Origin
Roanoke, VA
Late night in Roanoke on Tuesday
Local time
4:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Roanoke, VA to Bellwood, 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
3h 33m
Distance
161 mi
259 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 21m
★
6 AM
3h 34m
8 AM
3h 58m
10 AM
3h 42m
12 PM
3h 40m
3 PM
3h 44m
5 PM
3h 57m
8 PM
3h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Roanoke, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Bellwood, VA
Francesco Ungaro
Trip Overview
This 161-mile journey from Roanoke to Bellwood, Virginia, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 3 hours and 33 minutes. You'll primarily follow US 460 and Patrick Henry Highway, with a 60% share of the drive on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $25. The drive offers a mixed experience, suitable for a single day’s adventure without the need for an overnight stop. Given its Southeast to Southeast progression within Virginia, you can expect a consistent regional feel throughout.
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
80.5 miles from Roanoke, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 460 | 79.8 mi | 1h 39m |
| Patrick Henry Highway | 17.2 mi | 21m |
| West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike | 14.6 mi | 18m |
| Hull Street Road | 13.7 mi | 19m |
| World War II Veterans Memorial Highway | 9.6 mi | 11m |
| Holly Farms Road | 9.3 mi | 12m |
| Blue Ridge Boulevard | 5.5 mi | 7m |
| Orange Avenue Northeast | 2.9 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
US 460
— 79.8 mi, about 1h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke, VA and Bellwood, VA.
1
Start on this road
285 ft
·
26 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
1st Street Southwest
3
Turn sharp left onto US 221; US 220 BUS
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Franklin Road Southwest
4
Turn left onto US 221; US 220 BUS; VA 116
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Williamson Road Southeast
5
Continue on US 11; US 221; US 220 BUS; VA 116
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Williamson Road Northeast
6
Turn right onto Kimball Avenue Northeast
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Kimball Avenue Northeast
7
Turn right onto US 221; US 460; US 220 Alt
2.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Orange Avenue Northeast
8
Continue on US 221; US 460; US 220 Alternate
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Challenger Avenue Northeast
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 221; US 460
5.5 mi
·
7 min
·
Blue Ridge Boulevard
10
Continue on US 221; US 460
15 mi
·
18 min
·
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
11
Continue on US 221; US 460
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
·
Blue Ridge Avenue
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
80 mi
·
1 hr 39 min
·
US 460
Toward US 460 East
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn left onto VA 307
9.3 mi
·
12 min
·
Holly Farms Road
14
Turn left onto US 360
17 mi
·
21 min
·
Patrick Henry Highway
15
Continue on US 360
14 mi
·
19 min
·
Hull Street Road
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn right onto SR 754
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Commonwealth Centre Parkway
Use the right lane.
17
Take the ramp
62 ft
·
1 sec
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward VA 288 South
Use the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto VA 288
9.6 mi
·
11 min
·
World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward VA 145: Chester Road, Chester
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
169 ft
·
6 sec
Toward VA 145 East
Use the slight left lane.
22
Turn left onto VA 145
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Chester Road
23
At end of road, turn left onto VA 145
403 ft
·
7 sec
·
Perrymont Road
24
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 145
386 ft
·
9 sec
·
Chester Road
25
Turn left onto US 1; US 301
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Route 1
26
Arrive at destination
US 1; US 301
Trip Plan
For this 161-mile drive, departing in the morning is recommended to allow ample time for any unscheduled stops or to simply enjoy the journey at your own pace. With a duration of just over three hours, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. The longest stretch without a break is nearly 80 miles on US 460, so plan your first fuel or rest stop accordingly, perhaps around the midway point. The estimated fuel cost of $25 makes this an economical option for a day trip, so keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is always a good idea.
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 80.5 miles from Roanoke, VA, or about 1h 46m 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 35 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.5 miles or 1h 46m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bellwood, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Roanoke, 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 Roanoke, VA
This is one driving day of about 161 miles and 3h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Roanoke, 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
81 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 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 80.5 miles from Roanoke, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 460 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 79.8 miles.
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 145 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 158.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest
Turn sharp left onto US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
7
27 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
US 460
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 toward US 460 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 460 East
8
148.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 16m in
Keep slight right at fork toward VA 288 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward VA 288 South
7
158 mi into trip
|
~3h 27m in
Take the exit toward VA 145: Chester Road, Chester
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward VA 145: Chester Road, Chester
8
158.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward VA 145 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward VA 145 East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.18 one way
$50.35 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $27.53 | $55.06 |
| premium | $4.70 | $29.80 | $59.60 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.55 | $71.09 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.02
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
(14.6 mi)
$1.02
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
$25
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.3 | 0 | $16.90 | $7.73 |
| Efficient EV | 40.3 | 0 | $14.09 | $6.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 64.4 | 0 | $22.54 | $10.30 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Destination
Bellwood, VA
Late night in Bellwood on Tuesday
Local time
4:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°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
17 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
3h 33m 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.
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
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 72.2
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 155.5
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
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, blending highway speeds with more local road experiences. Approximately 60% of your time will be spent on highways, offering stretches of efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted segment is a significant 79.8 miles on US 460, allowing for extended periods of steady driving. As you transition between roads like US 460, Patrick Henry Highway, and West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, the character of the drive will subtly shift, offering variety without being overly demanding.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 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?
8/10
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 0.2 miles in near US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest.
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 14 significant decision points across 161 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 0.2 miles (US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 27 miles (US 460): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 148.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 33m. Total distance: 161 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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 $1.02 in tolls one way, starting with West 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 Bellwood, 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 0.2 miles (US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 27 miles (US 460): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 148.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Petersburg National Battlefield and Booker T Washington National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Bellwood, 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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