Origin
Locust, NC
Evening in Locust on Sunday
Local time
6:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Locust, NC to Winston-Salem, NC
Drive Time
1h 33m
Distance
77.4 mi
125 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 26m
★
6 AM
1h 33m
8 AM
1h 47m
10 AM
1h 38m
12 PM
1h 37m
3 PM
1h 39m
5 PM
1h 46m
8 PM
1h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Locust, NC
Skyler Ewing
Trip Overview
Traveling from Locust to Winston-Salem covers a straightforward 77.4-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 33 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, you can easily complete the drive in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Your route primarily utilizes US 601, I-285, and West Main Street to navigate across the Southeast region of North Carolina. Expect to budget approximately $12 for fuel, making this an affordable transit between the two locations. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick visit, the efficiency of this highway-focused path ensures you spend minimal time behind the wheel. It is a practical, no-nonsense connection that gets you to your destination with ease.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
38.7 miles from Locust, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is defined by a heavy reliance on high-speed infrastructure, with 93% of the journey taking place on highways. You will experience a consistent flow, anchored by a significant 38.9-mile stretch along US 601. The character of the drive is decidedly highway-focused, prioritizing speed and directness over winding backroads. As you move from the initial local segments onto the major interstates, the pace remains steady and predictable. Behind the wheel, you can expect a functional, efficient experience that allows you to maintain a reliable speed for the duration of the 77.4-mile trek.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 601 is the longest continuous segment at about 38.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 601 and I 285. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.5 miles in near US 601.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 77.4 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 21.5 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.6 miles (I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 54.7 miles (I 285; US 52): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
21.5 mi into trip
|
~28m in
|
US 601
Take the exit onto US 601 toward I 85 North, US 601 North: Greensboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 85 North, US 601 North: Greensboro
8
50.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
|
I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70
Keep slight right at fork onto I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70 toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Lexington, Winston-Salem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Lexington, Win...
8
54.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 5m in
|
I 285; US 52
Keep slight left at fork onto I 285; US 52 toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Winston-Salem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Winston-Salem
8
76.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 30m 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
76.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 31m 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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 601 | 38.9 mi | 44m |
| I 285 | 25.6 mi | 29m |
| West Main Street | 4.4 mi | 7m |
| I 85 | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| Concord Parkway North | 3.4 mi | 4m |
| Salem Parkway | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| South Main Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Locust Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 601
— 38.9 mi, about 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Locust, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on this road
413 ft
·
30 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right
60 ft
·
6 sec
3
Turn right onto Locust Avenue
209 ft
·
15 sec
·
Locust Avenue
4
Turn left onto NC 24; NC 27
4.4 mi
·
7 min
·
West Main Street
Use the straight lane.
5
Turn right onto US 601
14 mi
·
15 min
·
US 601
Use the none lane.
6
Take the exit onto US 601; NC 73 Truck
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 601; NC 73 Truck
7
Merge onto US 29; US 601; NC 73 Truck
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Concord Parkway North
Use the none lane.
8
Take the exit onto US 601
25 mi
·
28 min
·
US 601
Toward I 85 North, US 601 North: Greensboro
Use the none lane.
9
Continue on I 85; US 29; US 52; US 70
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
I 85; US 29; US 52; US 70
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70
Toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Lexington, Winston-Salem
Use the none lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 285; US 52
22 mi
·
24 min
·
I 285; US 52
Toward I 285 North, US 52 North: Winston-Salem
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 109B
Toward US 158 West, US 421 North: Salem Parkway
Use the right lane.
13
Merge onto US 421; US 158; NC 150
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Salem Parkway
Use the none lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 233A
Toward Main Street
Use the slight right lane.
15
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
16
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick drive, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. While the 1 hour and 33-minute duration does not mandate long breaks, keep in mind that you are navigating a route with zero planned stops, so ensure your tank is ready before you hit the road. Given the $12 fuel estimate, it is wise to check your vehicle's range before leaving Locust to avoid unnecessary refueling detours. Prioritize steady driving on the 38.9-mile stretch of US 601, as this will be the most monotonous portion of your transit. Taking advantage of the route's high highway percentage will help you reach Winston-Salem in the fastest time possible.
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 Locust, NC, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.9 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 77.4 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.7 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 18m
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 Locust, 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 Locust, NC
This is one driving day of about 77.4 miles and 1h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Locust, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US 601 for about 38.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 38.7 mi from Locust, NC · 48m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 77.4 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 38.7 miles from Locust, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Winston-Salem, NC
The final approach into Winston-Salem, NC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Winston-Salem, NC.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.39 one way
$24.77 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
27 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $13.50 | $26.99 |
| premium | $4.78 | $14.56 | $29.12 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $17.20 | $34.39 |
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: 27.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.2 | 0 | $8.13 | $3.72 |
| Efficient EV | 19.4 | 0 | $6.77 | $3.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 31 | 0 | $10.84 | $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.
Destination
Winston-Salem, NC
Evening in Winston-Salem on Sunday
Local time
6:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
90°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
26 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 33m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Locust, NC to Winston-Salem, NC covers 77.4 miles and takes about 1h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 601, I 285, West Main Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 38.7 miles from Locust, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.39 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 demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 77.4 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 21.5 miles (US 601): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.6 miles (I 285; US 29; US 52; US 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 54.7 miles (I 285; US 52): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Locust, NC to Winston-Salem, NC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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