Origin
Sunset Beach, NC
Afternoon in Sunset Beach on Sunday
Local time
4:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sunset Beach, NC to Winston-Salem, NC
Drive Time
4h 41m
Distance
223.6 mi
360 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 28m
★
6 AM
4h 41m
8 AM
5h 8m
10 AM
4h 51m
12 PM
4h 48m
3 PM
4h 52m
5 PM
5h 7m
8 PM
4h 33m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Trip Overview
Traveling from the coast at Sunset Beach to the inland hub of Winston-Salem covers 223.6 miles across the state of North Carolina. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 41 minutes behind the wheel, making this a manageable day trip if you get an early start. Budget approximately $36 for fuel to complete the journey. You will navigate via US 220, the Andrew Jackson Highway, and the American Indian Highway as you transition from the Southeast coast toward the Piedmont region. While the drive is straightforward enough to tackle in one go, the mixed nature of the roads means you should plan for a steady pace rather than a quick sprint.
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
111.8 miles from Sunset Beach, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 223.6-mile trek offers a mixed driving profile, balancing highway travel with local road navigation. About 50% of your time will be spent on highways, providing a nice contrast to the more deliberate pace required on the local stretches. You will experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 62.7 miles while traveling on US 220, which helps break up the journey and allows for some consistent cruising. As you move away from the coast, the road environment shifts, requiring you to stay alert through changing speed limits and road types. It is an honest, utilitarian drive that keeps you engaged without being overly taxing.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 220 is the longest continuous segment at about 62.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 121.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 223.6 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 121.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.9 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.7 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
121.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m in
Take the exit toward US 1: Rockingham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 311
Toward US 1: Rockingham
8
127.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
|
US 220
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220 toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 220 North: Asheboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 220 North: Ash...
9
185.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 55m in
|
I 74
Keep slight right at fork onto I 74 toward I 74 West: High Point, Winston-Salem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 80
Toward I 74 West: High Point, Winston-Salem
8
217 mi into trip
|
~4h 31m in
|
I 74
Keep slight left at fork onto I 74 toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
8
222.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 39m 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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 220 | 62.7 mi | 1h 11m |
| Andrew Jackson Highway | 37.1 mi | 41m |
| American Indian Highway | 33.6 mi | 36m |
| I 74 | 32.3 mi | 37m |
| New Britton Highway East | 17 mi | 29m |
| G R Kindley Freeway | 10.5 mi | 11m |
| Longwood Road Northwest | 9 mi | 18m |
| Seaside Road Southwest | 3.6 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
US 220
— 62.7 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sunset Beach, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.
1
Start on Sunset Boulevard South
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
Sunset Boulevard South
2
Enter roundabout onto NC 179 Business
222 ft
·
4 sec
·
Sunset Boulevard North
3
Continue on NC 179 Business
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Sunset Boulevard North
4
Turn left onto NC 179; NC 904
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
Seaside Road Southwest
5
Continue on NC 904
9.0 mi
·
18 min
·
Longwood Road Northwest
6
Continue on NC 130
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Whiteville Road Northwest
7
Continue on NC 130
17 mi
·
29 min
·
New Britton Highway East
8
Continue on NC 130
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Vinson Boulevard
9
Continue on NC 130
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
East Love Mill Road
10
Turn right onto US 701 Bypass; NC 130
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South J K Powell Boulevard
11
Continue on US 701 Bypass; NC 130
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
South Powell Boulevard
12
Continue on US 701 Bypass; NC 130
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
Jk Powell Boulevard
13
Continue on US 701 Bypass; NC 130
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Powell Boulevard
Use the straight / left lanes.
14
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
15
Merge onto US 74; US 76
17 mi
·
18 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
16
Continue on US 74; NC 130
34 mi
·
36 min
·
American Indian Highway
Use the none lane.
17
Continue on US 74
20 mi
·
23 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 74
11 mi
·
11 min
·
G R Kindley Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 311
Toward US 1: Rockingham
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn right onto US 1
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 1
Use the right lane.
21
Turn straight onto US 220
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
US 220
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 220
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
US 220
Use the left / none lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220
58 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
US 220
Toward I 73 North, I 74 West, US 220 North: Asheboro
Use the none lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 74
31 mi
·
35 min
·
I 74
Exit 80
Toward I 74 West: High Point, Winston-Salem
Use the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 74
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 74
Toward I 40 West: Winston-Salem, Statesville
Use the none lane.
26
Merge onto I 40
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 52 North: Mount Airy
Use the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto US 52; NC 8
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
John Gold Memorial Expressway
Use the none lane.
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 109B
Toward US 158 West, US 421 North: Salem Parkway
Use the right lane.
30
Merge onto US 421; US 158; NC 150
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Salem Parkway
Use the none lane.
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 233A
Toward Main Street
Use the slight right lane.
32
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
33
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Since the total duration is nearly five hours, you should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Aim to depart early in the morning to avoid potential traffic congestion as you approach the Winston-Salem area. Keep your $36 fuel budget in mind when planning your stops, as prices may fluctuate between the coastal regions and the inland cities. Because this is a one-day trip, your primary advantage is flexibility; take advantage of that single recommended stop to refresh before the final push on US 220. Being prepared for the transition between major highways and smaller routes will make the navigation much smoother for the driver.
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 111.8 miles from Sunset Beach, NC, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.7 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 80 miles or 1h 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.8 miles or 2h 31m 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 52m
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 Sunset Beach, 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 Sunset Beach, NC
This is one driving day of about 223.6 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Sunset Beach, 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 220 for about 62.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 111.8 mi from Sunset Beach, NC · 2h 31m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
112 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111.8 miles from Sunset Beach, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 220 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.7 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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.78 one way
$71.57 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $38.99 | $77.98 |
| premium | $4.78 | $42.06 | $84.12 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $49.68 | $99.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 67.1 | 0 | $23.48 | $10.73 |
| Efficient EV | 55.9 | 0 | $19.56 | $8.94 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.4 | 1 | $31.30 | $14.31 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% 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 Sunday
Local time
4:18 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
4h 41m 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 Sunset Beach, NC to Winston-Salem, NC covers 223.6 miles and takes about 4h 41m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 220, Andrew Jackson Highway, American Indian Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 111.8 miles from Sunset Beach, NC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.78 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 18 significant decision points across 223.6 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 121.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.9 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.7 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Sunset Beach, NC to Winston-Salem, NC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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