Traveling from Elizabethtown to Winston-Salem covers 156.5 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 46 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a highway cruise, you should plan on this being a focused day trip. You can expect to spend roughly $24 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly way to move between these two Southeast locations. While the trip is manageable in a single day, the winding nature of the roads means you should be prepared for active driving rather than passive highway travel. It is a straightforward route that connects the Southeast region of the state, perfect for those who prefer local backroads over interstate traffic.
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
78.1 miles from Elizabethtown, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Isaac Brooks Highway
43.4 mi
52m
NC 53
23.7 mi
32m
North Bragg Boulevard
20.9 mi
29m
Salem Parkway
13.4 mi
16m
Sanford Bypass
12.1 mi
13m
Greensboro Urban Loop
11.5 mi
12m
Cedar Creek Road
10.8 mi
15m
Murchison Road
8.6 mi
13m
Longest stretch:
Isaac Brooks Highway
— 43.4 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elizabethtown, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on US 701; NC 41
1.3 mi·1 min·North Poplar Street
2
Turn left onto NC 53; NC 242
24 mi·32 min·NC 53; NC 242
3
Continue on NC 53
11 mi·15 min·Cedar Creek Road
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn left onto NC 24; NC 210
1.5 mi·3 min·Grove Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Continue on NC 24; NC 210
0.6 mi·1 min·Rowan Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
Turn right onto NC 210
8.6 mi·13 min·Murchison Road
Use the right lane.
7
Continue on NC 24; NC 87; NC 210
0.5 mi·49 sec·South Bragg Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto NC 24; NC 87
21 mi·29 min·North Bragg Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto NC 87 BYP
12 mi·13 min·Sanford Bypass
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on US 421
0.4 mi·28 sec·Boone Trail Road
11
Continue on US 421
43 mi·52 min·Isaac Brooks Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto US 421
0.2 mi·27 sec·US 421
Exit 197Toward I 85, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Durham, CharlotteUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto US 421
0.8 mi·1 min·US 421
Toward I 85 South, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, CharlotteUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 85; US 421
4.8 mi·5 min·Greensboro Urban Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 73; US 421
6.7 mi·7 min·Greensboro Urban Loop
Exit 121Toward I 73 North, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, MartinsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 421
5.8 mi·6 min·US 421
Exit 103BToward I 40 West, US 421 North: Winston-SalemUse the slight left lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 421
13 mi·16 min·Salem Parkway
Exit 206Toward US 421 North: KernersvilleUse the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 233AToward Main StreetUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
0.4 mi·44 sec·South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
20
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Since this route relies entirely on local roads, flexibility is your greatest advantage when planning your departure time. Aim to leave during daylight hours to better navigate the various turns and local road transitions you will encounter. With only one recommended stop planned, try to space out your breaks to stay refreshed, as the turn-heavy nature of the drive requires more mental focus than a straight highway shot. Keep your fuel budget of $24 in mind as you plan your stops, and make sure your vehicle is prepared for a steady pace rather than high-speed cruising. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to keep a close eye on your navigation system, as the reliance on local streets like Grove and Rowan requires frequent attention to your turns.
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 78.1 miles from Elizabethtown, NC, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.4 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 34 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.1 miles or 1h 50m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Winston-Salem, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Elizabethtown, 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 Elizabethtown, NC
This is one driving day of about 156.2 miles and 3h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Elizabethtown, 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 Isaac Brooks Highway for about 43.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 123.9 and 142.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
123.9 mi into trip|~2h 45m in|US 421
Take the exit onto US 421 toward I 85, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Durham, Charlotte
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 197
Toward I 85, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Durha...
8
124.1 mi into trip|~2h 46m in|US 421
Keep slight left at fork onto US 421 toward I 85 South, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Charlotte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 85 South, US 421 North: Winston-Salem,...
9
129.7 mi into trip|~2h 53m in|I 73; US 421 / Greensboro Urban Loop
Keep slight right at fork onto I 73; US 421 / Greensboro Urban Loop toward I 73 North, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Martinsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 121
Toward I 73 North, US 421 North: Winston-Salem,...
9
136.4 mi into trip|~3h in|US 421
Keep slight left at fork onto US 421 toward I 40 West, US 421 North: Winston-Salem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 103B
Toward I 40 West, US 421 North: Winston-Salem
8
142.2 mi into trip|~3h 7m in|US 421 / Salem Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 421 / Salem Parkway toward US 421 North: Kernersville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 206
Toward US 421 North: Kernersville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.43 one way
$48.85 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$26.71
$53.42
premium
$4.70
$28.91
$57.82
diesel
$5.61
$34.49
$68.97
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
46.9
0
$16.40
$7.50
Efficient EV
39.1
0
$13.67
$6.25
EV Truck/SUV
62.5
0
$21.87
$10.00
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% 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 17, 2026
Origin
Elizabethtown, NC
Morning
in Elizabethtown on Sunday
Local time
7:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Winston-Salem, NC
Morning
in Winston-Salem on Sunday
Local time
7:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
16 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 24m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a very different experience than the standard interstate grind, as this route features zero highway miles. Instead, you will navigate turn-heavy local roads, specifically utilizing Cedar Creek Road, Grove Street, and Rowan Street to reach your destination. Because the longest uninterrupted stretch on Cedar Creek Road is essentially non-existent, you will find yourself constantly adjusting your speed and steering through local turns. This character makes the drive feel much more hands-on and technical throughout the entire 156.5-mile duration. You will need to stay alert and engaged, as the lack of long highway stretches keeps the journey feeling consistent and local from start to finish.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 43.4 mi on Isaac Brooks Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 123.9 miles in near US 421.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 156.2 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 123.9 miles (US 421): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.1 miles (US 421): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.7 miles (I 73; US 421 / Greensboro Urban Loop): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
959 ft55 ft
Total Climb
1,062 ft
Total Descent
260 ft
Highest Point
959 ft
~145.1 mi in
Elevation Range
905 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Elizabethtown, NC and Winston-Salem, NC, road signs point toward Durham, Charlotte and Martinsville.
Winston-Salem is a city in North Carolina. It has an approximate population of 251,000 (2022). Winston-Salem is one of three cities that make up the Piedmont Triad; the others are Greensboro and High Point.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 24m. Total distance: 156.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 43.4 miles on Isaac Brooks Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Winston-Salem, NC before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 123.9 miles (US 421): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.1 miles (US 421): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.7 miles (I 73; US 421 / Greensboro Urban Loop): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Winston-Salem, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.
