Origin
Carrollton, VA
Late night in Carrollton on Tuesday
Local time
4:27 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Carrollton, VA to Roanoke, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 51m
Distance
227.9 mi
367 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 38m
★
6 AM
4h 51m
8 AM
5h 18m
10 AM
5h 0m
12 PM
4h 58m
3 PM
5h 2m
5 PM
5h 17m
8 PM
4h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Carrollton, VA
Kelly
Roanoke, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 227.9-mile drive from Carrollton to Roanoke, Virginia, will take you approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily follow Richmond Highway and US 460, with a small portion on New Cox Road. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Southeast region of Virginia. The drive's character is more of a turn-heavy local experience rather than a high-speed interstate cruise, so plan accordingly. It’s a solid option if you're looking for a direct way to get from point A to point B without extensive highway time.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
114 miles from Carrollton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond Highway | 31.1 mi | 38m |
| US 460 | 29.4 mi | 35m |
| New Cox Road | 23 mi | 26m |
| East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike | 16 mi | 20m |
| James River Drive | 14.6 mi | 19m |
| West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike | 14.6 mi | 18m |
| Colonial Trail West | 13.3 mi | 15m |
| West Colonial Trail Highway | 13.1 mi | 16m |
Longest stretch:
Richmond Highway
— 31.1 mi, about 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carrollton, VA and Roanoke, VA.
1
Start on SR 670
178 ft
·
4 sec
·
Norsworthy Drive
2
Turn left onto SR 665
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Reynolds Drive
3
Turn right onto US 258; VA 32
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Brewers Neck Boulevard
4
Merge onto US 258; VA 10
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Benns Church Boulevard
5
Continue on VA 10
9.9 mi
·
11 min
·
Colonial Trail East
6
Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Rolfe Highway
7
Turn right onto VA 10
13 mi
·
15 min
·
Colonial Trail West
8
Continue on VA 10
15 mi
·
19 min
·
James River Drive
9
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East Randolph Road
10
Turn left onto VA 156 Business
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Winston Churchill Drive
11
Continue on VA 36
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
Oaklawn Boulevard
12
Continue on VA 36
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Woodlawn Street
13
Continue on VA 36
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Oaklawn Boulevard
14
Continue on VA 36
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 85 South, I 95 South
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham
Use the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 85
6.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
18
Take the exit onto US 460
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
US 460
Exit 61
Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
Use the slight right lane.
19
Continue on US 460
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Airport Street
20
Continue on US 460
23 mi
·
26 min
·
New Cox Road
21
Continue on US 460
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
East Colonial Trail Highway
22
Continue on US 460
6.9 mi
·
7 min
·
East Colonial Trail Road
23
Continue on US 460
7.5 mi
·
11 min
·
East Colonial Trail
24
Merge onto US 360; US 460
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
West Colonial Trail Highway
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
12 mi
·
14 min
·
West Colonial Trail Highway
26
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460
29 mi
·
34 min
·
US 460
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
31 mi
·
38 min
·
Richmond Highway
Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
28
Continue on US 460
16 mi
·
20 min
·
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on US 221; US 460
15 mi
·
18 min
·
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
30
Continue on US 221; US 460
5.5 mi
·
7 min
·
Blue Ridge Boulevard
31
Continue on US 221; US 460
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Challenger Avenue Northeast
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 221; US 460; US 220 Alternate
3.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Orange Avenue Northeast
33
Turn left onto US 11; US 221
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Williamson Road Northeast
Use the left lane.
34
Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Salem Avenue Southeast
35
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
477 ft
·
20 sec
·
South Jefferson Street
36
Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest
379 ft
·
22 sec
·
Kirk Avenue Southwest
37
Turn left
115 ft
·
13 sec
38
Turn left
132 ft
·
9 sec
39
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 51-minute estimated duration, this trip is best tackled in a single day. Aim to depart early from Carrollton to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic delays. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing, but be mindful of the longest stretch of 31.1 miles on Richmond Highway; plan your break before or after this segment. The fuel cost is estimated at $36, so ensure you have adequate funds or a full tank before you begin. Keep an eye out for the transitions between main roads like Richmond Highway and US 460, as this is where navigation will be key.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 114 miles from Carrollton, VA, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 50 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114 miles or 2h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Roanoke, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Carrollton, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Carrollton, VA
This is one driving day of about 227.9 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Carrollton, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Richmond Highway for about 31.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
114 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 114 miles from Carrollton, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 205 decision points cluster between mile 62.3 and 227.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
62.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 18m in
Take the exit toward I 85 South, I 95 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 85 South, I 95 South
8
62.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham
8
69.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
|
US 460
Take the exit onto US 460 toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 61
Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
5
154.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 12m in
|
US 460 / Richmond Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 / Richmond Highway toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
5
227.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 49m in
|
South Jefferson Street
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.64 one way
$71.28 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
80 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $38.97 | $77.93 |
| premium | $4.70 | $42.18 | $84.36 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $50.32 | $100.63 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.58
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
(16 mi)
$1.12
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
(14.6 mi)
$1.02
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(6.3 mi)
$0.44
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.4 | 0 | $23.93 | $10.94 |
| Efficient EV | 57 | 0 | $19.94 | $9.12 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 91.2 | 1 | $31.91 | $14.59 |
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Roanoke, VA
Late night in Roanoke on Tuesday
Local time
4:27 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
72°F
Victoria, VA
114 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
13 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 51m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 157.2
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Two hundred ninety-two days, eight offensives, over 70,000 casualties, U. S. Colored Troops, and the decline of Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. U.S. forces c...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 70.7
View on nps.gov
Colonial National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Three cultures came together – European, Virginia Indian and African–to create a new society that...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
$15
near mile 15.7
View on nps.gov
Fort Monroe National Monument
National Monument
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escapi...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Booker T Washington National Monument
National Monument
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 227.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for most of this 227.9-mile journey. Only about 29% of the route is on highways, meaning you'll encounter more local roads and traffic signals than open interstate. The longest continuous stretch you'll experience is 31.1 miles on Richmond Highway, so be prepared for frequent changes in speed and direction. This profile suggests a route that winds through communities rather than bypasses them, offering a more intimate feel of the Virginia landscape as you progress towards Roanoke.
Only 29% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.1 mi on Richmond Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 62.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 227.9 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 62.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 62.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.3 miles (US 460): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Carrollton, VA to Roanoke, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Lynchburg along the way.
Lynchburg
69.3 mi in
|
~1h 27m
|
via US 460
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 227.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 31.1 miles on Richmond Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.58 in tolls one way, starting with East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Roanoke, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 62.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 62.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.3 miles (US 460): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Petersburg National Battlefield and Colonial National Historical Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Roanoke, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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