Portsmouth Heights, VA to Roanoke, VA is 237.2 miles and takes about 5h 19m via US 460, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. It's a direct shot that avoids major metropolitan areas for most of its length. Expect a mix of highway driving and surface roads as you make your way across the state. If you're looking for a straightforward, single-day drive with manageable expenses, this route could be a good fit.
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
118.6 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 460
79.8 mi
1h 51m
Richmond Highway
31.1 mi
38m
New Cox Road
23 mi
26m
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
16 mi
20m
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
14.6 mi
18m
West Colonial Trail Highway
13.1 mi
16m
Portsmouth Boulevard
8.7 mi
11m
East Colonial Trail
7.5 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
US 460
— 79.8 mi, about 1h 51m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 25 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,359 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,674
Quietest
2 AM
~166 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth Heights, VA and Roanoke, VA.
1
Start on Vick Street
0.1 mi·28 sec·Vick Street
2
At end of road, turn right onto Shea Street
0.2 mi·47 sec·Shea Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto VA 337
0.5 mi·1 min·Portsmouth Boulevard
4
Turn right onto VA 239
0.6 mi·1 min·Victory Boulevard
Use the right lane.
5
Turn right onto Belmont Avenue
355 ft·7 sec·Belmont Avenue
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward I 264 West: Bowers Hill
7
Merge onto I 264
2.1 mi·2 min·I 264
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·47 sec
Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, RichmondUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 664
0.4 mi·31 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·54 sec
Exit 13A-BToward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military HighwayUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
12
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
2.4 mi·3 min·West Military Highway
13
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
8.2 mi·10 min·Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto US 460
0.2 mi·29 sec·US 460
Toward US 460: PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
50 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 460
Toward US 460 West: Petersburg, Albert G Horton Junior Memorial, Veterans CemeteryUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto SR 630
1.9 mi·3 min·Rives Road
Use the left lane.
17
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 95 North
18
Merge onto I 95
3.7 mi·4 min·I 95
19
Take the exit onto US 460
0.6 mi·1 min·US 460
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham, BlackstoneUse the right lane.
20
Merge onto I 85; US 460
6.0 mi·7 min·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
21
Take the exit onto US 460
0.2 mi·25 sec·US 460
Exit 61Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, LynchburgUse the slight right lane.
22
Continue on US 460
1.1 mi·1 min·Airport Street
23
Continue on US 460
23 mi·26 min·New Cox Road
24
Continue on US 460
4.3 mi·5 min·East Colonial Trail Highway
25
Continue on US 460
6.9 mi·7 min·East Colonial Trail Road
26
Continue on US 460
7.5 mi·11 min·East Colonial Trail
27
Merge onto US 360; US 460
1.5 mi·2 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
28
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
12 mi·14 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
29
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460
29 mi·34 min·US 460
30
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
31 mi·38 min·Richmond Highway
Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
31
Continue on US 460
16 mi·20 min·East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 221; US 460
15 mi·18 min·West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
33
Continue on US 221; US 460
5.5 mi·7 min·Blue Ridge Boulevard
34
Continue on US 221; US 460
2.0 mi·3 min·Challenger Avenue Northeast
Use the straight lane.
35
Continue on US 221; US 460; US 220 Alternate
3.1 mi·6 min·Orange Avenue Northeast
36
Turn left onto US 11; US 221
0.8 mi·1 min·Williamson Road Northeast
Use the left lane.
37
Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi·30 sec·Salem Avenue Southeast
38
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
477 ft·20 sec·South Jefferson Street
39
Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest
379 ft·22 sec·Kirk Avenue Southwest
40
Turn left
115 ft·13 sec
41
Turn left
132 ft·9 sec
42
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 5h 19m drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid potential rush hour congestion if you hit any unexpected urban areas. With only one recommended stop, you have a lot of flexibility on when and where to take breaks, but consider stopping around the halfway point to stretch your legs. The fuel cost is estimated at $36, so ensure your tank is full before you depart, especially since the longest stretch without a break is nearly 80 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach that longest stretch on US 460.
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 118.6 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.8 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 52 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.6 miles or 2h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 19m
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 Portsmouth Heights, 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 Portsmouth Heights, VA
This is one driving day of about 237.2 miles and 5h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Portsmouth Heights, 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 US 460 for about 79.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.7 and 78.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
3.7 mi into trip|~7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
8
4.8 mi into trip|~8m in
Take the exit toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military Highway
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 13A-B
Toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suff...
8
16.5 mi into trip|~24m in|US 460
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 toward US 460 West: Petersburg, Albert G Horton Junior Memorial, Veterans Cemetery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 460 West: Petersburg, Albert G Horton...
7
72 mi into trip|~1h 47m in|US 460
Take the exit onto US 460 toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham, Blackstone
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham, Blackst...
8
78.6 mi into trip|~1h 56m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.02 one way
$70.04 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$38.48
$76.97
premium
$4.49
$41.95
$83.90
diesel
$4.80
$44.79
$89.58
Estimated Tolls: $2.56
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
(16 mi)$1.12
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
(14.6 mi)$1.02
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(6 mi)$0.42
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
$35
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: 83 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.2
0
$24.91
$11.39
Efficient EV
59.3
0
$20.76
$9.49
EV Truck/SUV
94.9
1
$33.21
$15.18
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Late night
in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday
Local time
5:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 9 to 13 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Roanoke, VA
Late night
in Roanoke on Sunday
Local time
5:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 2 to 9 mph61% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
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
4 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
5h 19m 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...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 163.6
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...
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...
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 237.2
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
$15
near mile 40.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a 52% highway share, meaning you'll spend roughly half the time on faster roads and the other half on surface streets. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 79.8 miles, primarily on US 460. You'll transition from more highway-like conditions to surface roads as you progress, which will likely involve more frequent stops or slower speeds. Be prepared for varying traffic patterns as you move between these different road types.
52% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 79.8 mi on US 460.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.7 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 28 significant decision points across 237.2 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 3.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.5 miles (US 460): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
972 ft7 ft
Total Climb
1,135 ft
Total Descent
218 ft
Highest Point
972 ft
~220.3 mi in
Elevation Range
965 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Portsmouth Heights, VA and Roanoke, VA, road signs point toward Albert G Horton Junior Memorial, Veterans Cemetery, Blackstone and Lynchburg.
Roanoke, Virginia, called the "Star City of the South" and "Magic City," is a charming city with beautiful views. A colorfully lit 100-ft star atop Mill Mountain graces the Roanoke Valley. The city sits between Virginia Tech and Smith Mountain Lake in Southwest Virginia. The Roanoke Valley had a population of around 315,000 in 2020.
Top landmarks
•Hotel Roanoke — Historic hotel in Roanoke, Virginia
•Colony House Motor Lodge — motel in Roanoke, Virginia
•Roanoke City Market Historic District — historic district in Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 19m. Total distance: 237.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 79.8 miles on US 460. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.56 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.
Yes — we found about 4 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 4 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.5 miles (US 460): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Petersburg National Battlefield and Fort Monroe National Monument (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Roanoke, VA before the return drive.
