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Trip from Winston-Salem, NC to Locust, NC

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 30m

Distance

77.3 mi

124 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 20 min
4 AM
1h 24m ★
6 AM
1h 31m
8 AM
1h 44m
10 AM
1h 35m
12 PM
1h 34m
3 PM
1h 36m
5 PM
1h 44m
8 PM
1h 26m

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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Swarming grasshoppers

Locust, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 77.3-mile drive from Winston-Salem, NC to Locust, NC is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. With 81% of the route on highways, it's a very efficient trip, perfect for a single day. Your estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $12, making it an affordable option. The majority of this trip stays within the Southeast region, primarily traversing North Carolina. Given its short duration and focused highway profile, this route is ideal for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

38.7 miles from Winston-Salem, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 85 28.9 mi 31m
John Gold Memorial Expressway 21.5 mi 24m
Warren C. Coleman Boulevard North 13.6 mi 15m
NC 24 4.4 mi 6m
US 601 3.9 mi 5m
I 285 3.7 mi 3m
North Main Street 0.5 mi <1m
Salem Parkway 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 85 — 28.9 mi, about 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on North Main Street

0.5 mi · 59 sec · North Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward US 158 East, US 421 South, NC 150 East
3

Merge onto US 421; US 158; NC 150

0.3 mi · 21 sec · Salem Parkway
4

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 232C Toward US 52 South: Lexington Use the slight right lane.
5

Merge onto US 52; NC 8

22 mi · 24 min · John Gold Memorial Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70

3.7 mi · 3 min · I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70
7

Merge onto I 85; US 29; US 52; US 70

4.0 mi · 4 min · I 85; US 29; US 52; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on I 85; US 52

25 mi · 26 min · I 85; US 52
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit onto US 601

0.2 mi · 22 sec · US 601
Exit 58 Toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto US 601

3.7 mi · 4 min · US 601
Toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord Downtown Use the left lane.
11

Turn left onto US 601; NC 73 Truck

14 mi · 15 min · Warren C. Coleman Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
12

Turn left onto NC 24; NC 27

4.4 mi · 6 min · NC 24; NC 27
Use the straight lane.
13

Turn right onto Locust Avenue

209 ft · 15 sec · Locust Avenue
14

Turn left

60 ft · 5 sec
15

Turn left

413 ft · 30 sec
16

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short 1.5-hour drive, you have the flexibility to leave whenever it suits you best. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your day at your destination. With only 77.3 miles and an estimated fuel cost of $12, you won't need extensive planning for fuel or long breaks. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 28.9 miles on I 85, so be prepared for consistent highway driving during that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on that longer interstate portion.

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 38.7 miles from Winston-Salem, NC, or about 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.9 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 17 miles or 20m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 38.7 miles or 43m 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 14m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Locust, NC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Winston-Salem, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Winston-Salem, NC

This is one driving day of about 77.3 miles and 1h 30m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Winston-Salem, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 85 for about 28.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Concord, NC

39 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

Midway, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Salisbury, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 38.7 miles from Winston-Salem, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

Best coffee break · home stretch

Greater Grounds Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Locust, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+17047815119

Visit website

Verb Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

0.4 mi

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

0.6 mi

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

Greater Grounds Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Locust, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+17047815119

Visit website

Verb Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17049604163

Visit website

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17049604013

Visit website

Koco Java coffee llc

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv

Salisbury, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+19802480633

Visit website

French Express Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17049325282

Visit website

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

Veni Vidi Vici Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm

+17043039008

Visit website

Locust City Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Locust, North Carolina

+17048885260

Safari Nation Winston-Salem

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+13365233355

Visit website

Bell Tower Green

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Salisbury, North Carolina

+17046370511

Visit website

Baker's Creek Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Final third 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Kannapolis, North Carolina

+17049388512

Visit website

North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

Final third 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+17049342320

Visit website

Adventure Landing Winston-Salem

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13367684730

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 72.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.5 mi into trip | ~0m in

Take the ramp toward US 158 East, US 421 South, NC 150 East

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 158 East, US 421 South, NC 150 East
8
0.9 mi into trip | ~1m in

Take the exit toward US 52 South: Lexington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 232C Toward US 52 South: Lexington
8
55.3 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in | US 601

Take the exit onto US 601 toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord Downtown

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 58 Toward US 29, US 601 South: Kannapolis, Concord...
8
55.5 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in | US 601

Keep slight left at fork onto US 601 toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward US 29 South, US 601 South: Concord Downt...
6
72.8 mi into trip | ~1h 22m in | NC 24; NC 27

Turn left onto NC 24; NC 27

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.09 one way

$24.18 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 27 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $13.22 $26.43
premium $4.70 $14.31 $28.61
diesel $5.61 $17.07 $34.13

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 27 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23.2 0 $8.12 $3.71
Efficient EV 19.3 0 $6.76 $3.09
EV Truck/SUV 30.9 0 $10.82 $4.95

Gas CO2

27 kg

EV CO2

9 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.

Forecast as of Apr 19, 2026

Origin

Winston-Salem, NC

Late night in Winston-Salem on Tuesday

Local time

5:22 AM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Locust, NC

Late night in Locust on Tuesday

Local time

5:22 AM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

78°F

Concord, NC

39 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

20 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

1h 30m 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 drive for most of this 77.3-mile trip, as 81% of the route utilizes major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I 85, which constitutes the longest uninterrupted stretch at 28.9 miles. The primary roads you'll navigate include I 85, John Gold Memorial Expressway, and Warren C. Coleman Boulevard North. This configuration suggests a fast-paced journey with minimal scenic detours, prioritizing direct travel.

81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.9 mi on I 85.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and John Gold Memorial Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 77.3 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.5 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 55.3 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Winston-Salem, NC to Locust, NC, road signs begin pointing toward Concord Downtown along the way.

Concord Downtown

55.3 mi in | ~1h 1m | via US 601

About the Cities

Starting in Winston-Salem, NC

Full guide →

Founded 1766

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

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 1h 30m. Total distance: 77.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 28.9 miles on I 85. 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 Locust, 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 0.5 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 55.3 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Locust, 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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Explore More

Return Trip

Locust, NC to Winston-Salem, NC

Plan the drive back the other way.

77.4 mi 1h 33m

Continue From Locust, NC

Asheville, NC 154.1 mi · 3h 9m Durham, NC 127.8 mi · 2h 42m Raleigh, NC 123.1 mi · 2h 46m Cary, NC 117.5 mi · 2h 41m

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