How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Roanoke Rapids, NC?
The driving distance from Winston-Salem, NC to Roanoke Rapids, NC is about 165.1 miles (265.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 146.4 miles (235.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 30m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 15m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Durham metropolitan area.
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 Roanoke Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem and Roanoke Rapids.
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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
2.5 mi · 3 min · Salem Parkway
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4
Keep slight left to continue on Salem Parkway
16 mi · 19 min · Salem Parkway
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7.8 mi · 10 min
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6
Merge slight right
1.8 mi · 2 min
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7
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 43 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 North: Durham
9.4 mi · 11 min
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9
Keep slight left
1.8 mi · 2 min
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10
Continue straight
4.3 mi · 5 min
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11
Keep slight left
37.1 mi · 40 min
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12
Turn straight
4.9 mi · 5 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 1, US 158: Norlina
1002 ft · 32 sec
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14
Turn left
8.6 mi · 11 min
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15
Turn right
1.2 mi · 1 min
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16
Continue straight
5 mi · 6 min
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17
At the end of the road, turn left
25.6 mi · 30 min
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18
Turn left onto Roanoke Avenue
1.6 mi · 5 min · Roanoke Avenue
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Roanoke Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winston-Salem and Roanoke Rapids.
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 85 North
Keep slight left
37.1 mi · 00h 40m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Winston-Salem and Sunny near Roanoke Rapids.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winston-Salem to Roanoke Rapids?
The road trip is about 165.1 miles (265.7 km) and usually takes 03h 15m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Durham is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.5 miles from Winston-Salem and 82.6 miles from Roanoke Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 146.4 miles (235.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:30 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.09 one way or $46.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Winston-Salem and Sunny near Roanoke Rapids.
Stop Ideas Near Durham
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Burger & Beer Durham
Kumon Math and Reading Center of Morrisville - Town Hall
Durham County Inspections Department
Creedmoor Police Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Durham.
Durham
Cary
North Carolina State Fair station
Raleigh Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Winston-Salem and Roanoke Rapids. Straight-line distance: 146.41 mi (235.62 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 Roanoke Rapids
City in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 14,186 |
| Coordinates | 36.4615400, -77.6541500 |
| Altitude | 48 |
| Country | United States |
End: Roanoke Rapids (-77.65415, 36.46154)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 266 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $23.09 | $46.19 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $25.82 | $51.64 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $27.86 | $55.71 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $32.79 | $65.58 |
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.