How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Swannanoa, NC?
The driving distance from Winston-Salem, NC to Swannanoa, NC is about 135.3 miles (217.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 125.6 miles (202.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 12m 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 36m.
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.
Human settlement in Catawba County, North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Patchy Fog
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Winston-Salem and Swannanoa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem and Swannanoa.
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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
128.2 mi · 2 hr 25 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Swannanoa
982 ft · 26 sec
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10
Turn right onto Patton Cove Road
1717 ft · 45 sec · Patton Cove Road
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11
At the end of the road, turn right onto West State Street
141 m · 9 sec · West State Street
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12
Turn right onto Asheville Road
93 m · 11 sec · Asheville Road
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13
Continue on Asheville Road
938 ft · 33 sec · Asheville Road
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14
Turn right onto Rider Lane
26 m · 6 sec · Rider Lane
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Rider Lane
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winston-Salem and Swannanoa.
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
128 mi · 02h 25m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Winston-Salem and Patchy Fog near Swannanoa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winston-Salem to Swannanoa?
The road trip is about 135.3 miles (217.7 km) and usually takes 02h 36m 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?
Brookford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.5 miles from Winston-Salem and 67.7 miles from Swannanoa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 125.6 miles (202.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:18 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.89 one way or $37.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Winston-Salem and Patchy Fog near Swannanoa.
Stop Ideas Near Brookford
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 Brookford.
Gastonia
Kannapolis
Charlotte
Salisbury
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Winston-Salem and Swannanoa. Straight-line distance: 125.6 mi (202.14 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 Swannanoa
Township in Buncombe County, North Carolina
| Population | 4,576 |
| Coordinates | 35.5978900, -82.3998400 |
| Altitude | 670 |
| Country | United States |
End: Swannanoa (-82.39984, 35.59789)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 218 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $18.89 | $37.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $21.13 | $42.25 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $22.79 | $45.58 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $26.83 | $53.65 |
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 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.