Origin
Fairmont, NC
Late night in Fairmont on Tuesday
Local time
4:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fairmont, NC to Winston-Salem, NC
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 10m
Distance
162.5 mi
261 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 58m
★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fairmont, NC
Mark Stebnicki
Trip Overview
This 162.5-mile journey from Fairmont, NC to Winston-Salem, NC takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes, making it a very manageable one-day trip. You'll be spending about 68% of your time on highways, so expect a fairly direct drive. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, this is an economical option for a quick getaway. Both your starting and ending points are within the Southeast region, so you'll remain in familiar territory. This route is well-suited for a single day of driving, offering a straightforward transition between these North Carolina cities.
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
81.2 miles from Fairmont, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 220 | 62.7 mi | 1h 11m |
| I 74 | 32.3 mi | 37m |
| American Indian Highway | 22.4 mi | 24m |
| Andrew Jackson Highway | 20.2 mi | 23m |
| G R Kindley Freeway | 10.5 mi | 11m |
| North Walnut Street | 6.8 mi | 10m |
| John Gold Memorial Expressway | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| I 40 | 2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 220
— 62.7 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairmont, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on NC 41
355 ft
·
17 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn slight right onto NC 41
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
Byrd Street
3
Continue on NC 41
6.8 mi
·
10 min
·
North Walnut Street
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
5
Merge onto I 74; US 74
22 mi
·
24 min
·
American Indian Highway
6
Continue on US 74
20 mi
·
23 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
11 mi
·
11 min
·
G R Kindley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 311
Toward US 1: Rockingham
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn right onto US 1
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 1
Use the right lane.
10
Turn straight onto US 220
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
US 220
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 220
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
US 220
Use the left lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220
58 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
US 220
Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 220 North: Asheboro
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 74
31 mi
·
35 min
·
I 74
Exit 80
Toward I 74 West: High Point, Winston-Salem
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 74
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 74
Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
15
Merge onto I 40
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 52 North: Mount Airy
Use the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto US 52; NC 8
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
John Gold Memorial Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 109B
Toward US 158 West, US 421 North: Salem Parkway
Use the right lane.
19
Merge onto US 421; US 158; NC 150
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Salem Parkway
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 233A
Toward Main Street
Use the slight right lane.
21
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
22
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 10-minute duration, this trip is ideal for a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time for any unexpected delays and to arrive with daylight. While the longest stretch without a stop is over 60 miles, there will be opportunities for breaks along the way, especially near towns. With a fuel cost around $25, you won't need to worry excessively about refueling, but it's always wise to top off before embarking. Keep an eye out for the transitions between US 220 and I-74 as these shifts are key points on the route.
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 81.2 miles from Fairmont, NC, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.7 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 36 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 81.2 miles or 1h 35m 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 34m
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 Fairmont, 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 Fairmont, NC
This is one driving day of about 162.5 miles and 3h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Fairmont, 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 US 220 for about 62.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
81 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 81.2 miles from Fairmont, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 220 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 60.5 and 161.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
60.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 10m in
Take the exit toward US 1: Rockingham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 311
Toward US 1: Rockingham
8
66.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
|
US 220
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220 toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 220 North: Asheboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 220 North: Ash...
9
124.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
|
I 74
Keep slight right at fork onto I 74 toward I 74 West: High Point, Winston-Salem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 80
Toward I 74 West: High Point, Winston-Salem
8
161.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m in
Take the exit toward US 158 West, US 421 North: Salem Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 109B
Toward US 158 West, US 421 North: Salem Parkway
7
161.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m in
Take the exit toward Main Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 233A
Toward Main Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.41 one way
$50.82 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
57 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $27.78 | $55.57 |
| premium | $4.70 | $30.08 | $60.15 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.88 | $71.76 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.8 | 0 | $17.06 | $7.80 |
| Efficient EV | 40.6 | 0 | $14.22 | $6.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 65 | 0 | $22.75 | $10.40 |
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Destination
Winston-Salem, NC
Late night in Winston-Salem on Tuesday
Local time
4:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
56°F
Troy, NC
81 mi in
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
24 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 10m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 68% of the route utilizing faster roads. You'll navigate segments of US 220, I-74, and American Indian Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 62.7 miles on US 220, so be prepared for a significant period of consistent highway travel. While not entirely interstate, the character leans towards efficient travel rather than winding backroads. Expect a relatively consistent driving experience as you progress towards Winston-Salem.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.7 mi on US 220.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 220 and I 74. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 60.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 162.5 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 60.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.7 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.5 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Arriving in Winston-Salem, NC
Full guide →Founded 1766
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.
Top landmarks
- • Old Salem — historic district and open-air museum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.A.
- • Reynolds Building — historic skyscraper in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.A.
- • Home Moravian Church — church building in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 10m. Total distance: 162.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.7 miles on US 220. 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 60.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.7 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.5 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Winston-Salem, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Winston-Salem, NC
More trips to Winston-Salem, NC
Explore more options from Fairmont, NC or browse trips ending in Winston-Salem, NC.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NC road trips.