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Trip from Portsmouth, 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

5h 20m

Distance

247.5 mi

398 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 7m ★
6 AM
5h 21m
8 AM
5h 47m
10 AM
5h 30m
12 PM
5h 27m
3 PM
5h 31m
5 PM
5h 46m
8 PM
5h 13m

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

Portsmouth, VA

Wikimedia Commons

independent city in Virginia, United States

Roanoke, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 247.5-mile journey from Portsmouth, VA, to Roanoke, VA, is a solid day trip, estimated to take about 5 hours and 20 minutes of driving. With a fuel cost around $39, it's an economical option for exploring Virginia. The drive primarily utilizes Richmond Highway and US 460, offering a mixed driving experience. It's designed for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop, making it a convenient option for a quick transition between regions within the Southeast.

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

123.8 miles from Portsmouth, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m 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 Portsmouth, VA and Roanoke, VA.

1

Start on High Street

0.5 mi · 56 sec · High Street
2

Turn right onto VA 141

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Effingham Street
3

Turn left onto VA 141

1.1 mi · 1 min · London Boulevard
Use the right lane.
4

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward US 58, VA 164: Western Freeway, Midtown Tunnel Use the slight right lane.
5

Merge onto US 58; VA 164

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Martin Luther King Freeway
6

Continue on VA 164

7.4 mi · 9 min · Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on US 17

6.5 mi · 11 min · Bridge Road
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 17

2.4 mi · 3 min · Carrollton Boulevard
9

Turn left onto Brewers Neck Boulevard

2.9 mi · 4 min · Brewers Neck Boulevard
10

Merge onto US 258; VA 10

12 mi · 15 min · Benns Church Boulevard
11

Continue on VA 10

9.9 mi · 11 min · Colonial Trail East
12

Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31

1.0 mi · 1 min · Rolfe Highway
13

Turn right onto VA 10

13 mi · 15 min · Colonial Trail West
14

Continue on VA 10

15 mi · 19 min · James River Drive
15

Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS

1.2 mi · 2 min · East Randolph Road
16

Turn left onto VA 156 Business

1.8 mi · 2 min · Winston Churchill Drive
17

Continue on VA 36

0.4 mi · 26 sec · Oaklawn Boulevard
18

Continue on VA 36

1.0 mi · 1 min · Woodlawn Street
19

Continue on VA 36

1.0 mi · 1 min · Oaklawn Boulevard
20

Continue on VA 36

4.3 mi · 5 min · East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
21

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 58 sec
Toward I 85 South, I 95 South
22

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham Use the slight left lane.
23

Merge onto I 85

6.3 mi · 7 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
24

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.
25

Continue on US 460

1.1 mi · 1 min · Airport Street
26

Continue on US 460

23 mi · 26 min · New Cox Road
27

Continue on US 460

4.3 mi · 5 min · East Colonial Trail Highway
28

Continue on US 460

6.9 mi · 7 min · East Colonial Trail Road
29

Continue on US 460

7.5 mi · 11 min · East Colonial Trail
30

Merge onto US 360; US 460

1.5 mi · 2 min · West Colonial Trail Highway
31

Keep slight right at fork onto US 460

12 mi · 14 min · West Colonial Trail Highway
32

Keep slight left at fork onto US 460

29 mi · 34 min · US 460
33

Keep slight right at fork onto US 460

31 mi · 38 min · Richmond Highway
Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
34

Continue on US 460

16 mi · 20 min · East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
35

Continue on US 221; US 460

15 mi · 18 min · West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
36

Continue on US 221; US 460

5.5 mi · 7 min · Blue Ridge Boulevard
37

Continue on US 221; US 460

2.0 mi · 3 min · Challenger Avenue Northeast
Use the straight lane.
38

Continue on US 221; US 460; US 220 Alternate

3.1 mi · 6 min · Orange Avenue Northeast
39

Turn left onto US 11; US 221

0.8 mi · 1 min · Williamson Road Northeast
Use the left lane.
40

Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Salem Avenue Southeast
41

Turn left onto South Jefferson Street

477 ft · 20 sec · South Jefferson Street
42

Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest

379 ft · 22 sec · Kirk Avenue Southwest
43

Turn left

115 ft · 13 sec
44

Turn left

132 ft · 9 sec
45

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 5-hour, 20-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Portsmouth to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. While this route is manageable in one day, it does involve 247.5 miles, so planning for one stop, perhaps around the halfway point, is advisable for stretching and refueling. Be mindful of the longest stretch of 31.1 miles on Richmond Highway; ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that section. The estimated fuel cost of $39 should be factored into your budget.

