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Trip from Roanoke, VA to King George, 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

4h 19m

Distance

207.9 mi

335 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 6m ★
6 AM
4h 19m
8 AM
4h 46m
10 AM
4h 28m
12 PM
4h 26m
3 PM
4h 30m
5 PM
4h 44m
8 PM
4h 11m

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

independent city in Virginia, United States

Roanoke, VA

Wikimedia Commons

census designated place in and the county seat of King George County, Virginia, United States

King George, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 207.9-mile journey from Roanoke to King George, Virginia, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 4 hours and 19 minutes. The drive predominantly uses major highways, with 78% of the route being on interstate or major roads, making for an efficient transit. You can expect a fuel cost of approximately $33 for this drive. Given its relatively short duration and highway focus, it’s a straightforward trip that doesn't necessitate an overnight stay. This route keeps you within the Southeast region throughout your travels.

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

103.9 miles from Roanoke, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 64.7 mi 1h 9m
I 64 55.7 mi 1h 1m
Courthouse Road 26.7 mi 39m
Blue and Gray Parkway 18.1 mi 25m
US 220 13.1 mi 15m
Bibb Store Road 5.9 mi 8m
I 581 5.6 mi 7m
Lake Anna Parkway 4 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 64.7 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke, VA and King George, 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

0.3 mi · 48 sec · Williamson Road Northeast
Use the straight lane.
6

Take the ramp onto US 220 BUS

0.2 mi · 35 sec · US 220 BUS
Toward I 581 North, US 220 North: Lexington, Bristol Use the slight right lane.
7

Merge onto I 581; US 220

5.6 mi · 7 min · I 581; US 220
Use the straight lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto US 220

13 mi · 15 min · US 220
Exit 1N Toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington Use the straight lane.
9

Continue on I 81

65 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 64

56 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I 64
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Toward VA 208: Louisa, Ferncliff
12

Turn left onto VA 208

8.8 mi · 13 min · Courthouse Road
13

Turn left onto US 33; VA 22

0.2 mi · 20 sec · East Main Street
14

Turn right onto SR 628

0.4 mi · 1 min · Fredericksburg Avenue
15

Continue on SR 628

5.9 mi · 8 min · Bibb Store Road
16

At end of road, turn right onto SR 613

1.7 mi · 2 min · Goldmine Road
17

Continue on SR 613

2.8 mi · 4 min · Mansfield Road
18

At end of road, turn left onto US 522; VA 208

294 ft · 5 sec · Zachary Taylor Highway
19

Turn right

107 ft · 2 sec
20

Turn right onto VA 208

3.8 mi · 5 min · New Bridge Road
21

Continue on VA 208

12 mi · 16 min · Courthouse Road
22

Continue on VA 208

4.0 mi · 5 min · Lake Anna Parkway
23

Continue on VA 208

0.9 mi · 1 min · Courthouse Bypass
Use the left lane.
24

Continue on VA 208

5.9 mi · 9 min · Courthouse Road
Use the straight lane.
25

Continue on US 1 BUS

2.7 mi · 5 min · Lafayette Boulevard
Use the left lane.
26

Enter roundabout onto US 1 BUS

63 ft · 1 sec · Lafayette Boulevard
27

Continue on US 1 BUS

0.1 mi · 26 sec · Lafayette Boulevard
28

Turn right onto VA 3

18 mi · 25 min · Blue and Gray Parkway
29

Arrive at destination

VA 3

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 4-hour, 19-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you get closer to King George. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops; plan for one main stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without exits is 64.7 miles on I-81. The $33 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always factor in a little extra for comfort. A practical tip: ensure your navigation is set to avoid tolls if you prefer, as some sections might have them.

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 103.9 miles from Roanoke, VA, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.7 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 46 miles or 54m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 103.9 miles or 1h 57m 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 22m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near King George, 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 207.9 miles and 4h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 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 I 81 for about 64.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Lake Monticello, VA, VA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lake Monticello, VA

104 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

Buena Vista, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waynesboro, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103.9 miles from Roanoke, 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 64.7 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 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 6.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | 1st Street Southwest

Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest

Navigation decision point

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
0.9 mi into trip | ~2m in | US 220 BUS

Take the ramp onto US 220 BUS toward I 581 North, US 220 North: Lexington, Bristol

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 581 North, US 220 North: Lexington, Br...
5
1.1 mi into trip | ~3m in | I 581; US 220

Merge onto I 581; US 220

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
9
6.7 mi into trip | ~11m in | US 220

Keep slight right at fork onto US 220 toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight lane. Exit 1N Toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.51 one way

$65.02 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $35.55 $71.10
premium $4.70 $38.48 $76.96
diesel $5.61 $45.90 $91.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 62.4 0 $21.83 $9.98
Efficient EV 52 0 $18.19 $8.32
EV Truck/SUV 83.2 1 $29.11 $13.31

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

24 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 21, 2026

Origin

Roanoke, VA

Morning in Roanoke on Tuesday

Local time

6:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

King George, VA

Morning in King George on Tuesday

Local time

6:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°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

20 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

4h 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.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

National Monument

George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia. It encompasses 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George Was...

15 mi from route ~38 min detour Free near mile 207.9
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
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 trip. With 78% of the route on interstates and major roadways, you'll experience efficient travel for much of the 207.9 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 64.7 miles along I-81, offering a consistent pace. While primarily highway, the route does incorporate sections of Courthouse Road, which may offer a slight change of pace as you approach your destination. Overall, the personality of this drive is geared towards covering distance effectively.

78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 64.7 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 64. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near 1st Street Southwest.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 207.9 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (1st Street Southwest): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.9 miles (US 220 BUS): 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 Roanoke, VA to King George, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Ferncliff along the way.

Ferncliff

140.2 mi in | ~2h 37m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 19m. Total distance: 207.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 64.7 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 King George, 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 0.1 miles (1st Street Southwest): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.9 miles (US 220 BUS): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — George Washington Birthplace National Monument and Booker T Washington National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at King George, 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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Explore More

Return Trip

King George, VA to Roanoke, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

207.6 mi 4h 18m

Explore more options from Roanoke, VA or browse trips ending in King George, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.