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Trip from Manassas, VA to Roanoke, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 3m

Distance

215.2 mi

346 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 51m ★
6 AM
4h 4m
8 AM
4h 30m
10 AM
4h 13m
12 PM
4h 10m
3 PM
4h 14m
5 PM
4h 29m
8 PM
3h 56m

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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independent city in Virginia, United States

Manassas, VA

Wikimedia Commons

independent city in Virginia, United States

Roanoke, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Planning a trip from Manassas, VA to Roanoke, VA? This 215.2-mile drive will take you approximately 4 hours and 3 minutes, making it a manageable one-day excursion. The majority of your journey, 97%, will be on highways, primarily utilizing I-81, I-66, and US-220. With an estimated fuel cost of $34, this highway-focused route offers an efficient way to travel between these two points within the Southeast region. Consider starting your day early to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach your destination.

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

107.6 miles from Manassas, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 2m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 156.4 mi 2h 50m
I 66 42.2 mi 45m
US 220 5.9 mi 8m
VA 234 4.7 mi 5m
Sudley Road 3.9 mi 7m
Grant Avenue 0.8 mi 2m
US 220 BUS 0.4 mi 1m
Salem Avenue Southeast 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 156.4 mi, about 2h 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on VA 234 BUS

0.8 mi · 2 min · Grant Avenue
2

Turn slight left onto VA 234 BUS

3.9 mi · 7 min · Sudley Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
3

Take the ramp onto VA 234

4.7 mi · 5 min · VA 234
Toward I 66 West, VA 234 South: Front Royal Use the left lane.
4

Continue on I 66

42 mi · 45 min · I 66
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 1A Toward I 81 South: Roanoke Use the straight lane.
6

Merge onto I 81

109 mi · 1 hr 58 min · I 81
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

48 mi · 52 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
8

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.
9

Take the exit onto US 220 BUS

0.1 mi · 17 sec · US 220 BUS
Toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown
10

Keep slight left at fork onto US 220 BUS

0.3 mi · 56 sec · US 220 BUS
11

Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Salem Avenue Southeast
12

Turn left onto South Jefferson Street

477 ft · 20 sec · South Jefferson Street
13

Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest

379 ft · 22 sec · Kirk Avenue Southwest
14

Turn left

115 ft · 13 sec
15

Turn left

132 ft · 9 sec
16

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour, 215.2-mile drive, starting in Manassas, VA, a single day is certainly feasible. Aim to depart early in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic and enjoy more daylight hours. You'll want to plan for one primary stop, as the longest stretch without a major change in road is 156.4 miles on I-81. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the extended highway portions, and utilize rest areas as needed. With a fuel cost estimated at $34, it's an economical trip, so focus on making the most of your driving time.

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 107.6 miles from Manassas, VA, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.4 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 47 miles or 56m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 107.6 miles or 2h 2m 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 17m

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 Manassas, 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 Manassas, VA

This is one driving day of about 215.2 miles and 4h 3m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Manassas, 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 156.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

independent city in Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Harrisonburg, VA

108 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

Stephens City, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bridgewater, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 107.6 miles from Manassas, 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 156.4 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Roanoke, Virginia

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10 mile 215.2

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15405663891

Visit website

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Buchanan, Virginia

1.6 mi

Bob's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Vinton, Virginia

1.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Roanoke, Virginia

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 215.2

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15409823842

Visit website

The Cardinal Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Roanoke, Virginia

1.9 mi

The Maple Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Harrisonburg, Virginia

2.5 mi

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10 mile 215.2

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15405663891

Visit website

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 184.5

Buchanan, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15402548048

Visit website

Bob's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 215.2

Vinton, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+15409820773

Visit website

Dogwood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 215.2

Vinton, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+15403436549

Visit website

Hungry Farmer Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.6

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15404371901

La Bendicion Restaurant

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.6

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15407422253

My Cravingz Bakery Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Manassas, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+17034052724

Visit website

Main Street Mill Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 46.1

Front Royal, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15406363123

Visit website

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 215.2

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15409823842

Visit website

The Cardinal Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 215.2

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+15409005020

Visit website

The Maple Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 107.6

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15404800662

Visit website

Jackson's Corner Coffee Roastery and Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 92.2

New Market, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15407409010

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 46.1

Front Royal, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 215.2

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 215.2

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 215.2

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15403430585

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 215.2

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 215.2

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 199.9

Fincastle, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 61.5

Toms Brook, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15408762055

Visit website

Virginia Museum of Transportation

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 215.2

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 4.7 and 214.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
4.7 mi into trip | ~9m in | VA 234

Take the ramp onto VA 234 toward I 66 West, VA 234 South: Front Royal

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward I 66 West, VA 234 South: Front Royal
8
51.6 mi into trip | ~1h in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 81 South: Roanoke

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Exit 1A Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
6
160.9 mi into trip | ~3h 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
208.6 mi into trip | ~3h 52m 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
214.5 mi into trip | ~4h 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...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.65 one way

$67.31 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 75 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $36.80 $73.59
premium $4.70 $39.83 $79.66
diesel $5.61 $47.51 $95.03

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 75.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 64.6 0 $22.60 $10.33
Efficient EV 53.8 0 $18.83 $8.61
EV Truck/SUV 86.1 1 $30.13 $13.77

Gas CO2

75 kg

EV CO2

25 kg (67% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Manassas, VA

Late night in Manassas on Sunday

Local time

3:45 AM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Mostly Clear

NE 2 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Roanoke, VA

Late night in Roanoke on Sunday

Local time

3:45 AM

EDT

Current temp

59°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

4h 3m 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.

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...

0 mi from route ~1 min detour Free near mile 52
View on nps.gov
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...

15 mi from route ~39 min detour $30 near mile 89.1
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 215.2
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!

24 mi from route ~61 min detour Free near mile 14.8
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the journey taking place on major interstates and highways. You'll experience long stretches of consistent driving, including a significant 156.4-mile segment on I-81. While the focus is on efficient travel, the transition between I-66, I-81, and US-220 means you'll encounter different highway personalities. Expect primarily interstate conditions for most of the 4-hour trip, allowing for steady progress towards Roanoke.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 156.4 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 66. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.7 miles in near VA 234.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 215.2 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 4.7 miles (VA 234): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 160.9 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Manassas, VA

Full guide →

Manassas is a small city in northern Virginia with a strong Civil War presence. The First and Second Battles of Bull Run were fought nearby.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 3m. Total distance: 215.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 156.4 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 4.7 miles (VA 234): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 160.9 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park and Booker T Washington National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 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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