Traveling from the coast at Sunset Beach to the inland hub of Winston-Salem covers 223.6 miles across the state of North Carolina. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 41 minutes behind the wheel, making this a manageable day trip if you get an early start. Budget approximately $36 for fuel to complete the journey. You will navigate via US 220, the Andrew Jackson Highway, and the American Indian Highway as you transition from the Southeast coast toward the Piedmont region. While the drive is straightforward enough to tackle in one go, the mixed nature of the roads means you should plan for a steady pace rather than a quick sprint.
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 Sunset Beach, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 220
62.7 mi
1h 11m
Andrew Jackson Highway
37.1 mi
41m
American Indian Highway
33.6 mi
36m
I 74
32.3 mi
37m
New Britton Highway East
17 mi
29m
G R Kindley Freeway
10.5 mi
11m
Longwood Road Northwest
9 mi
18m
Seaside Road Southwest
3.6 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
US 220
— 62.7 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sunset Beach, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on Sunset Boulevard South
0.4 mi·46 sec·Sunset Boulevard South
2
Enter roundabout onto NC 179 Business
222 ft·4 sec·Sunset Boulevard North
3
Continue on NC 179 Business
1.7 mi·3 min·Sunset Boulevard North
4
Turn left onto NC 179; NC 904
3.6 mi·5 min·Seaside Road Southwest
5
Continue on NC 904
9.0 mi·18 min·Longwood Road Northwest
6
Continue on NC 130
3.2 mi·4 min·Whiteville Road Northwest
7
Continue on NC 130
17 mi·29 min·New Britton Highway East
8
Continue on NC 130
1.5 mi·2 min·Vinson Boulevard
9
Continue on NC 130
0.2 mi·28 sec·East Love Mill Road
10
Turn right onto US 701 Bypass; NC 130
1.4 mi·2 min·South J K Powell Boulevard
11
Continue on US 701 Bypass; NC 130
0.5 mi·51 sec·South Powell Boulevard
12
Continue on US 701 Bypass; NC 130
0.2 mi·17 sec·Jk Powell Boulevard
13
Continue on US 701 Bypass; NC 130
1.4 mi·2 min·Powell Boulevard
Use the straight / left lanes.
14
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·46 sec
15
Merge onto US 74; US 76
17 mi·18 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
16
Continue on US 74; NC 130
34 mi·36 min·American Indian Highway
17
Continue on US 74
20 mi·23 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
11 mi·11 min·G R Kindley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 311Toward US 1: RockinghamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn right onto US 1
1.1 mi·1 min·US 1
Use the right lane.
21
Turn straight onto US 220
4.4 mi·6 min·US 220
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 220
0.4 mi·36 sec·US 220
Use the left lane.
23
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.
24
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.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 74
1.0 mi·1 min·I 74
Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
26
Merge onto I 40
2.0 mi·2 min·I 40
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward US 52 North: Mount AiryUse the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto US 52; NC 8
2.1 mi·2 min·John Gold Memorial Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 109BToward US 158 West, US 421 North: Salem ParkwayUse the right lane.
30
Merge onto US 421; US 158; NC 150
0.4 mi·34 sec·Salem Parkway
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 233AToward Main StreetUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
0.4 mi·44 sec·South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
33
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Since the total duration is nearly five hours, you should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Aim to depart early in the morning to avoid potential traffic congestion as you approach the Winston-Salem area. Keep your $36 fuel budget in mind when planning your stops, as prices may fluctuate between the coastal regions and the inland cities. Because this is a one-day trip, your primary advantage is flexibility; take advantage of that single recommended stop to refresh before the final push on US 220. Being prepared for the transition between major highways and smaller routes will make the navigation much smoother for the driver.
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 Sunset Beach, NC, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.7 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 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.8 miles or 2h 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 3h 52m
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 Sunset Beach, 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 Sunset Beach, NC
This is one driving day of about 223.6 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Sunset Beach, 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 US 220 for about 62.7 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 121.6 and 223 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
121.6 mi into trip|~2h 41m 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 50m 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
185.7 mi into trip|~3h 55m 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
222.4 mi into trip|~4h 39m 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 mi into trip|~4h 40m 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
$34.97 one way
$69.93 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$38.23
$76.46
premium
$4.70
$41.38
$82.77
diesel
$5.61
$49.37
$98.74
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.1
0
$23.48
$10.73
Efficient EV
55.9
0
$19.56
$8.94
EV Truck/SUV
89.4
1
$31.30
$14.31
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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Sunset Beach, NC
Late night
in Sunset Beach on Sunday
Local time
12:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Winston-Salem, NC
Late night
in Winston-Salem on Sunday
Local time
12:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Rockingham, 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
12 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
4h 41m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 223.6-mile trek offers a mixed driving profile, balancing highway travel with local road navigation. About 50% of your time will be spent on highways, providing a nice contrast to the more deliberate pace required on the local stretches. You will experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 62.7 miles while traveling on US 220, which helps break up the journey and allows for some consistent cruising. As you move away from the coast, the road environment shifts, requiring you to stay alert through changing speed limits and road types. It is an honest, utilitarian drive that keeps you engaged without being overly taxing.
50% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.7 mi on US 220.
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 121.6 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 18 significant decision points across 223.6 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 121.6 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 185.7 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 41m. Total distance: 223.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.7 miles on US 220. 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 121.6 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 185.7 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Winston-Salem, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.
