How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Elon, NC?
The driving distance from Winston-Salem, NC to Elon, NC is about 46.5 miles (74.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 41.2 miles (66.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 59m 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 00h 59m.
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.
The third most populous city in North Carolina and the center of the Greensboro metropolitan area.
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 Elon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem and Elon.
-
1
Start on North Main Street
2610 ft · 59 sec · North Main Street
-
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
-
4
Keep slight left to continue on Salem Parkway
16 mi · 19 min · Salem Parkway
-
5
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7.8 mi · 10 min
-
6
Merge slight right
1.8 mi · 2 min
-
7
Keep slight left
14.4 mi · 17 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward University Drive, Elon
1935 ft · 49 sec
-
9
Turn left onto University Drive
2096 ft · 50 sec · University Drive
-
10
Turn right onto Boone Station Drive
1075 ft · 29 sec · Boone Station Drive
-
11
Turn left onto Saint Marks Church Road
1.3 km · 2 min · Saint Marks Church Road
-
12
Continue on South Williamson Avenue
1.7 mi · 4 min · South Williamson Avenue
-
13
Turn right onto West Haggard Avenue
5 m · 1 sec · West Haggard Avenue
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Haggard Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winston-Salem and Elon.
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
Keep slight left to continue on Salem Parkway
16 mi · 00h 19m
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 Elon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winston-Salem to Elon?
The road trip is about 46.5 miles (74.8 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Greensboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.2 miles from Winston-Salem and 23.3 miles from Elon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 41.2 miles (66.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.3 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 4:30 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.50 one way or $12.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Winston-Salem and Sunny near Elon.
Stop Ideas Near Greensboro
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 Greensboro.
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 Winston-Salem and Elon. Straight-line distance: 41.17 mi (66.26 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 Elon
Town in North Carolina
| Population | 12,186 |
| Coordinates | 36.1029100, -79.5066900 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elon (-79.50669, 36.10291)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 75 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $6.50 | $12.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $7.26 | $14.53 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $7.84 | $15.67 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $9.22 | $18.45 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.