How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Columbus, NC?
The driving distance from Winston-Salem, NC to Columbus, NC is about 143.4 miles (230.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 124.2 miles (199.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 56m 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 58m.
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.
Human settlement in Catawba County, North Carolina, United States of America
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 Columbus.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem and Columbus.
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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
4.5 mi · 6 min · Salem Parkway
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6
Take the exit slight left toward I 40: Greensboro, Statesville
1 km · 44 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Statesville
1505 ft · 20 sec
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8
Merge slight left
84.1 mi · 1 hr 35 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 64: Morganton, Rutherfordton
1262 ft · 38 sec
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10
Turn left onto Burkemont Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · Burkemont Avenue
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11
Continue on Rutherford Road
27.9 mi · 39 min · Rutherford Road
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12
Turn left onto Railroad Avenue
3.6 mi · 5 min · Railroad Avenue
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13
Take the exit slight right
1401 ft · 38 sec
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14
Keep slight right
2421 ft · 56 sec
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15
Turn right onto Poors Ford Road
1.4 mi · 3 min · Poors Ford Road
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16
Turn left
1.2 mi · 2 min
-
17
Take the ramp right
1734 ft · 42 sec
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18
Merge slight left onto Lieutenant Governor Walter H Dalton Highway
15.1 mi · 16 min · Lieutenant Governor Walter H Dalton Highway
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19
Take the exit slight right toward NC 108: Columbus, Mill Spring
1406 ft · 40 sec
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20
Turn left
1.1 mi · 2 min
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Mills Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winston-Salem and Columbus.
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 West
Merge slight left
84.1 mi · 01h 35m
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 Columbus.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winston-Salem to Columbus?
The road trip is about 143.4 miles (230.7 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Brookford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.6 miles from Winston-Salem and 71.8 miles from Columbus.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 124.2 miles (199.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.2 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 12:34 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.04 one way or $40.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Winston-Salem and Sunny near Columbus.
Stop Ideas Near Brookford
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 Brookford.
Gastonia
Kannapolis
Charlotte
Salisbury
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Winston-Salem and Columbus. Straight-line distance: 124.24 mi (199.94 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 Columbus
Town in Polk County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 1,007 |
| Coordinates | 35.2531700, -82.1970600 |
| Altitude | 336 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbus (-82.19706, 35.25317)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 231 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $20.04 | $40.09 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $22.41 | $44.82 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $24.18 | $48.35 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $28.46 | $56.91 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.