Origin
River Bend, NC
Afternoon in River Bend on Friday
Local time
2:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from River Bend, NC to Winston-Salem, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 21m
Distance
220.8 mi
355 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 8m
★
6 AM
4h 21m
8 AM
4h 48m
10 AM
4h 30m
12 PM
4h 28m
3 PM
4h 32m
5 PM
4h 46m
8 PM
4h 13m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
River Bend, NC
Tim Dusenberry
Trip Overview
This 220.8-mile journey from River Bend to Winston-Salem is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing I-40, US-17, and US-70, this route is heavily focused on highway travel. With an estimated fuel cost of $35, it's an economically viable trip. The drive offers a straightforward path through North Carolina, making it a convenient option for those looking for an efficient way to connect these two points. Given the relatively short duration, you won't need to worry about overnight stays, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.
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
110.4 miles from River Bend, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 21m. Total distance: 220.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 83% of this 220.8-mile trip. The bulk of your travel will be on interstates and major highways, offering a consistent pace. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 102.4 miles on I-40, meaning significant periods of uninterrupted driving. While primarily highway, the route does incorporate sections of US-17 and US-70, which might offer a slight change in scenery or speed. Overall, this drive is designed for efficient travel rather than leisurely exploration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 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 102.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 220.8 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 3.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.2 miles (US 70; US 258 / West New Bern Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 186.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
3.6 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 17 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 17 North: Washington
6
37.2 mi into trip
|
~44m in
|
US 70; US 258 / West New Bern Road
Keep slight right at fork onto US 70; US 258 / West New Bern Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
186.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 39m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
206.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 3m in
|
US 421 / Salem Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 421 / Salem Parkway toward US 421 North: Kernersville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 206
Toward US 421 North: Kernersville
7
220.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 19m 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 |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 102.4 mi | 1h 59m |
| US 17 | 32.2 mi | 36m |
| US 70 | 23.2 mi | 29m |
| Goldsboro Bypass | 20.2 mi | 21m |
| Salem Parkway | 13.4 mi | 16m |
| US 70 BYP | 10.1 mi | 12m |
| Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway | 10 mi | 11m |
| West New Bern Road | 3.3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 102.4 mi, about 1h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between River Bend, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on Shoreline Drive
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Shoreline Drive
2
Turn left onto US 17 Business
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
US Highway 17 South
Use the straight lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Use the right lane.
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward US 17 North: Washington
Use the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto US 17
5.3 mi
·
6 min
·
US 17
6
Merge onto US 17; US 70
27 mi
·
29 min
·
US 17; US 70
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on US 70; US 258
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
West New Bern Road
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 70; US 258
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
West New Bern Road
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 70; US 258
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
West Vernon Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on US 70
9.6 mi
·
11 min
·
US 70
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on I 42
20 mi
·
21 min
·
Goldsboro Bypass
12
Continue on US 70
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
US 70
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 70
10 mi
·
14 min
·
US 70
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 70
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
US 70
Use the straight lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 70 BYP
10 mi
·
12 min
·
US 70 BYP
16
Continue on I 42
10.0 mi
·
11 min
·
Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway
17
Merge onto I 40
82 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
7.7 mi
·
9 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 220
13 mi
·
15 min
·
I 40; US 220
Use the straight lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 421
13 mi
·
16 min
·
Salem Parkway
Exit 206
Toward US 421 North: Kernersville
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 233A
Toward Main Street
Use the slight right lane.
22
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
23
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour, 21-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your day and potentially avoid any midday traffic on I-40. You'll only have one recommended stop, so plan it strategically for fuel or a quick break. With a fuel cost around $35, keeping an eye on your gauge is a good idea, especially during the 102.4-mile stretch on I-40. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to leave when it suits you best. A practical tip: ensure your vehicle is serviced before you go, as the long highway stretches mean less opportunity for spontaneous checks.
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 110.4 miles from River Bend, NC, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.4 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 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 110.4 miles or 2h 11m 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 32m
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 River Bend, 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 River Bend, NC
This is one driving day of about 220.8 miles and 4h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from River Bend, 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 I 40 for about 102.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 110.4 mi from River Bend, NC · 2h 11m into the drive
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 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 110.4 miles from River Bend, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 102.4 miles.
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.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.53 one way
$69.06 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
77 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $37.75 | $75.51 |
| premium | $4.70 | $40.87 | $81.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $48.75 | $97.50 |
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: 77.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.2 | 0 | $23.18 | $10.60 |
| Efficient EV | 55.2 | 0 | $19.32 | $8.83 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 88.3 | 1 | $30.91 | $14.13 |
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.
Destination
Winston-Salem, NC
Afternoon in Winston-Salem on Friday
Local time
2:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
42°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
7 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 21m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from River Bend, NC to Winston-Salem, NC covers 220.8 miles and takes about 4h 21m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, US 17, 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 110.4 miles from River Bend, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.53 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 220.8 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 3.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.2 miles (US 70; US 258 / West New Bern Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 186.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from River Bend, NC to Winston-Salem, NC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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