Trip from Sandston, VA to Roanoke, 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

3h 43m

Distance

196.4 mi

316 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 31m ★

6 AM

3h 43m

8 AM

4h 8m

10 AM

3h 52m

12 PM

3h 49m

3 PM

3h 53m

5 PM

4h 7m

8 PM

3h 36m

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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Sandston, VA

Alfo Medeiros

independent city in Virginia, United States

Roanoke, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 196.4-mile drive from Sandston, Virginia, to Roanoke, Virginia, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 43 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-64 and I-81, with a short section on US-220, this route is almost entirely highway driving, making it efficient for travelers. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $31, a reasonable budget for a day trip. Both Sandston and Roanoke are located in the Southeast region, so you'll remain within familiar territory for this leg of your journey. It's a practical option if you're looking for a direct path between these two Virginia cities.

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

98.2 miles from Sandston, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 64	140.4 mi	2h 36m
I 81	47.7 mi	52m
US 220	5.9 mi	8m
West Williamsburg Road	0.7 mi	1m
South Airport Drive	0.6 mi	1m
US 220 BUS	0.4 mi	1m
Salem Avenue Southeast	0.2 mi	<1m
South Jefferson Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 64 — 140.4 mi, about 2h 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Sandston, VA and Roanoke, VA.

Start on North Confederate Avenue

26 ft · 3 sec · North Confederate Avenue

Turn right onto US 60; VA 156

0.7 mi · 1 min · West Williamsburg Road

Turn right onto VA 156

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Airport Drive

Use the right lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Toward I 64 West: Richmond

Merge onto I 64

10 mi · 13 min · I 64

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 64

130 mi · 2 hr 23 min · I 64

Exit 79 Toward I 64 West, I 195 South: Charlottesville Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

48 mi · 52 min · I 81

Use the straight lane.

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.

Take the exit onto US 220 BUS

0.1 mi · 17 sec · US 220 BUS

Toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown

Keep slight left at fork onto US 220 BUS

0.3 mi · 56 sec · US 220 BUS

Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Salem Avenue Southeast

Turn left onto South Jefferson Street

477 ft · 20 sec · South Jefferson Street

Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest

379 ft · 22 sec · Kirk Avenue Southwest

Turn left

115 ft · 13 sec

Turn left

132 ft · 9 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 3-hour and 43-minute duration, this trip works well as a single-day excursion. You can depart Sandston in the morning and arrive in Roanoke by midday, leaving plenty of time for your destination activities. Plan for one primary stop to refuel or stretch your legs, as the longest stretch without a major road change is 140.4 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you transition from I-64 to I-81 and US-220. The straightforward nature of this highway-focused route means you have flexibility in your departure time, but an early start will maximize your time in Roanoke.

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 98.2 miles from Sandston, VA, or about 1h 51m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 140.4 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 43 miles or 50m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 98.2 miles or 1h 51m 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

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 Sandston, 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 Sandston, VA

This is one driving day of about 196.4 miles and 3h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Sandston, 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 64 for about 140.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waynesboro, VA

98 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

Ashland, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waynesboro, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 98.2 miles from Sandston, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 140.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Roanoke, Virginia

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15405663891

Visit website

Roberto Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sandston, Virginia

1.2 mi

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Buchanan, Virginia

1.4 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Roanoke, Virginia

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15409823842

Visit website

Autumn's Catering & Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

1.1 mi

Passport Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

2.6 mi

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15405663891

Visit website

Roberto Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Sandston, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18042222250

Visit website

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Buchanan, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15402548048

Visit website

Bob's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Vinton, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+15409820773

Visit website

Satterwhite's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Manakin-Sabot, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18047841994

Visit website

Dogwood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Vinton, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+15403436549

Visit website

Cameo Cakery And Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+18045422020

Visit website

Potros Mexican Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Henrico, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18045621479

Visit website

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15409823842

Visit website

Autumn's Catering & Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm

+18045916191

Visit website

Passport Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–6:30 pm

+18042871877

Visit website

8:15 at Boatwright Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–11 pm

+18042898316

Visit website

Harrison Street Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

Visit website

Dragon Treats Dessert Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Inexpensiv

Henrico, Virginia

Hours: 12–7 pm

+18044777662

Visit website

Calyx Cafe | Lounge

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Richmond, Virginia

Visit website

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.2 mi from route

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15403430585

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

+18046465733

Visit website

ICA Shop + Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18048282823

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 189.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.7 mi into trip | ~1m in | VA 156 / South Airport Drive

Turn right onto VA 156 / South Airport Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

1.6 mi into trip | ~3m in | I 64

Merge onto I 64

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

Use the straight lane.

11.9 mi into trip | ~16m in | I 64

Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 West, I 195 South: Charlottesville

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 79 Toward I 64 West, I 195 South: Charlottesville

142.1 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in | I 81

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

189.7 mi into trip | ~3h 32m 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

$30.71 one way

$61.43 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 69 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$33.58	$67.16
premium	$4.70	$36.35	$72.70
diesel	$5.61	$43.36	$86.73

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 68.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	58.9	$20.62	$9.43
Efficient EV	49.1	$17.19	$7.86
EV Truck/SUV	78.6	$27.50	$12.57

Gas CO2

69 kg

EV CO2

23 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 18, 2026

Origin

Sandston, VA

Morning in Sandston on Tuesday

Local time

6:25 AM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Roanoke, VA

Morning in Roanoke on Tuesday

Local time

6:25 AM

EDT

Current temp

70°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

10 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 43m 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.

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 200

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...

25 mi from route ~61 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 experience for 99% of this 196.4-mile route. You'll spend the majority of your time on interstates, including a substantial 140.4-mile stretch on I-64. This means consistent speeds and limited opportunities for spontaneous exploration off the main path. The character of the drive is largely dictated by the efficiency of interstate travel, offering a predictable and uninterrupted journey. While it's a highway-centric drive, the landscape will change as you move from the Richmond area towards the western part of Virginia.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 140.4 mi on I 64.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near VA 156 / South Airport Drive.

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 196.4 miles you will encounter 14 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 0.7 miles (VA 156 / South Airport Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles (I 64): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.9 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 3h 43m. Total distance: 196.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 140.4 miles on I 64. 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.

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

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 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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Explore more options from Sandston, VA or browse trips ending in Roanoke, VA.

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Trip from Sandston, VA to Roanoke, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

Roberto Italian Restaurant

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

Bob's Restaurant

Satterwhite's Restaurant

Dogwood Restaurant

Cameo Cakery And Cafe

Potros Mexican Restaurant

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

Autumn's Catering & Cafe

Passport Cafe

8:15 at Boatwright Cafe

Harrison Street Cafe

Dragon Treats Dessert Cafe

Calyx Cafe | Lounge

Cafe Synai

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Rivian Waypoints

ChargePoint Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Virginia Guesthouse Hotel

Virginia Museum of Transportation

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Science Museum of Virginia

The Cask Cafe

Rage RVA

The Robins Nature Center at Maymont

Byrd Park Pump House

ICA Shop + Cafe

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Sandston, VA

Roanoke, VA

Same local time

10 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 43m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Booker T Washington National Monument

Petersburg National Battlefield

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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