Matthews, NC to Winston-Salem, NC is 89.5 miles and takes about 1h 44m via Jeff Gordon Expressway and I-285, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within North Carolina, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip that's perfect for a single-day journey. Given its relatively short duration, you won't need an overnight stay, allowing for maximum flexibility in your departure and arrival times. Plan for a quick and efficient transit between these two North Carolina cities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
44.7 miles from Matthews, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 52m 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
21.3 mi
22m
West John Street
1.3 mi
3m
Salem Parkway
0.4 mi
<1m
South Main Street
0.4 mi
<1m
North Freemont Street
<0.1 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 Matthews, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on North Freemont Street
13 ft·5 sec·North Freemont Street
2
Turn left onto West John Street
1.3 mi·3 min·West John Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward Matthews, Stallings, Indian Trail
4
Merge onto I 485
21 mi·22 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
With a drive time of under two hours, this trip offers a lot of flexibility; you can easily depart in the morning and arrive before lunch, or head out in the afternoon and still have plenty of daylight. Since it's a single-day trip, focus on a smooth transition rather than extensive stops. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially considering the longest stretch of 38.9 miles on the Jeff Gordon Expressway. There are no specific overnight recommendations needed, but it's always wise to check traffic conditions before you leave Matthews, NC, to ensure the quickest possible travel time to Winston-Salem, NC.
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 44.7 miles from Matthews, NC, or about 52m 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 20 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 44.7 miles or 52m 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 27m
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 Matthews, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Matthews, NC
This is one driving day of about 89.5 miles and 1h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Matthews, 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 22.9 and 88.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
22.9 mi into trip|~26m 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
23.1 mi into trip|~27m 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
62.6 mi into trip|~1h 12m 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
66.7 mi into trip|~1h 16m 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
88.3 mi into trip|~1h 41m 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
$14.00 one way
$27.99 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$15.30
$30.61
premium
$4.70
$16.56
$33.13
diesel
$5.61
$19.76
$39.52
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: 31.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.8
0
$9.40
$4.30
Efficient EV
22.4
0
$7.83
$3.58
EV Truck/SUV
35.8
0
$12.53
$5.73
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (68% 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
Matthews, NC
Late night
in Matthews on Sunday
Local time
5:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Winston-Salem, NC
Late night
in Winston-Salem on Sunday
Local time
5:57 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
9 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 44m 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?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 96% of the journey taking place on major roadways. You'll primarily be on the Jeff Gordon Expressway and I-285, offering a consistent and fast-paced experience. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 38.9 miles along the Jeff Gordon Expressway, so expect extended periods of highway driving without significant deviations. The character of the road is consistently that of a major artery, designed for efficient travel between these two points.
96% 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 22.9 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 89.5 miles you will encounter 12 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 22.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 62.6 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 Matthews, 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 44m. Total distance: 89.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). 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 22.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 62.6 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.
