How far is Cary, NC from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance from Cary, NC to Winston-Salem, NC is about 97.8 miles (157.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.6 miles (136.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 07m 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 33m.
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 North Carolina
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cary and Winston-Salem.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cary and Winston-Salem.
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1
Start on North Academy Street
7 m · 6 sec · North Academy Street
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2
Turn right onto Chapel Hill Road
625 ft · 19 sec · Chapel Hill Road
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3
Turn right onto North Harrison Avenue
3.3 mi · 6 min · North Harrison Avenue
-
4
Take the ramp left
1937 ft · 41 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Dan K. Moore Frwy.
59.8 mi · 1 hr 9 min · Dan K. Moore Frwy.
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6
Keep slight right
7.7 mi · 9 min
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7
Keep slight right
12.6 mi · 15 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on Salem Parkway
13.4 mi · 16 min · Salem Parkway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Main Street
1174 ft · 29 sec
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10
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
2161 ft · 44 sec · South Main Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cary 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.
Dan K. Moore Frwy.
Merge slight left onto Dan K. Moore Frwy.
59.8 mi · 01h 09m
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.
Sunny leaving Cary 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 Cary to Winston-Salem?
The road trip is about 97.8 miles (157.4 km) and usually takes 01h 33m 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?
Graham is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.8 miles from Cary and 49 miles from Winston-Salem.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.6 miles (136.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.2 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 3:22 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.67 one way or $27.33 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cary and Mostly Sunny near Winston-Salem.
Stop Ideas Near Graham
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Burlington City Switchboard
Graham City Hall
Burlington Tax Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Graham.
Burlington
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Durham
High Point
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cary and Winston-Salem. Straight-line distance: 84.57 mi (136.1 km).
#1 Cary
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 173,587 |
| Coordinates | 35.7915400, -78.7811200 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| 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: 157 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $13.67 | $27.33 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $15.28 | $30.56 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $16.48 | $32.97 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $19.40 | $38.81 |
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 · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.