If you are planning a trip from Connelly Springs to Winston-Salem, you are looking at a straightforward 80.6-mile trek across North Carolina. The drive typically takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day journey that requires no overnight stops. You can expect to spend approximately $13 on fuel for the trip, keeping costs manageable. Since both locations are situated within the Southeast, the transit feels familiar and predictable. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a quick weekend excursion, this highway-focused route is designed for efficiency rather than exploration.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
40.3 miles from Connelly Springs, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 48m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 35m. Total distance: 80.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Expect a highly efficient experience as this route is 98% highway-based. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-40, which accounts for a substantial 71-mile stretch of the journey. The path relies heavily on major infrastructure, utilizing I-40, the Salem Parkway, and US 70 to get you to your destination quickly. Because the drive is so heavily interstate-oriented, the character of the road remains consistent and fast-paced from start to finish. It is a no-nonsense transit that prioritizes speed and directness over the winding, slower-paced local roads found elsewhere in the region.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 40 is the longest continuous segment at about 71 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,176 ft750 ft
Total Climb
335 ft
Total Descent
600 ft
Highest Point
1,176 ft
Elevation Range
426 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Salem Parkway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 3.5 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 1h 35m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.5 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 79.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
3.5 mi into trip|~6m in|I 40
Merge onto I 40
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
74.6 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward US 421 South: Salem Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 188
Toward US 421 South: Salem Parkway
8
79.8 mi into trip|~1h 33m in
Take the exit toward Marshall Street, TO Cherry Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 233B
Toward Marshall Street, TO Cherry Street
7
80.2 mi into trip|~1h 34m in|West 2nd Street
Turn right onto West 2nd Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
80.4 mi into trip|~1h 35m in|North Main Street
Turn left onto North Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
71 mi
1h 20m
Salem Parkway
4.7 mi
6m
US 70
2.8 mi
5m
Old N.C. Highway 10
0.5 mi
1m
North Main Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Cherry Street South
0.2 mi
<1m
West 2nd Street
0.2 mi
<1m
High Street Southwest
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 71 mi, about 1h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Connelly Springs, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on US 70
2.8 mi·5 min·US 70
2
Turn right onto Old N.C. Highway 10
0.5 mi·1 min·Old N.C. Highway 10
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
4
Merge onto I 40
71 mi·1 hr 20 min·I 40
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·36 sec
Exit 188Toward US 421 South: Salem Parkway
6
Merge onto US 421
4.7 mi·6 min·Salem Parkway
7
Take the exit
0.1 mi·14 sec
Exit 233BToward Marshall Street, TO Cherry StreetUse the slight right lane.
8
Continue on High Street Southwest
459 ft·15 sec·High Street Southwest
9
Turn left onto Cherry Street South
0.2 mi·26 sec·Cherry Street South
10
Turn right onto West 2nd Street
0.2 mi·24 sec·West 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Turn left onto North Main Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·North Main Street
Use the straight lane.
12
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short 1-hour and 35-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You will not need to worry about planning formal stops, as the duration is manageable in a single stint behind the wheel. However, keep in mind that the heavy reliance on I-40 means you should check traffic reports before leaving to avoid potential congestion on the interstate. Since the drive is entirely highway-focused, ensure your vehicle is ready for sustained speeds during that 71-mile main stretch. Budgeting about $13 for gas should cover your needs, but filling up in Connelly Springs before you head out is a smart way to start your trip with peace of mind.
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 40.3 miles from Connelly Springs, NC, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71 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 18 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.3 miles or 48m 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 20m
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 Connelly Springs, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Connelly Springs, NC
This is one driving day of about 80.6 miles and 1h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Connelly Springs, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 71 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 40.3 mi from Connelly Springs, NC
· 48m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.60 one way
$25.21 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$13.78
$27.56
premium
$4.70
$14.92
$29.83
diesel
$5.61
$17.80
$35.59
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.2
0
$8.46
$3.87
Efficient EV
20.2
0
$7.05
$3.22
EV Truck/SUV
32.2
0
$11.28
$5.16
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (68% 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 13, 2026
Origin
Connelly Springs, NC
Night
in Connelly Springs on Friday
Local time
11:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Winston-Salem, NC
Night
in Winston-Salem on Friday
Local time
11:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 7 to 14 mph8% chanceLive 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
13 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 35m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Connelly Springs, NC to Winston-Salem, NC covers 80.6 miles and takes about 1h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Salem Parkway, US 70. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 40.3 miles from Connelly Springs, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.60 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 1h 35m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.5 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 79.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Connelly Springs, NC to Winston-Salem, NC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 750 ft to 1,176 ft elevation with about 335 ft of total climbing.
