How far is Banner Elk, NC from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance from Banner Elk, NC to Winston-Salem, NC is about 103.8 miles (167.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.9 miles (146.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 53m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 56m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Wilkes County, North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Banner Elk and Winston-Salem.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Banner Elk and Winston-Salem.
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1
Start on Main Street East
1.2 km · 2 min · Main Street East
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2
Continue on Balm Highway
3.4 mi · 7 min · Balm Highway
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3
Turn right
3.2 mi · 7 min
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4
Turn right onto Broadstone Road
2.9 mi · 6 min · Broadstone Road
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5
At the end of the road, turn left onto NC Highway 105 South
4.7 mi · 9 min · NC Highway 105 South
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6
Continue straight
89 m · 7 sec
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7
Continue straight
67 m · 7 sec
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8
Continue on NC Highway 105 Extension
1.3 km · 2 min · NC Highway 105 Extension
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9
Turn right onto East King Street
29.7 mi · 43 min · East King Street
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10
Continue straight
55.4 mi · 1 hr 6 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Marshall Street, TO Cherry Street
582 ft · 14 sec
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12
Continue on High Street Southwest
140 m · 15 sec · High Street Southwest
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13
Turn left onto Cherry Street South
1223 ft · 27 sec · Cherry Street South
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14
Turn right onto West 2nd Street
901 ft · 25 sec · West 2nd Street
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15
Turn left onto North Main Street
1314 ft · 26 sec · North Main Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Banner Elk and Winston-Salem.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
East King Street
Continue straight
55.4 mi · 01h 06m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Banner Elk and Mostly Sunny near Winston-Salem.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Banner Elk to Winston-Salem?
The road trip is about 103.8 miles (167.1 km) and usually takes 01h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
North Wilkesboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.9 miles from Banner Elk and 53 miles from Winston-Salem.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.9 miles (146.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:36 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.50 one way or $28.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Banner Elk and Mostly Sunny near Winston-Salem.
Stop Ideas Near North Wilkesboro
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to North Wilkesboro.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Salisbury
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Kannapolis
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Banner Elk and Winston-Salem. Straight-line distance: 90.91 mi (146.31 km).
#1 Banner Elk
Township in Avery County, North Carolina
| Population | 1,082 |
| Coordinates | 36.1631800, -81.8715000 |
| Altitude | 1128 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Winston-Salem
The fifth most populous city in North Carolina.
| Population | 248,112 |
| Coordinates | 36.0998600, -80.2442200 |
| Altitude | 293 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Main Street (-80.244255, 36.099856)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 167 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $14.50 | $28.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $16.21 | $32.42 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $17.49 | $34.97 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $20.58 | $41.17 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in North Carolina · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.