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0.1 mi from route
Trip from Winston-Salem, NC to Windsor, NC
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 13m
Distance
219.2 mi
353 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 1m
★
6 AM
4h 14m
8 AM
4h 40m
10 AM
4h 23m
12 PM
4h 21m
3 PM
4h 25m
5 PM
4h 39m
8 PM
4h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Winston-Salem, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Windsor, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Winston-Salem to Windsor is 219.2 miles and takes about 4h 13m via US 64 and I-40, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within North Carolina, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Given its predominantly highway profile, expect a straightforward drive. It's a good option for a single-day trip if you're looking for efficiency. The route is mostly highway, so plan for a relatively quick transit between these two cities.
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
109.6 miles from Winston-Salem, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 64 | 80 mi | 1h 26m |
| I 40 | 76.6 mi | 1h 29m |
| Salem Parkway | 18.4 mi | 21m |
| I 87 | 16.8 mi | 17m |
| US 13 | 12 mi | 16m |
| I 440 | 9.2 mi | 11m |
| Wade Avenue | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| South Granville Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 64
— 80 mi, about 1h 26m
Traffic on I-40
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 41 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,894 veh/hr typical · worst 4,716
Quietest
2 AM
~292 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 105 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem, NC and Windsor, 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
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Salem Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Keep slight left at fork onto US 421; NC 150
16 mi
·
18 min
·
Salem Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
7.8 mi
·
9 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 40; US 29; US 220
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40; US 29; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi
·
42 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
30 mi
·
34 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Wade Avenue
Exit 289
Toward Wade Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 440 East, US 1 North: Wake Forest
11
Merge onto I 440; US 1
9.2 mi
·
11 min
·
I 440; US 1
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
57 sec
Toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 87; US 64; US 264
17 mi
·
17 min
·
I 87; US 64; US 264
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 64
80 mi
·
1 hr 26 min
·
US 64
15
Continue on US 13; US 17
12 mi
·
16 min
·
US 13; US 17
16
Turn right onto US 17; US 13 BUS; NC 308 TRK
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
US 17; US 13 BUS; NC 308 TRK
17
Turn left onto US 13 BUS
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Granville Street
18
Continue on US 13 BUS; NC 308
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
West Granville Street
19
Arrive at destination
East Granville Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour, 13-minute drive, leaving Winston-Salem in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility; however, breaking it up with one planned stop around the halfway point is advisable for rest. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 80-mile stretch on US 64, as services might be less frequent than on the interstate. Your estimated fuel cost is $34, so budget accordingly. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before departing.
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 109.6 miles from Winston-Salem, NC, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80 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 48 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.6 miles or 2h 10m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Windsor, 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.
+
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 Winston-Salem, NC
This is one driving day of about 219.2 miles and 4h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Winston-Salem, 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 64 for about 80 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
110 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 109.6 miles from Winston-Salem, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80 miles.
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.
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Alamance County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Alamance County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
ONE9 Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.1 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 108.5 — 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
19.1 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7
65.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 18m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Raleigh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Raleigh
8
95.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
|
SR 1728 / Wade Avenue
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 1728 / Wade Avenue toward Wade Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 289
Toward Wade Avenue
7
108.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
Take the exit toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 North, US 64 East, US 264 East: Roc...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.82 one way
$69.64 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
77 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $37.97 | $75.94 |
| premium | $4.78 | $41.25 | $82.50 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $53.32 | $106.65 |
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: 76.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.8 | 0 | $23.02 | $10.52 |
| Efficient EV | 54.8 | 0 | $19.18 | $8.77 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.7 | 1 | $30.69 | $14.03 |
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Winston-Salem, NC
Morning in Winston-Salem on Saturday
Local time
6:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Patchy Fog then Sunny
SW 2 to 10 mph
7% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 5:23AM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 4:21AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Destination
Windsor, NC
Morning in Windsor on Saturday
Local time
6:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
SW 2 to 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 5:23AM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 4:21AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
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
2 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
4h 13m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is almost entirely highway, with 97% of the 219.2 miles on high-speed roads like I-40 and US 64. You'll experience a significant stretch of 80 miles on US 64 without major interruptions. The transition to surface roads will occur near Windsor. Expect a fast-paced drive with frequent exits in some sections, typical of interstate travel.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80 mi on US 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 64 and I 40. 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
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 16 significant decision points across 219.2 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 0.5 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
926 ft
8 ft
Total Climb
253 ft
Total Descent
1,157 ft
Highest Point
926 ft
~15.7 mi in
Elevation Range
918 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Winston-Salem, NC and Windsor, NC, road signs point toward Martinsville, Wilson and Greenville.
Martinsville
19.1 mi in
|
~23m
|
via I 40
Wilson
108.5 mi in
|
~2h 9m
Greenville
108.5 mi in
|
~2h 9m
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
Arriving in Windsor, NC
Full guide →Windsor is a town of 3,582 (2020) in 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 4h 13m. Total distance: 219.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80 miles on US 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Windsor, 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. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Windsor, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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