Raleigh, NC to Salt Lake City, UT

State capital to state capital route

43h 7m
Drive Time
2372
Miles
$276
Gas Cost
20
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Raleigh, NC to Salt Lake City, UT?

The drive from Raleigh, NC to Salt Lake City, UT takes approximately 43h 7m, covering 2372 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $276 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 60–61+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
36h 39m
🔵 Typical
43h 7m
🔴 Heavy traffic
62h 31m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance2372 miles
Drive Time43h 7min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$276
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$291-$326

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 6 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Raleigh, NC to Salt Lake City, UT

For a long drive like Raleigh, NC to Salt Lake City, UT, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
43h 7m
~$276 gas
✈️ Flying
7h 15m
~$356–$830 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~4h 45m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
43h 7m
~$276
🚌 Bus
52h 43m
~$190–$427
🚂 Train
43h 8m
~$285–$712

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Raleigh, NC to Salt Lake City, UT?
The drive takes approximately 43 hours and 7 minutes covering 2372 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 79 gallons of gas, costing approximately $276 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.

Driving Tips: Raleigh NC to Salt Lake City UT

Planning a trip from Raleigh NC to Salt Lake City UT? The most common route runs along the highway, covering 2372 miles in about 43h 7m. Gas will set you back roughly $276 for the one-way trip. For the best experience, hit the road during early morning when traffic is lightest.

Covering 2372 miles, this epic drive takes you across a huge swath of the country. Prepare for varied weather conditions, different speed limits by state, and long stretches between services. A well-planned itinerary makes all the difference.

Related Routes

Raleigh, NC → Richmond, VA · 3h 16mRaleigh, NC → Columbia, SC · 4h 19mRaleigh, NC → Annapolis, MD · 5h 54mRaleigh, NC → Charleston WV · 5h 43mRaleigh, NC → Dover, DE · 6h 49mRaleigh, NC → Harrisburg, PA · 7h 40mBoise, ID → Salt Lake City, UT · 6h 58mCheyenne, WY → Salt Lake City, UT · 8h 43mDenver, CO → Salt Lake City, UT · 8h 44mHelena, MT → Salt Lake City, UT · 9h 30mCarson City, NV → Salt Lake City, UT · 10h 10mPhoenix, AZ → Salt Lake City, UT · 11h 55m