How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Forest City, NC?
The driving distance from Winston-Salem, NC to Forest City, NC is about 123.2 miles (198.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.2 miles (169.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 07m 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 33m.
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 Catawba 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 Forest City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem and Forest City.
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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
24.7 mi · 34 min · Rutherford Road
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12
Turn left onto Hudlow Road
5.4 mi · 8 min · Hudlow Road
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13
Turn left onto West Main Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
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14
Turn left onto Cherry Mountain Street
37 m · 7 sec · Cherry Mountain Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Cherry Mountain Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winston-Salem and Forest City.
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 Mostly Sunny near Forest City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winston-Salem to Forest City?
The road trip is about 123.2 miles (198.3 km) and usually takes 02h 33m 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?
Conover is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.6 miles from Winston-Salem and 61.6 miles from Forest City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.2 miles (169.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 18 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 1:22 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.23 one way or $34.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Winston-Salem and Mostly Sunny near Forest City.
Stop Ideas Near Conover
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 Conover.
Gastonia
Kannapolis
Charlotte
Salisbury
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Winston-Salem and Forest City. Straight-line distance: 105.2 mi (169.31 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 Forest City
Town in Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 7,138 |
| Coordinates | 35.3340100, -81.8651000 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| Country | United States |
End: Forest City (-81.8651, 35.33401)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 198 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $17.23 | $34.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $19.27 | $38.53 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $20.78 | $41.57 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $24.46 | $48.93 |
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.