How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Matthews, NC?
The driving distance from Winston-Salem, NC to Matthews, NC is about 89 miles (143.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 73.1 miles (117.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 25m 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 01h 42m.
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.
Town in Rowan County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Winston-Salem and Matthews.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem and Matthews.
-
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
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3
Merge slight left onto Salem Parkway
1415 ft · 22 sec · Salem Parkway
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4
Take the exit slight right toward US 52 South: Lexington
1258 ft · 32 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto John Gold Memorial Expressway
21.5 mi · 24 min · John Gold Memorial Expressway
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6
Continue straight
3.7 mi · 4 min
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7
Merge slight left
4 mi · 4 min
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8
Continue straight
34.9 mi · 38 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 485 Inner, I 485 Outer: Matthews, Huntersville
1257 ft · 31 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 485 South Inner: Matthews
1.3 mi · 3 min
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11
Continue on Governor James G Martin Freeway
19.4 mi · 21 min · Governor James G Martin Freeway
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12
Keep slight right to continue on Governor James G Martin Freeway
754 ft · 9 sec · Governor James G Martin Freeway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 74 West: Charlotte
2935 ft · 56 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto East Independence Boulevard
2363 ft · 50 sec · East Independence Boulevard
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15
Turn left onto Matthews-Mint Hill Road
1.2 mi · 2 min · Matthews-Mint Hill Road
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16
Continue on East Matthews Street
656 ft · 20 sec · East Matthews Street
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17
Turn left onto North Trade Street
1077 ft · 26 sec · North Trade Street
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18
Turn right onto West John Street
149 m · 19 sec · West John Street
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19
Turn right onto North Freemont Street
4 m · 1 sec · North Freemont Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Freemont Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winston-Salem and Matthews.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John Gold Memorial Expressway
Continue straight
34.9 mi · 00h 39m
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 Matthews.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winston-Salem to Matthews?
The road trip is about 89 miles (143.2 km) and usually takes 01h 42m 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?
China Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 44.6 miles from Winston-Salem and 44.5 miles from Matthews.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 73.1 miles (117.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.9 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 3:04 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.44 one way or $24.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Winston-Salem and Sunny near Matthews.
Stop Ideas Near China Grove
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 China Grove.
Kannapolis
Salisbury
Lexington
Charlotte
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Winston-Salem and Matthews. Straight-line distance: 73.07 mi (117.59 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 Matthews
Town in North Carolina, United States
| Population | 33,718 |
| Coordinates | 35.1168100, -80.7236800 |
| Altitude | 222 |
| Country | United States |
End: Matthews (-80.72368, 35.11681)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 143 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $12.44 | $24.88 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $13.91 | $27.81 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $15.00 | $30.01 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $17.66 | $35.32 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.