How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Morganton, NC?
The driving distance from Winston-Salem, NC to Morganton, NC is about 90.7 miles (145.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.3 miles (135.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 34m 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 47m.
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 Iredell County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Winston-Salem and Morganton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem and Morganton.
-
1
Start on North Main Street
1848 ft · 41 sec · North Main Street
-
2
Turn right onto West 1st Street
1168 ft · 31 sec · West 1st Street
-
3
Turn left onto Marshall Street South
92 m · 5 sec · Marshall Street South
-
4
Take the ramp slight right toward US 158 West, US 421 North, NC 150 West
804 ft · 20 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto Salem Parkway
4.5 mi · 6 min · Salem Parkway
-
6
Take the exit slight left toward I 40: Greensboro, Statesville
1 km · 44 sec
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Statesville
1505 ft · 20 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
81.9 mi · 1 hr 33 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward NC 18: Morganton, Shelby
1300 ft · 34 sec
-
10
Turn right onto South Sterling Street
1.9 mi · 4 min · South Sterling Street
-
11
Continue on South Green Street
1735 ft · 1 min · South Green Street
-
12
Turn right onto East Concord Street
99 m · 13 sec · East Concord Street
-
13
Turn left
31 m · 7 sec
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winston-Salem and Morganton.
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
81.9 mi · 01h 33m
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.
Sunny leaving Winston-Salem and Sunny near Morganton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winston-Salem to Morganton?
The road trip is about 90.7 miles (145.9 km) and usually takes 01h 47m 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?
Statesville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.3 miles from Winston-Salem and 45.4 miles from Morganton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.3 miles (135.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.4 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 2:56 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.68 one way or $25.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Winston-Salem and Sunny near Morganton.
Stop Ideas Near Statesville
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 Statesville.
Kannapolis
Salisbury
Lexington
Charlotte
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Winston-Salem and Morganton. Straight-line distance: 84.24 mi (135.57 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 Morganton
City in Burke County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 16,625 |
| Coordinates | 35.7454100, -81.6848200 |
| Altitude | 352 |
| Country | United States |
End: Morganton (-81.68482, 35.74541)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 146 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $12.68 | $25.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $14.17 | $28.35 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $15.29 | $30.58 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $18.00 | $35.99 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.