Origin
Princeville, NC
Morning in Princeville on Sunday
Local time
7:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Princeville, NC to Winston-Salem, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 21m
Distance
170.1 mi
274 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 9m
★
6 AM
3h 21m
8 AM
3h 45m
10 AM
3h 30m
12 PM
3h 27m
3 PM
3h 31m
5 PM
3h 44m
8 PM
3h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Princeville, NC
Mark Stebnicki
Trip Overview
This 170.1-mile drive from Princeville to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a straightforward journey that can comfortably be completed in about 3 hours and 21 minutes. It's an ideal one-day trip, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule without needing an overnight stay. The route is primarily highway-focused, with an estimated fuel cost of $27. You'll be traversing roads within the Southeast region, moving from one part of North Carolina to another. This drive offers a practical way to get from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
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
85 miles from Princeville, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 85 | 42.3 mi | 48m |
| US 64 | 27.9 mi | 30m |
| US 64 Bypass | 27.8 mi | 29m |
| I 40 | 20.3 mi | 24m |
| Northern Wake Expressway | 15.4 mi | 16m |
| Salem Parkway | 13.4 mi | 16m |
| South Miami Boulevard | 9.3 mi | 12m |
| Buffaloe Road | 3.8 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 85
— 42.3 mi, about 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Princeville, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Mutual Boulevard
2
Take the ramp onto US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
US 64 ALT; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
3
Merge onto US 64; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
28 mi
·
30 min
·
US 64; US 258; NC 111; NC 122
4
Continue on US 64 Bypass
28 mi
·
29 min
·
US 64 Bypass
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 14
Toward Rolesville Road
6
Keep slight right at fork
309 ft
·
7 sec
Exit 14
Toward Rolesville Road
7
Turn right onto Rolesville Road
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Rolesville Road
8
Turn sharp left onto Marks Creek Road
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
·
Marks Creek Road
9
Turn right onto Horton Road
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
Horton Road
10
Turn right onto Buffaloe Road
3.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Buffaloe Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
23 sec
12
Merge onto I 540
15 mi
·
16 min
·
Northern Wake Expressway
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 70 West: Durham
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto US 70
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Glenwood Avenue
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 70
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
New Raleigh Highway
16
Continue on US 70
9.3 mi
·
12 min
·
South Miami Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70
42 mi
·
48 min
·
I 85; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
7.7 mi
·
9 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 220
13 mi
·
15 min
·
I 40; US 220
Use the straight lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 421
13 mi
·
16 min
·
Salem Parkway
Exit 206
Toward US 421 North: Kernersville
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 233A
Toward Main Street
Use the slight right lane.
22
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
23
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3-hour and 21-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility for when you depart. Leaving Princeville in the morning allows you to reach Winston-Salem by midday. With only one recommended stop, you can easily manage your breaks. The fuel cost is estimated at $27, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you begin. A practical tip for this route: pay close attention to signage for the US 64 Bypass as you approach Winston-Salem to ensure you stay on your intended path.
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 85 miles from Princeville, NC, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.3 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 37 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85 miles or 1h 39m 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 43m
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 Princeville, 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 Princeville, NC
This is one driving day of about 170.1 miles and 3h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Princeville, 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 I 85 for about 42.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 85 miles from Princeville, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 185 decision points cluster between mile 56.3 and 169.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
56.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Rolesville Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 14
Toward Rolesville Road
6
79.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 30m in
Take the exit toward US 70 West: Durham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 70 West: Durham
6
93.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m in
|
I 85; US 70
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
156.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 4m 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
7
169.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 20m 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
$26.60 one way
$53.20 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $29.08 | $58.17 |
| premium | $4.70 | $31.48 | $62.96 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.56 | $75.11 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51 | 0 | $17.86 | $8.16 |
| Efficient EV | 42.5 | 0 | $14.88 | $6.80 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68 | 0 | $23.81 | $10.89 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Morning in Winston-Salem on Sunday
Local time
7:35 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
7 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 21m 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?
Expect a highway-focused experience for 87% of this 170.1-mile route, primarily utilizing I-85 and US 64. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 42.3 miles on I-85, offering a consistent pace. While much of the drive will be on faster roads, keep an eye out for transitions as you navigate US 64 and its bypass. This isn't a winding scenic byway, but rather a functional drive designed for efficient travel across North Carolina.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.3 mi on I 85.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and US 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 56.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 18 significant decision points across 170.1 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 56.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 79.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 93.5 miles (I 85; US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Arriving in Winston-Salem, NC
Full guide →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.
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 21m. Total distance: 170.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.3 miles on I 85. 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 56.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 79.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 93.5 miles (I 85; US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 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.
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