NC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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