Origin
Buena Vista, VA
Afternoon in Buena Vista on Friday
Local time
1:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Buena Vista, VA to Roanoke, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 5m
Distance
55.9 mi
90 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 1m
★
6 AM
1h 6m
8 AM
1h 17m
10 AM
1h 10m
12 PM
1h 9m
3 PM
1h 10m
5 PM
1h 16m
8 PM
1h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Buena Vista, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Roanoke, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Buena Vista, VA to Roanoke, VA is 55.9 miles and takes about 1h 5m via I 81, US 220, and East Midland Trail, with a fuel budget near $9 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, single-day trip primarily on major highways connecting two points within Virginia's Southeast region. Given its short distance and efficient route, it's ideal for those looking to get from point A to point B without a significant time commitment. Consider this drive if you need a quick transit between these areas, focusing on practicality over extensive sightseeing.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 5m. Total distance: 55.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This trip is largely a highway-focused drive, with 91% of the journey utilizing major roadways like I 81 and US 220. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 44.5 miles on I 81, offering a consistent pace. The route transitions from the interstate to highways, providing a generally efficient and direct path. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes speed and ease of travel over winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 44.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and US 220. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 501 / Sycamore Avenue.
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 55.9 miles you will encounter 12 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 (US 501 / Sycamore Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 4.7 miles (I 81): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 49.2 miles (US 220): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 501 / Sycamore Avenue
Turn right onto US 501 / Sycamore Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
4.7 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 81
Merge onto I 81
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
49.2 mi into trip
|
~55m 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
5
55.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m in
|
US 220 BUS
Take the exit onto US 220 BUS toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Down...
5
55.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
|
South Jefferson Street
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 44.5 mi | 48m |
| US 220 | 5.9 mi | 8m |
| East Midland Trail | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| West 29th Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| Beech Avenue | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| US 220 BUS | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Salem Avenue Southeast | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Sycamore Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 44.5 mi, about 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buena Vista, VA and Roanoke, VA.
1
Start on East 21st Street
444 ft
·
23 sec
·
East 21st Street
2
Turn right onto US 501
483 ft
·
6 sec
·
Sycamore Avenue
3
Turn straight onto US 501
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Beech Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 60
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
·
West 29th Street
5
Continue on US 60
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
East Midland Trail
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
7
Merge onto I 81
45 mi
·
48 min
·
I 81
Use the straight lane.
8
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.
9
Take the exit onto US 220 BUS
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
US 220 BUS
Toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 220 BUS
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
·
US 220 BUS
11
Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Salem Avenue Southeast
12
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
477 ft
·
20 sec
·
South Jefferson Street
13
Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest
379 ft
·
22 sec
·
Kirk Avenue Southwest
14
Turn left
115 ft
·
13 sec
15
Turn left
132 ft
·
9 sec
16
Arrive at destination
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 27.9 mi from Buena Vista, VA · 31m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 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 12 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 27.9 miles from Buena Vista, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Roanoke, VA
The final approach into Roanoke, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$8.74 one way
$17.48 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $9.56 | $19.12 |
| premium | $4.70 | $10.35 | $20.69 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $12.34 | $24.68 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$9
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.8 | 0 | $5.87 | $2.68 |
| Efficient EV | 14 | 0 | $4.89 | $2.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.4 | 0 | $7.83 | $3.58 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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
Roanoke, VA
Afternoon in Roanoke on Friday
Local time
1:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Buchanan, VA
28 mi in
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
33 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
1h 5m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Buena Vista, VA to Roanoke, VA covers 55.9 miles and takes about 1h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, US 220, East Midland Trail. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 27.9 miles from Buena Vista, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.74 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 55.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 501 / Sycamore Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 4.7 miles (I 81): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 49.2 miles (US 220): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Buena Vista, VA to Roanoke, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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