How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Clayton, NC?
The driving distance from Winston-Salem, NC to Clayton, NC is about 120.9 miles (194.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.8 miles (168.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 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 02h 26m.
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 Alamance County, North Carolina, United States
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 Winston-Salem and Clayton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem and Clayton.
-
1
Start on North Main Street
2610 ft · 59 sec · North Main Street
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2
Take the ramp sharp left toward US 158 East, US 421 South, NC 150 East
917 ft · 22 sec
-
3
Merge slight left onto Salem Parkway
2.5 mi · 3 min · Salem Parkway
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4
Keep slight left to continue on Salem Parkway
16 mi · 19 min · Salem Parkway
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7.8 mi · 10 min
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6
Merge slight right
1.8 mi · 2 min
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7
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Raleigh
30.3 mi · 35 min
-
9
Keep slight left
9.5 mi · 11 min
-
10
Continue on Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
3.2 mi · 4 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
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11
Keep slight right to continue on Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · Thomas Bradshaw Freeway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward US 70: Garner, Smithfield, Goldsboro
894 ft · 22 sec
-
13
Keep slight left to continue on US 70 East: Smithfield
1.2 mi · 3 min
-
14
Turn straight onto Goldsboro Highway
5.2 mi · 7 min · Goldsboro Highway
-
15
Continue on Clayton Boulevard
1.2 mi · 2 min · Clayton Boulevard
-
16
Turn slight right
819 ft · 30 sec
-
17
Keep slight left
35 m · 9 sec
-
18
Turn left onto Veterans Parkway
75 m · 8 sec · Veterans Parkway
-
19
Continue on South Lombard Street
2602 ft · 2 min · South Lombard Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Lombard Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winston-Salem and Clayton.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 40 East
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 00h 43m
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 Sunny near Clayton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winston-Salem to Clayton?
The road trip is about 120.9 miles (194.6 km) and usually takes 02h 26m 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?
Mebane is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60.4 miles from Winston-Salem and 60.5 miles from Clayton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.8 miles (168.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.1 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 1:36 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.91 one way or $33.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Winston-Salem and Sunny near Clayton.
Stop Ideas Near Mebane
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Burlington City Switchboard
Carrboro Town Hall
Burlington Tax Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mebane.
Burlington
Durham
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
Danville
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Winston-Salem and Clayton. Straight-line distance: 104.79 mi (168.65 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 Clayton
Town in North Carolina
| Population | 26,458 |
| Coordinates | 35.6507100, -78.4563900 |
| Altitude | 104 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clayton (-78.45639, 35.65071)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 195 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $16.91 | $33.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $18.91 | $37.82 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $20.40 | $40.80 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $24.01 | $48.03 |
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 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.