Roanoke, VA to Oak Grove, VA is 227.8 miles and takes about 4h 19m via I 81 and I 66, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. Given that it's mostly highway driving, this route is designed for efficient travel. It's a solid choice if you need to get from point A to point B without a lot of fuss. Plan for a straightforward drive that should get you to your destination quickly.
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
113.9 miles from Roanoke, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
143.6 mi
2h 35m
I 66
52.4 mi
57m
US 220
13.1 mi
15m
Sully Road
8.9 mi
12m
I 581
5.6 mi
7m
Old Ox Road
0.8 mi
1m
Oakgrove Road
0.5 mi
1m
Williamson Road Northeast
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 143.6 mi, about 2h 35m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 75 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,703 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,270
Quietest
2 AM
~248 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
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 Roanoke, VA and Oak Grove, 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, BristolUse 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 1NToward I 81 North, US 220 North: LexingtonUse the straight lane.
9
Continue on I 81
65 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
79 mi·1 hr 26 min·I 81
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
12
Continue on I 66
43 mi·46 min·I 66
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
9.6 mi·11 min·I 66
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 53Toward VA 28 North: Dulles AirportUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·51 sec
Toward VA 28 North: Dulles AirportUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto VA 28
8.9 mi·12 min·Sully Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward VA 606 East: Old Ox Road, HerndonUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward VA 606 East: Old Ox Road, HerndonUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn straight onto SR 606
0.8 mi·1 min·Old Ox Road
20
Turn left onto SR 824
0.5 mi·1 min·Oakgrove Road
Use the left lane.
21
Turn right onto SR 788
517 ft·22 sec·East Hall Road
22
Turn left onto Dominion Lane
0.1 mi·23 sec·Dominion Lane
23
Arrive at destination
Dominion Lane
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 227.8-mile drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid any potential midday traffic, especially on I 66. With only one recommended stop and a duration under five hours, you have flexibility. However, plan at least one break to stretch your legs, particularly after the 143.6-mile stretch on I 81. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is $35, and while there are many exits, it's always wise to fuel up before hitting longer highway segments. The vast majority of this trip is on interstates, so be prepared for typical highway conditions.
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 113.9 miles from Roanoke, VA, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143.6 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 50 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.9 miles or 2h 8m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oak Grove, 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 227.8 miles and 4h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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 143.6 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 226.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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...
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
7
216.2 mi into trip|~4h in
Take the exit toward VA 28 North: Dulles Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 53
Toward VA 28 North: Dulles Airport
7
216.7 mi into trip|~4h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward VA 28 North: Dulles Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward VA 28 North: Dulles Airport
9
226.2 mi into trip|~4h 15m in
Keep slight right at fork toward VA 606 East: Old Ox Road, Herndon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward VA 606 East: Old Ox Road, Herndon
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.23 one way
$72.47 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$39.51
$79.01
premium
$4.78
$42.86
$85.72
diesel
$5.35
$47.98
$95.96
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.3
0
$23.92
$10.93
Efficient EV
57
0
$19.93
$9.11
EV Truck/SUV
91.1
1
$31.89
$14.58
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Roanoke, VA
Afternoon
in Roanoke on Wednesday
Local time
2:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Partly Cloudy
W 2 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Oak Grove, VA
Afternoon
in Oak Grove on Wednesday
Local time
2:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Partly Cloudy
NW 2 mph0% chanceLive 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
8 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.
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...
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!
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 227.8
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 125.7
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...
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...
29 mi from route
~73 min detour
$20
near mile 227.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway, with 94% of the 227.8 miles on major roadways like I 81 and I 66. You'll experience a longest stretch of 143.6 miles on I 81, indicating extended periods of consistent cruising. The transition to surface roads will likely occur towards the end of your trip, after significant highway mileage. Expect a high volume of exits and interchanges for much of the 4h 19m drive.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 143.6 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 0.9 miles in near US 220 BUS.
Driving Effort9/10
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 18 significant decision points across 227.8 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 0.9 miles (US 220 BUS): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.7 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 216.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,831 ft208 ft
Total Climb
1,643 ft
Total Descent
2,180 ft
Highest Point
1,831 ft
~65.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,623 ft
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 Oak Grove, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington along the way.
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 4h 19m. Total distance: 227.8 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 (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 143.6 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 22 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 Oak Grove, 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 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles (US 220 BUS): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.7 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 216.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Shenandoah National Park (5 total within detour distance). 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 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Oak Grove, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
