This 86.7-mile drive from Hemby Bridge, North Carolina, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It's a perfect candidate for a day trip, so you won't need to worry about overnight stays. The route is almost entirely highway, making for a quick transit between these two points within the Southeast region. With an estimated fuel cost of $14, it's an economical option for getting from point A to point B. You'll primarily be on the Jeff Gordon Expressway and I-285, setting a practical tone for the trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.3 miles from Hemby Bridge, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Jeff Gordon Expressway
38.9 mi
43m
I 285
25.6 mi
29m
Governor James G Martin Freeway
17.4 mi
18m
Idlewild Road
2.1 mi
3m
Salem Parkway
0.4 mi
<1m
South Main Street
0.4 mi
<1m
Indian Trail Fairview Road
0.2 mi
<1m
North Main Street
—
—
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
Longest stretch:
Jeff Gordon Expressway
— 38.9 mi, about 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hemby Bridge, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on Indian Trail Fairview Road
0.2 mi·22 sec·Indian Trail Fairview Road
2
Turn right onto Idlewild Road
2.1 mi·3 min·Idlewild Road
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 485 North Outer: Concord
4
Merge onto I 485
17 mi·18 min·Governor James G Martin Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 30Toward I 85: Spartanburg, GreensboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 85 North: GreensboroUse the straight / right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 85
39 mi·43 min·Jeff Gordon Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70
4.1 mi·4 min·I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70
Toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Lexington, Winston-SalemUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 285; US 52
22 mi·24 min·I 285; US 52
Toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Winston-SalemUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 109BToward US 158 West, US 421 North: Salem ParkwayUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto US 421; US 158; NC 150
0.4 mi·34 sec·Salem Parkway
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 233AToward Main StreetUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
0.4 mi·44 sec·South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
14
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes, this drive offers a lot of flexibility. You can leave whenever it suits your schedule, whether that's early to beat traffic or later in the day. Since it's a highway-focused trip, plan for fuel stops before you leave or be aware that services will be concentrated along the interstate stretches. Keep an eye out for the transition onto I-285 as it's a key segment of this journey. With only 86.7 miles, you can easily power through without needing to break it up.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.3 miles from Hemby Bridge, NC, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.9 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 19 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.3 miles or 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 1h 25m
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 Hemby Bridge, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Hemby Bridge, NC
This is one driving day of about 86.7 miles and 1h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Hemby Bridge, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Jeff Gordon Expressway for about 38.9 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 20.1 and 85.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
20.1 mi into trip|~23m in
Take the exit toward I 85: Spartanburg, Greensboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 30
Toward I 85: Spartanburg, Greensboro
7
20.2 mi into trip|~23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 85 North: Greensboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 85 North: Greensboro
8
59.8 mi into trip|~1h 9m in|I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70
Keep slight right at fork onto I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70 toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Lexington, Winston-Salem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Lexington, Win...
8
63.9 mi into trip|~1h 13m in|I 285; US 52
Keep slight left at fork onto I 285; US 52 toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Winston-Salem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Winston-Salem
8
85.4 mi into trip|~1h 38m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.56 one way
$27.12 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg30 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$14.82
$29.65
premium
$4.70
$16.05
$32.09
diesel
$5.61
$19.14
$38.28
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26
0
$9.10
$4.16
Efficient EV
21.7
0
$7.59
$3.47
EV Truck/SUV
34.7
0
$12.14
$5.55
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 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 15, 2026
Origin
Hemby Bridge, NC
Morning
in Hemby Bridge on Tuesday
Local time
8:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Mostly Clear
SW 6 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 8:26PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 8:16PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Destination
Winston-Salem, NC
Morning
in Winston-Salem on Tuesday
Local time
8:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
58°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
4 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
1h 40m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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 highway-focused drive for 95% of this trip. You'll spend most of your time on major roads like the Jeff Gordon Expressway and Governor James G Martin Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 38.9 miles on the Jeff Gordon Expressway, so you can settle in for some consistent cruising. This route is designed for efficient travel, with minimal deviations from the main arteries, offering a direct and focused driving experience.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 38.9 mi on Jeff Gordon Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Jeff Gordon Expressway and I 285. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20.1 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 86.7 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 20.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.8 miles (I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hemby Bridge, NC to Winston-Salem, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Greensboro along the way.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 40m. Total distance: 86.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 38.9 miles on Jeff Gordon Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 20.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.8 miles (I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Winston-Salem, NC before heading back.
