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Trip from Red Springs, 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

2h 45m

Distance

126 mi

203 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 35m ★
6 AM
2h 46m
8 AM
3h 8m
10 AM
2h 54m
12 PM
2h 51m
3 PM
2h 55m
5 PM
3h 7m
8 PM
2h 39m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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human settlement in Robeson County, North Carolina, United States of America

Red Springs, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking on a journey from Red Springs, North Carolina, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, covers 126 miles and typically takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes. This drive is a straightforward, highway-focused trip, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day excursion. You'll spend about 70% of your time on major highways, primarily utilizing I-73 and I-74, with NC 211 Highway also part of the route. With an estimated fuel cost of $20, it's an economical option for exploring within the Southeast region. Plan for a smooth, efficient drive with minimal need for overnight stays.

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

63 miles from Red Springs, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 73 34.9 mi 39m
I 74 32.3 mi 37m
NC 211 Highway 16.9 mi 25m
Aberdeen Road 15.4 mi 22m
West South Street 6.8 mi 11m
Red Spring Highway 4.5 mi 6m
Red Spring Road 2.6 mi 3m
Red Springs Road 2.2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 73 — 34.9 mi, about 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Red Springs, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.

1

Start on 4th Avenue

120 ft · 12 sec · 4th Avenue
2

Turn left onto NC 211

1.7 mi · 2 min · Main Street
3

Continue on NC 211

4.0 mi · 5 min · Red Spring Highway
4

Continue on NC 211

2.6 mi · 3 min · Red Spring Road
5

Continue on NC 211

2.2 mi · 3 min · Red Springs Road
6

Continue on NC 211

0.5 mi · 52 sec · Red Spring Highway
7

Turn left onto East Palmer Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Palmer Road
8

Continue on East Palmer Street

1.6 mi · 2 min · East Palmer Street
9

Turn left onto NC 211

15 mi · 22 min · Aberdeen Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
10

Continue on US 15; US 501; NC 211

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Poindexter Street
11

Turn right onto US 1; US 15; US 501; NC 211

0.3 mi · 26 sec · South Sandhills Boulevard
Use the right lane.
12

Turn left onto NC 5

6.8 mi · 11 min · West South Street
13

Turn left onto NC 211

17 mi · 25 min · NC 211 Highway
14

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 220 North: Asheboro
15

Merge onto I 73; I 74; US 220

35 mi · 39 min · I 73; I 74; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

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.
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 Airy Use 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 109B Toward US 158 West, US 421 North: Salem Parkway Use 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 233A Toward Main Street Use 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

Given the manageable 2-hour and 45-minute duration and 126-mile distance, this trip from Red Springs to Winston-Salem is perfectly suited for a single day. You'll have ample flexibility to depart at your convenience, whether it's a morning start or an afternoon excursion. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $20, planning is minimal. Pay attention to the transition between NC 211 Highway and the interstates, as this can sometimes be a point where drivers need to confirm their navigation. Enjoy the straightforward nature of this drive and arrive at your destination without feeling rushed.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 63 miles from Red Springs, NC, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 34.9 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 28 miles or 41m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 63 miles or 1h 31m 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 17m

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 Red Springs, 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 Red Springs, NC

This is one driving day of about 126 miles and 2h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Red Springs, 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 73 for about 34.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Seven Lakes, NC, NC

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Seven Lakes, NC

63 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

Aberdeen, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Troy, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63 miles from Red Springs, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

Given Coffee Co

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+13363317291

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 36

Pinehurst, North Carolina

Hours: Closed

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 81

Asheboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 81

Asheboro, North Carolina

+18333994638

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 27

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776642738

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 27

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 27

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 27

Southern Pines, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 36

Pinehurst, North Carolina

+19102956811

Visit website

Kersey Valley Escape

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 99

Archdale, North Carolina

+13364311700

Visit website

Washington Terrace Community Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 108

High Point, North Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13368838599

Visit website

Safari Nation Winston-Salem

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 126

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+13365233355

Visit website

Adventure Landing Winston-Salem

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 126

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13367684730

Visit website

All A Flutter Farms LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 108

High Point, North Carolina

+13364545651

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 13.3 and 125.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
13.3 mi into trip | ~19m in | NC 211 / Aberdeen Road

Turn left onto NC 211 / Aberdeen Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.
6
28.9 mi into trip | ~43m in | US 1; US 15; US 501; NC 211 / South Sandhills Boulevard

Turn right onto US 1; US 15; US 501; NC 211 / South Sandhills Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
9
88.1 mi into trip | ~2h 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
124.8 mi into trip | ~2h 43m 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
125.4 mi into trip | ~2h 44m 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

$19.70 one way

$39.41 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $21.54 $43.09
premium $4.70 $23.32 $46.64
diesel $5.61 $27.82 $55.64

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 37.8 0 $13.23 $6.05
Efficient EV 31.5 0 $11.02 $5.04
EV Truck/SUV 50.4 0 $17.64 $8.06

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (66% 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

Red Springs, NC

Morning in Red Springs on Sunday

Local time

7:52 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Winston-Salem, NC

Morning in Winston-Salem on Sunday

Local time

7:52 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

2h 45m 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 route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 70% of your travel on interstates like I-73 and I-74. Expect long, uninterrupted stretches, including one notable segment of 34.9 miles on I-73. While the majority of the journey is on faster-paced roads, NC 211 Highway will offer a slight variation in scenery and driving experience. The overall feel is one of efficient travel, designed to get you from point A to point B with relative ease. It's a road that prioritizes directness over winding scenic byways.

70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 34.9 mi on I 73.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 73 and I 74. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.3 miles in near NC 211 / Aberdeen Road.

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 126 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 13.3 miles (NC 211 / Aberdeen Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 28.9 miles (US 1; US 15; US 501; NC 211 / South Sandhills Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 88.1 miles (I 74): 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 Red Springs, NC to Winston-Salem, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Statesville along the way.

Statesville

119.4 mi in | ~2h 35m | via I 74

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 2h 45m. Total distance: 126 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 34.9 miles on I 73. 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.

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 13.3 miles (NC 211 / Aberdeen Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 28.9 miles (US 1; US 15; US 501; NC 211 / South Sandhills Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 88.1 miles (I 74): 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.

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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