How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Banner Elk, NC?
The driving distance from Winston-Salem, NC to Banner Elk, NC is about 101.8 miles (163.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.9 miles (146.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 44m 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 02h 22m.
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 Winston-Salem and Banner Elk.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem and Banner Elk.
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1
Start on North Main Street
1848 ft · 41 sec · North Main Street
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2
Turn right onto West 1st Street
1168 ft · 31 sec · West 1st Street
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3
Turn left onto Marshall Street South
92 m · 5 sec · Marshall Street South
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward US 158 West, US 421 North, NC 150 West
804 ft · 20 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Salem Parkway
55.4 mi · 1 hr 6 min · Salem Parkway
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6
Continue on Watson Brame Expressway
20.5 mi · 29 min · Watson Brame Expressway
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7
Continue straight
8.4 mi · 12 min
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8
Continue straight
1.1 km · 2 min
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9
Turn left onto NC Highway 105 Extension
1.3 km · 2 min · NC Highway 105 Extension
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10
Continue straight
4.8 mi · 9 min
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11
Turn right onto Broadstone Road
2.9 mi · 6 min · Broadstone Road
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12
Turn left
7.4 mi · 15 min
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winston-Salem and Banner Elk.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Salem Parkway
Merge slight left onto Salem Parkway
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 Winston-Salem and Mostly Sunny near Banner Elk.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winston-Salem to Banner Elk?
The road trip is about 101.8 miles (163.8 km) and usually takes 02h 22m 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 50.8 miles from Winston-Salem and 51 miles from Banner Elk.
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 10.9 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 1:46 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.22 one way or $28.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Winston-Salem and Mostly Sunny near Banner Elk.
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 Winston-Salem and Banner Elk. Straight-line distance: 90.91 mi (146.31 km).
#1 Winston-Salem
The fifth most populous city in North Carolina.
| Population | 248,112 |
| Coordinates | 36.0998600, -80.2442200 |
| Altitude | 293 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Banner Elk
Township in Avery County, North Carolina
| Population | 1,082 |
| Coordinates | 36.1631800, -81.8715000 |
| Altitude | 1128 |
| Country | United States |
End: Banner Elk (-81.8715, 36.16318)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 164 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $14.22 | $28.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $15.90 | $31.80 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $17.15 | $34.31 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $20.19 | $40.38 |
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.