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Trip from Luray, VA to Roanoke, VA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 46m

Distance

142.1 mi

229 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 36m ★
6 AM
2h 47m
8 AM
3h 9m
10 AM
2h 55m
12 PM
2h 52m
3 PM
2h 56m
5 PM
3h 8m
8 PM
2h 40m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Luray, VA, VA

Luray, VA

Kuiyibo Campos

independent city in Virginia, United States

Roanoke, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 142.1-mile journey from Luray, Virginia, to Roanoke, Virginia, is a manageable one-day road trip, estimated to take about 2 hours and 46 minutes. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, with 97% of the route being on interstates and major US routes like I-81, US 211, and US 220. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $22. Given its relatively short length and highway-focused profile, it’s an efficient way to travel between these two locations within the Southeast region. You can comfortably complete this drive in a single day, without needing to break it up.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

71 miles from Luray, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 25m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 120.9 mi 2h 12m
US 211 10.4 mi 14m
US 220 5.9 mi 8m
East Lee Highway 1.6 mi 2m
East Main Street 1.1 mi 3m
East Old Cross Road 1 mi 2m
US 220 BUS 0.4 mi 1m
Salem Avenue Southeast 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 120.9 mi, about 2h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Luray, VA and Roanoke, VA.

1

Start on US 211 BUS

1.1 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
2

Enter roundabout onto Northcott Drive

26 ft · 0 sec · Northcott Drive
3

Continue on Northcott Drive

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Northcott Drive
4

Turn left onto US 211; US 340

10 mi · 14 min · US 211; US 340
5

Continue on US 211

1.6 mi · 2 min · East Lee Highway
6

Turn left onto SR 1002

1.0 mi · 2 min · East Old Cross Road
7

Turn left

0.2 mi · 29 sec
8

Merge onto I 81

73 mi · 1 hr 19 min · I 81
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

48 mi · 52 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
10

Take the exit onto US 220

5.9 mi · 8 min · US 220
Exit 143 Toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke Use the slight left lane.
11

Take the exit onto US 220 BUS

0.1 mi · 17 sec · US 220 BUS
Toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown
12

Keep slight left at fork onto US 220 BUS

0.3 mi · 56 sec · US 220 BUS
13

Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Salem Avenue Southeast
14

Turn left onto South Jefferson Street

477 ft · 20 sec · South Jefferson Street
15

Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest

379 ft · 22 sec · Kirk Avenue Southwest
16

Turn left

115 ft · 13 sec
17

Turn left

132 ft · 9 sec
18

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a duration of under 3 hours, this 142.1-mile drive offers plenty of flexibility. You can easily depart in the morning and arrive in Roanoke with ample time for activities. The $22 fuel estimate is straightforward, but it's always wise to top off your tank before leaving Luray. While most of the drive is on I-81, keep an eye out for the transitions onto US 211 and US 220, as these can sometimes be points where traffic patterns change. Planning for one stop along the 120.9-mile stretch on I-81 is a good idea for a stretch and to refuel if needed.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71 miles from Luray, VA, or about 1h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 120.9 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 31 miles or 41m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 71 miles or 1h 25m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 15m

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 Luray, 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 Luray, VA

This is one driving day of about 142.1 miles and 2h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Luray, 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 I 81 for about 120.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Stuarts Draft, VA, VA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Stuarts Draft, VA

71 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.

Popular next leg

Stuarts Draft, VA to Roanoke, VA

83.5 mi · 1h 38m

Pacing Suggestions

Harrisonburg, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Stuarts Draft, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71 miles from Luray, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 120.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

Broad Porch Coffee and Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Luray, Virginia

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+15406690421

Visit website

Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Luray, Virginia

0 mi

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Roanoke, Virginia

1 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Roanoke, Virginia

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15409823842

Visit website

The Maple Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Harrisonburg, Virginia

1.8 mi

Broad Porch Coffee and Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Luray, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+15406690421

Visit website

Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20

Luray, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15407431121

Visit website

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15405663891

Visit website

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Buchanan, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15402548048

Visit website

Bob's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Vinton, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+15409820773

Visit website

Dogwood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Vinton, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+15403436549

Visit website

La Bendicion Restaurant

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15407422253

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15409823842

Visit website

The Maple Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15404800662

Visit website

Jackson's Corner Coffee Roastery and Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

New Market, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15407409010

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Fincastle, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.2 mi from route

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15403430585

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Lexington, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776642738

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Virginia Museum of Transportation

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15403425670

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 87.7 and 142 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
87.7 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in | I 81

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
8
135.4 mi into trip | ~2h 36m in | US 220

Take the exit onto US 220 toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 143 Toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke
5
141.3 mi into trip | ~2h 44m in | US 220 BUS

Take the exit onto US 220 BUS toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Down...
5
141.9 mi into trip | ~2h 45m in | South Jefferson Street

Turn left onto South Jefferson Street

Navigation decision point

5
142 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in | Kirk Avenue Southwest

Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.22 one way

$44.44 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $24.30 $48.59
premium $4.70 $26.30 $52.60
diesel $5.61 $31.37 $62.75

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 49.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 42.6 0 $14.92 $6.82
Efficient EV 35.5 0 $12.43 $5.68
EV Truck/SUV 56.8 0 $19.89 $9.09

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Luray, VA

Morning in Luray on Tuesday

Local time

9:46 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Roanoke, VA

Morning in Roanoke on Tuesday

Local time

9:46 AM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

21 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 46m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park

National Park

Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour $30 near mile 4.9
Caution: 4/13/26 Fire ban in effect
Caution: Parking at Boundary Access Areas
View on nps.gov
Booker T Washington National Monument

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 142.1
View on nps.gov
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...

25 mi from route ~63 min detour Free
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 highway-focused drive for the majority of this 142.1-mile trip, as 97% of the route utilizes major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 120.9 miles on I-81, offering a consistent pace. While primarily highway, the transition onto US 211 and US 220 will introduce you to different highway segments as you progress. This route prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways, so be prepared for a driving experience that is largely about covering ground.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 120.9 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and US 211. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 87.7 miles in near I 81.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 46m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 87.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 135.4 miles (US 220): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.3 miles (US 220 BUS): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 46m. Total distance: 142.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 120.9 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 87.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 135.4 miles (US 220): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.3 miles (US 220 BUS): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Shenandoah National Park, Booker T Washington National Monument and Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Roanoke, VA before heading back.

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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