How far is Sanford, NC from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance from Sanford, NC to Winston-Salem, NC is about 83.3 miles (134.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 40m 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 20m.
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.
Township in Guilford County, North Carolina
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 Sanford and Winston-Salem.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sanford and Winston-Salem.
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1
Start on South Horner Boulevard
2.2 mi · 4 min · South Horner Boulevard
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2
Continue on Boone Trail Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Boone Trail Road
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3
Turn left
44.2 mi · 54 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward I 85, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Durham, Charlotte
1107 ft · 27 sec
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 South, US 421 North: Winston-Salem, Charlotte
1.3 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight left onto Greensboro Urban Loop
4.8 mi · 5 min · Greensboro Urban Loop
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7
Keep slight right to continue on Greensboro Urban Loop
6.7 mi · 7 min · Greensboro Urban Loop
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West, US 421 North: Winston-Salem
5.8 mi · 7 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on Salem Parkway
13.4 mi · 16 min · Salem Parkway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Main Street
1174 ft · 29 sec
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11
Turn slight right onto South Main Street
2161 ft · 44 sec · South Main Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sanford 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.
Longest stretch
Turn left
44.2 mi · 00h 54m
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 Sanford 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 Sanford to Winston-Salem?
The road trip is about 83.3 miles (134.1 km) and usually takes 01h 20m 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?
Forest Oaks is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.1 miles from Sanford and 42.3 miles from Winston-Salem.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.9 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 3:50 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.65 one way or $23.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Sanford and Mostly Sunny near Winston-Salem.
Stop Ideas Near Forest Oaks
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 Forest Oaks.
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
High Point
Burlington
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sanford and Winston-Salem. Straight-line distance: 73.42 mi (118.16 km).
#1 Sanford
City in Lee County, North Carolina, United States of America
| Population | 30,361 |
| Coordinates | 35.4798800, -79.1803000 |
| Altitude | 109 |
| 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: 134 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $11.65 | $23.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $13.02 | $26.04 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $14.05 | $28.09 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $16.53 | $33.07 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.