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 123.8 miles from Portsmouth, VA, or about 2h 38m 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 54 miles or 1h 12m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 123.8 miles or 2h 38m 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 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 Portsmouth, 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, VA

This is one driving day of about 247.5 miles and 5h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Portsmouth, 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.

town in Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lawrenceville, VA

124 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

Lawrenceville, VA to Roanoke, VA

156.3 mi · 3h 31m

Pacing Suggestions

Waverly, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lawrenceville, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 123.8 miles from Portsmouth, 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.

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 247.5

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15405663891

Visit website

Bob's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Vinton, Virginia

1.8 mi

Dogwood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Vinton, Virginia

2.5 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 247.5

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15409823842

Visit website

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Norfolk, Virginia

2.3 mi

The Cardinal Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Roanoke, Virginia

1.9 mi

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10 mile 247.5

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15405663891

Visit website

Bob's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 247.5

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 247.5

Vinton, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+15403436549

Visit website

Sandlot Cafe & Catering

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 70.7

Hopewell, Virginia

Hours: Closed

+18043343338

Railroad Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 194.5

Lynchburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

NuVegan Cafe Petersburg

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 88.4

Petersburg, Virginia

Hours: 11:30 am–8 pm

+18045045580

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 247.5

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15409823842

Visit website

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+17576250461

Visit website

The Cardinal Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 247.5

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+15409005020

Visit website

CooL BeanZ Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 88.4

Petersburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18045908876

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 247.5

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 247.5

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 247.5

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 247.5

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 247.5

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 194.5

Lynchburg, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Virginia Museum of Transportation

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 247.5

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15403425670

Visit website

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17573938591

Visit website

Wishing Tree

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Virginia Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm

+17574412374

Visit website

Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 35.4

Surry, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+17572943439

Visit website

Falling Creek Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 212.2

Bedford, Virginia

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+15405867682

Visit website

Historic Old Towne Petersburg

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 88.4

Petersburg, Virginia

Visit website

The Exchange Building and Petersburg Visitors Center

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 88.4

Petersburg, Virginia

+18048359630

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 174.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
1.7 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward US 58, VA 164: Western Freeway, Midtown Tunnel

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 58, VA 164: Western Freeway, Midtown...
6
81.9 mi into trip | ~1h 48m 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
82.4 mi into trip | ~1h 49m 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
88.9 mi into trip | ~1h 57m 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
174.2 mi into trip | ~3h 42m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.70 one way

$77.41 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 87 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $42.32 $84.64
premium $4.70 $45.81 $91.61
diesel $5.61 $54.64 $109.29

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

$39

Tolls

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 86.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 74.3 0 $25.99 $11.88
Efficient EV 61.9 0 $21.66 $9.90
EV Truck/SUV 99 1 $34.65 $15.84

Gas CO2

87 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (67% 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Portsmouth, VA

Late night in Portsmouth on Sunday

Local time

12:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Roanoke, VA

Late night in Roanoke on Sunday

Local time

12:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

60°F

Lawrenceville, VA

124 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

3 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 20m 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.

Petersburg National Battlefield

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 85.4
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
View on nps.gov
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 179.2
View on nps.gov
Colonial National Historical Park

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 34.1
View on nps.gov
Fort Monroe National Monument

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...

12 mi from route ~31 min detour Free near mile 8.5
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 247.5
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 mixed drive on this route, with about 30% of the journey on highways. You'll navigate stretches like Richmond Highway, including one uninterrupted segment of 31.1 miles. The road character shifts throughout the approximately 5-hour trip, moving from more developed areas to what is likely a more rural or scenic landscape as you head west. This variety means you won't be stuck in a monotonous interstate grind for the entire 247.5 miles.

30% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
45 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?

9/10

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 1.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 22 significant decision points across 247.5 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 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

On the drive from Portsmouth, VA to Roanoke, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Lynchburg along the way.

Lynchburg

88.9 mi in | ~1h 57m | via US 460

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 20m. Total distance: 247.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface 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 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Colonial National Historical Park (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.

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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Fort Hunt, VA 247.3 mi · 4h 43m Independent Hill, VA 222.8 mi · 4h 12m Yorkshire, VA 219.3 mi · 4h 7m Bowling Green, VA 215.7 mi · 4h 5m

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Richlands, VA 419.8 mi · 7h 58m Cloverdale, VA 273.2 mi · 5h 7m Broadway, VA 240.7 mi · 4h 35m Leesburg, VA 219.9 mi · 4h 25m Belmont, VA 218.8 mi · 4h 18m Front Royal, VA 215.3 mi · 4h 24m

More trips to Roanoke, VA

Alexandria, VA 244.2 mi Rose Hill, VA 240.8 mi Williamsburg, VA 239.6 mi Lorton, VA 235.6 mi Arlington, VA 235.4 mi Annandale, VA 233.4 mi
Escape planner: Portsmouth, VA Scenic drives in VA

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