Leland, NC to Winston-Salem, NC is 223.7 miles and takes about 4h 22m via Andrew Jackson Highway, US 220, and American Indian Highway, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within North Carolina, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. Expect a mixed driving experience with a significant portion on highways. It's a manageable distance for a single day of travel, making it a straightforward option for connecting these two areas.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
111.8 miles from Leland, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Andrew Jackson Highway
76 mi
1h 31m
US 220
62.7 mi
1h 11m
American Indian Highway
33.6 mi
36m
I 74
32.3 mi
37m
G R Kindley Freeway
10.5 mi
11m
John Gold Memorial Expressway
2.1 mi
2m
I 40
2 mi
2m
US 1
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Andrew Jackson Highway
— 76 mi, about 1h 31m
Traffic on I-73
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 2 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
1 PM
~563 veh/hr typical
· worst 967
Quietest
2 AM
~40 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
14.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Leland, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on Post Office Road Northeast
282 ft·13 sec·Post Office Road Northeast
2
Turn right onto Lincoln Road Northeast
272 ft·12 sec·Lincoln Road Northeast
3
Turn right onto Village Road
0.2 mi·19 sec·Village Road
4
Turn right onto Leland School Road Northeast
0.6 mi·1 min·Leland School Road Northeast
5
At end of road, turn left onto Mount Misery Road Northeast
0.3 mi·26 sec·Mount Misery Road Northeast
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
7
Merge onto US 74; US 76
56 mi·1 hr 8 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 74; NC 130
34 mi·36 min·American Indian Highway
9
Continue on US 74
20 mi·23 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
11 mi·11 min·G R Kindley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 311Toward US 1: RockinghamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn right onto US 1
1.1 mi·1 min·US 1
Use the right lane.
13
Turn straight onto US 220
4.4 mi·6 min·US 220
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 220
0.4 mi·36 sec·US 220
Use the left lane.
15
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: AsheboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 74
31 mi·35 min·I 74
Exit 80Toward I 74 West: High Point, Winston-SalemUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 74
1.0 mi·1 min·I 74
Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
18
Merge onto I 40
2.0 mi·2 min·I 40
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward US 52 North: Mount AiryUse the slight right lane.
20
Merge onto US 52; NC 8
2.1 mi·2 min·John Gold Memorial Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 109BToward US 158 West, US 421 North: Salem ParkwayUse the right lane.
22
Merge onto US 421; US 158; NC 150
0.4 mi·34 sec·Salem Parkway
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 233AToward Main StreetUse the slight right lane.
24
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
0.4 mi·44 sec·South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
25
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time under 4.5 hours, this route is easily completed in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to allow for a relaxed pace and avoid potential afternoon traffic. You'll have one recommended stop, which is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel. Given the relatively short distance, you have flexibility in when and where you take breaks, but keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 76-mile stretch on Andrew Jackson Highway, as services might be less frequent there.
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 111.8 miles from Leland, NC, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76 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 49 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.8 miles or 2h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 33m
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 Leland, 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 Leland, NC
This is one driving day of about 223.7 miles and 4h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Leland, 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 Andrew Jackson Highway for about 76 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 121.7 and 223.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
121.7 mi into trip|~2h 22m 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
127.9 mi into trip|~2h 31m 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
185.8 mi into trip|~3h 36m 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
222.5 mi into trip|~4h 20m 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
223.1 mi into trip|~4h 21m 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
$33.03 one way
$66.05 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$36.29
$72.59
premium
$4.49
$39.56
$79.12
diesel
$4.80
$42.24
$84.48
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.1
0
$23.49
$10.74
Efficient EV
55.9
0
$19.57
$8.95
EV Truck/SUV
89.5
1
$31.32
$14.32
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Leland, NC
Late night
in Leland on Sunday
Local time
4:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
S 13 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 3:52PM EDT until July 18 at 4:15PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:30PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Destination
Winston-Salem, NC
Late night
in Winston-Salem on Sunday
Local time
4:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
SW 10 mph59% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 3:52PM EDT until July 18 at 4:15PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:30PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
89°F
Aberdeen, NC
112 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
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 22m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Moores Creek National Battlefield
National Battlefield
In the early morning hours of February 27, 1776, Loyalist forces charged across a partially dismantled Moores Creek Bridge. Beyond the bridge, nearly 1,000 North Carolina Patriots waited quietly with...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 7.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is about 50% highway, meaning you'll transition between faster-paced interstate cruising and more local surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 76 miles, specifically on Andrew Jackson Highway. You'll notice a shift in traffic density and exit frequency as you move between the highway segments and the surface roads. Be prepared for a mix of open cruising and areas with more frequent intersections.
50% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 76 mi on Andrew Jackson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 121.7 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 20 significant decision points across 223.7 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 121.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.9 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.8 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 4h 22m. Total distance: 223.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 76 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 6 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 121.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.9 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.8 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Moores Creek National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Winston-Salem, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.
