Origin
Rose Hill, VA
Late night in Rose Hill on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Rose Hill, 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
4h 34m
Distance
240.8 mi
388 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 21m
★
6 AM
4h 34m
8 AM
5h 1m
10 AM
4h 44m
12 PM
4h 41m
3 PM
4h 45m
5 PM
5h 0m
8 PM
4h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rose Hill, VA
Jill Burrow
Roanoke, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on this 240.8-mile journey from Rose Hill, VA to Roanoke, VA is a straightforward drive, estimated to take about 4 hours and 34 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-81, with brief segments on I-66 and the Capital Beltway, this route is predominantly highway, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated around $38, it's an economical option for traversing within the Southeast region. The drive offers a focused, efficient passage between these two Virginia locales.
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
120.4 miles from Rose Hill, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 19m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 156.4 mi | 2h 50m |
| I 66 | 64.2 mi | 1h 12m |
| Capital Beltway | 9.6 mi | 11m |
| US 220 | 5.9 mi | 8m |
| Franconia Road | 1.4 mi | 3m |
| South Van Dorn Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| US 220 BUS | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Salem Avenue Southeast | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 156.4 mi, about 2h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rose Hill, VA and Roanoke, VA.
1
Start on SR 644
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Franconia Road
2
Turn right onto SR 613
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Van Dorn Street
Use the left lane.
3
Turn left
270 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 95, I 495: Richmond, Baltimore
Use the left lane.
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 95: Richmond
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 95; I 495
0.8 mi
·
56 sec
·
Capital Beltway
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
0.7 mi
·
47 sec
·
Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on I 495
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Capital Beltway
Exit 170A
Toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
5.7 mi
·
7 min
·
Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 49B
Toward I 66 West: Vienna, Front Royal
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 66
64 mi
·
1 hr 12 min
·
I 66
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1A
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Use the straight lane.
12
Merge onto I 81
109 mi
·
1 hr 58 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
48 mi
·
52 min
·
I 81
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit onto US 220
5.9 mi
·
8 min
·
US 220
Exit 143
Toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke
Use the slight left lane.
15
Take the exit onto US 220 BUS
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
US 220 BUS
Toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 220 BUS
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
·
US 220 BUS
17
Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Salem Avenue Southeast
18
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
477 ft
·
20 sec
·
South Jefferson Street
19
Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest
379 ft
·
22 sec
·
Kirk Avenue Southwest
20
Turn left
115 ft
·
13 sec
21
Turn left
132 ft
·
9 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 34-minute duration, this trip is comfortably manageable as a single-day drive. Aim to depart Rose Hill in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. While the route is efficient, plan for one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, especially considering the 156.4-mile stretch on I-81. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Roanoke, as services can sometimes be spaced out on long interstate segments.
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 120.4 miles from Rose Hill, VA, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.4 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 53 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.4 miles or 2h 19m 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 43m
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 Rose Hill, 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 Rose Hill, VA
This is one driving day of about 240.8 miles and 4h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Rose Hill, 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 156.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
120 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 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 120.4 miles from Rose Hill, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 156.4 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 205 decision points cluster between mile 2.1 and 234.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
2.1 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Turn left toward I 95, I 495: Richmond, Baltimore
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 95, I 495: Richmond, Baltimore
7
2.1 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95: Richmond
8
12 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Take the exit toward I 66 West: Vienna, Front Royal
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 49B
Toward I 66 West: Vienna, Front Royal
8
77.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1A
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
8
234.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 23m in
|
US 220
Take the exit onto US 220 toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 143
Toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.66 one way
$75.31 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
84 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $41.17 | $82.35 |
| premium | $4.70 | $44.57 | $89.13 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $53.17 | $106.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 72.2 | 0 | $25.28 | $11.56 |
| Efficient EV | 60.2 | 0 | $21.07 | $9.63 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 96.3 | 1 | $33.71 | $15.41 |
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 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.
Destination
Roanoke, VA
Late night in Roanoke on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°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
25 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 34m 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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 74.7
View on nps.gov
Shenandoah National Park
National Park
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 116.3
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
near mile 240.8
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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!
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 24.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is heavily focused on the highway, with 94% of the journey taking place on interstates. You'll experience a consistent, fast-paced travel environment for the most part. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 156.4 miles on I-81, meaning you can cover substantial ground without frequent exits. Expect a profile that is largely highway-focused, designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic exploration.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 156.4 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 2.1 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 20 significant decision points across 240.8 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 2.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 34m. Total distance: 240.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 34m 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 156.4 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 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 2.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park and Booker T Washington National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Roanoke, 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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