Winston-Salem is a vibrant North Carolina city known for its rich tobacco and textile history, thriving arts scene, and welcoming downtown district. Whether you have a short connection or a longer layover at Piedmont Triad International Airport (INT), this guide will help you make the most of your time in the Triad region.
Before You Leave the Airport
Quick Facts
- Airport: Piedmont Triad International Airport (INT)
- City: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Distance to Downtown: Approximately 6 miles
- Language: English
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Visa Requirements: Check IATA Travel Centre for your nationality
Getting Around
Winston-Salem is a car-dependent city, so plan accordingly for your layover. Public transportation is limited compared to major hubs, so rideshare or rental cars are your best options for exploring beyond the airport.
Getting to Downtown Winston-Salem
From INT airport, you have several options to reach the city:
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | $15-25 | 15-20 min | Quick trips downtown |
| Rental Car | $40-70/day | Varies | Exploring multiple areas |
| Taxi | $20-30 | 15-20 min | Direct airport service |
For specific transit information and ground transportation options, visit the Piedmont Triad International Airport website.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 Hours)
Stay at the Airport: With a short connection, it’s safest to remain at INT. Use this time to:
- Grab a meal or snack at airport dining options
- Browse duty-free shops
- Charge your devices
- Use airport WiFi to catch up on work or entertainment
Medium Layover (4-8 Hours)
Quick Downtown Visit: You have time to explore Winston-Salem’s downtown core. Consider:
- Old Salem: A restored 18th-century Moravian settlement with historic buildings, museums, and craft demonstrations. Plan 2-3 hours.
- Downtown Arts District: Browse galleries, street art, and local shops along Trade Street.
- Reynolda Gardens: Beautiful 128-acre estate with gardens, museums, and walking paths (seasonal hours apply).
- Local Dining: Try regional barbecue, Southern comfort food, or craft breweries in downtown.
Long Layover (8+ Hours or Overnight)
Full City Experience: With more time, you can explore multiple attractions:
- Visit Old Salem and its museums in depth
- Explore Reynolda Gardens and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art
- Walk the downtown arts district and visit local galleries
- Enjoy a sit-down meal at a local restaurant
- Visit the Greensboro Science Center (20 minutes away in nearby Greensboro)
- Rest at a nearby hotel if you have an overnight layover
Dining at INT and in Winston-Salem
Airport Dining: INT has standard airport food options. Expect prices 2-3x higher than city restaurants.
Downtown Winston-Salem: If leaving the airport, eat in the city for better value and authentic local flavors:
- Barbecue: Winston-Salem is known for Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ
- Southern Comfort Food: Fried chicken, biscuits, and traditional sides
- Craft Breweries: Several downtown breweries offer food and drinks
- Casual Dining: Food courts and casual restaurants throughout downtown
Quick Layover Tips
- Plan Your Time: Factor in 1 hour for immigration (if international), 30 minutes for security, and 30 minutes buffer before departure. For a 6+ hour layover, you have realistic time to leave the airport.
- Download Offline Maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me offline before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable.
- Use Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are the easiest ways to get downtown from INT. Book in advance if possible.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security. North Carolina can be warm, especially in summer.
- Check Weather: Winston-Salem has four distinct seasons. Check conditions before planning outdoor activities.
Luggage Storage & Lounges
Luggage Storage: If you’re leaving the airport, use Bounce or Stasher for luggage storage near downtown Winston-Salem. Typical cost: $5-10 per bag per day – much cheaper than airport lockers.
Airport Lounges: Check with your airline about lounge access. If you don’t have complimentary access, consider a one-time day pass from your airline (typically $39-59) or explore Priority Pass membership if you travel frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave INT airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave INT during a layover if you have enough time. Plan for at least 6 hours total layover time to account for immigration (1 hour), security (30 minutes), travel to downtown (15-20 minutes), exploration time, and return to the airport (15-20 minutes plus buffer). For domestic connections, you need less time. Always check your airline’s baggage policies – if your luggage is checked through to your final destination, you may not be able to retrieve it during a layover.
What is there to do at INT during a layover?
At INT, you can dine at airport restaurants, browse duty-free shops, use airport WiFi, and charge your devices. If you have time to leave the airport, Winston-Salem offers Old Salem (historic Moravian settlement), Reynolda Gardens, downtown arts district, and local dining. For a quick visit, downtown is 15-20 minutes away by rideshare.
How long of a layover do I need at INT?
For domestic connections, plan 60 minutes minimum. For international arrivals with domestic departures, plan 2-3 hours. To leave the airport and explore Winston-Salem, you need at least 6 hours total layover time. Always add 15-30 minutes buffer for unexpected delays.
Are there lounges at INT?
Lounge availability depends on your airline and ticket class. Check with your airline about complimentary lounge access. If you don’t have access, you can purchase one-time day passes (typically $39-59) or explore Priority Pass membership for access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide.
Plan Your Perfect Layover
Whether you’re staying at the airport or exploring Winston-Salem, use the Yopki Layover Calculator to determine exactly how much time you have and what you can realistically do. Input your layover duration, and get personalized recommendations for your visit.
Safe travels!